Completion of postgraduate studies: Experiences of masters students and supervisors in a selected Public University in kenya.

Abstract

Postgraduate education has recently been on the rise due to the quest of many students to attain higher qualifications in their careers. Many students are enrolled at masters’ level and are expected to complete their studies within the stipulated time of two years. However, this is not the case as many students fail to complete on time and end up in the university system for many years. Some drop out of the programs. Therefore, this study sought to explore masters’ students’ and supervisors’ experiences on completion of postgraduate studies in a selected public university in Kenya. The study objectives were: to explore the motives of enrolling for postgraduate programmes by masters students in a selected public university in Kenya, to explore masters students’ experiences on factors influencing delayed completion of postgraduate studies in a selected public university in Kenya, to investigate supervisors’ experiences on factors influencing delayed completion of postgraduate studies in a selected public university in Kenya and to establish strategies to curb delayed completion of postgraduate studies in a selected public university in Kenya. Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System theory guided the study which was anchored in Interpretivism paradigm.The study adopted a qualitative research approach and phenomenological research design. The study involved ten (10) masters students selected using snowball method and nine (9) supervisors who were purposively selected. Data was generated using focus group discussion and individual interviews. Data was thematically analyzed. The study results revealed that delayed completion occurs due to a combination of many factors which are related to masters’ students, supervisors and the institution. Some of the factors cited by the students were lack of funds to conduct research projects and working full time employment as well as being registered as full-time students. Supervisors too expressed laxity on the part of students to respond to their feedback, heavy supervision and teaching workloads. The study concludes that completion of postgraduate studies on time is a collective responsibility of students, supervisors and the institution therefore, they should work together as a system, each playing their role to achieve one goal with the student expected to take the proactive responsibility. This study recommends to university’s management to take the lead role in ensuring postgraduate students complete their studies on time. These findings have implications for more research in other universities and further recommends that the university management and supervisors should enhance adherence to postgraduate policy. Postgraduate students should be exposed to regular workshops and trainings on research methods and available scholarships and funding opportunities