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Why do students choose to study on engineering foundation year programmes within the UK?

Natalie Wint

European Journal of Engineering Education, Volume: 48, Issue: 1, Pages: 157 - 179

Swansea University Author: Natalie Wint

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Abstract

In recent years there have been calls to increase both the number and diversity of engineering graduates within the UK. In addition to this, technological advancement and the need to solve complex socio-economic problems, have contributed toward a shift in the skills and abilities that practicing en...

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Published in: European Journal of Engineering Education
ISSN: 0304-3797 1469-5898
Published: Informa UK Limited 2023
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59471
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Abstract: In recent years there have been calls to increase both the number and diversity of engineering graduates within the UK. In addition to this, technological advancement and the need to solve complex socio-economic problems, have contributed toward a shift in the skills and abilities that practicing engineers require. Such changes have led to increased focus on attracting students from a variety of backgrounds, who may want to study engineering for an increasing number of reasons. There is thus an interest in the factors which influence students to apply to study engineering. This paper describes the use of digital storytelling to understand the reasons that 82 engineering FY students from one UK based institution, chose to study engineering. The research makes use of social cognitive career theory (SCCT). The findings demonstrate the complex way in which environmental contextual factors influence self-efficacy, learning experiences and career expectations. Based on these findings, some suggestions are made for attracting and retaining engineering students.
Keywords: Career choice, widening participation, motivation, engineering education
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Funders: Swansea University
Issue: 1
Start Page: 157
End Page: 179