This thesis sets out to explore the influence of career guidance and university open days on the decision-making process of first-generation students when making choices about what and where to study at university. It also takes into account the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on these decisions. The findings are drawn from a qualitative survey issued to students studying at three different types of post 16 education provider as well as semi structured interviews with students and the named Careers Leader for each provider. The responses to the survey and interviews were contextualised by an analysis of each providers careers strategy. The research adopts a Careership theoretical framework (Hodkinson, Hodkinson & Sparkes, 1996, Hodkinson & Sparkes, 1996, Hodkinson, 2009) and utilises a thematic analysis approach (Braun & Clarke, 2006;2013). Attending university appears to be seen as a natural progression for first-generation students studying a level 3 qualification however, the opportunity for career guidance to expand a young person's horizon for action in relation university choice appears to be either missed, or not recognised. Open days were acknowledged as an important and influential part of the decision-making process and the applicant student journey, with in-person events offering more opportunities for turning points. Finally, the Covid-19 pandemic impacted all aspects of this study including the frequency and variety of career guidance on offer, the way university open days were delivered and the participants’ choices of where and what to study.
| Date of Award | 10 Apr 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Bob Gilworth (Main Supervisor) & Pete Sanderson (Co-Supervisor) |
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