Abstract
Widening participation and enhancing academic success: How university diplomas benefit non-traditional students
Virtual oral abstract book, pp.1-15
HERDSA: Shaping Education Past, Present, Future (Perth, Western Australia/Virtual, 07/07/2025–10/07/2025)
08/07/2025
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Abstract
Focus: Research outcomes
Background: The Australian Universities Accord (Department of Education, 2024) sets ambitious targets to increase the number
of Australian university graduates, particularly for non-traditional students. Diplomas provide a pathway into bachelor courses
teaching the first-year bachelor curriculum while also introducing students to the culture of university study (Norton, 2019).
While there has been a focus on widening participation in Australia, New Zealand and the UK (Salmi, 2018), there is scant
research on the experiences and outcomes of students entering higher education (HE) through different pathways (Li & Jackson,
2024).
Description: This study examined the role of university diplomas as a pathway into HE. We determined diploma students’
success rates in subsequent bachelor courses; identified the teaching and learning activities, and support services that
facilitated their success; and explored students’ views on the impact of diplomas in their academic lives.
Method: This study at an Australian university used a mixed-methods design collecting qualitative and quantitative data to
triangulate the data, integrating student voice (Seale, 2009). The quantitative strand comprised of an online survey analysed
with non-parametric tests, and the qualitative strand involved interviews analysed thematically.
Evidence: Findings indicate that students perceive university diplomas as beneficial for beginning their university studies and
achieving academic success. Diploma graduates had higher success rates in subsequent bachelor courses compared to those
who did not complete a diploma. Students valued the strengths-based curriculum with flexible online resources and highlighted
the importance of holistic support offered across the institution.
Contribution: This research shows that university diplomas effectively prepare students, particularly non-traditional students,
for academic success. It underscores the importance of a curriculum that incorporates transition pedagogy and adult learning
principles, and supports flexibility and independent learning.
Engagement: Discussion prompts will encourage participants to reflect on their understanding and experiences with university
diplomas and students.
Details
- Title
- Widening participation and enhancing academic success: How university diplomas benefit non-traditional students
- Creators
- Johanna Nieuwoudt - Southern Cross UniversityRikki Quinn - Southern Cross UniversitySuzi C Syme - Southern Cross UniversityGrant Andrews - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Virtual oral abstract book, pp.1-15
- Conference
- HERDSA: Shaping Education Past, Present, Future (Perth, Western Australia/Virtual, 07/07/2025–10/07/2025)
- Publisher
- HERDSA
- Identifiers
- 991013294255402368
- Academic Unit
- SCU College
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Local Fields
- Original Research - SoLT