Sample Dissertation

Words 18,210

Primary Research

The response from Bradford University showed that they do enrol international students, and that international students from approximately 20% of new students.  This figure could be considered to be significant as, it means that almost one-fifth of its entire student population is international.  However, little is still known on the actual intended target of international students into the UK higher education sector as the literature review has shown that the targets are mainly income/financial based.  The degree programmes that are favoured by international students include Engineering, Business Management and Life Sciences, which suggest an emphasis on degree programmes that are essential for the construction and development of their host economies.  One could also assume that the host countries also have an active policy of encouraging knowledge and skills acquisition in these areas as international students enrol on undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate degree programmes in these subject areas.  This is not only indicative of knowledge and skills acquisition, but it also re-affirms the UK higher education sector’s reputation quality as international students are not only coming from developing countries in Africa and Asia, but they are also coming from North America and Europe.

At the University of Bradford, the international students tend to be mature students which are significant as it means the marketing objectives are different to that of the local population.  If international students are between the ages of 26 and 45, this would suggest the presence of family and established careers, which would influence their choice of the UK as a student destination.

 

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