Exploring student perspectives on how students from diverse backgrounds manage university studies

Project Details

University student populations are very diverse, and the different demographic characteristics students possess may affect their experience at university. In this study, I am interested in exploring how students manage competing demands, such as the need to do employed work or caring responsibilities, in addition to studies. A central focus of this research is to understand student perspectives on whether there should be considerations made of the extra pressures that students from financial disadvantage may face. Additionally, the research investigates how students’ relationships with peers and academic staff may affect how they respond to problems they encounter at university.

If you would like more information about participating in this research, which is open to students aged 18 and over enrolled at the University of Melbourne, you can find more information about participating on the survey page.

Researchers

Dr Maree Martinussen

Dr Maree Martinussen(she/her) is a postdoctoral researcher based at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. Her research investigates university student experience. She is particularly interested in the experiences of students from financial disadvantage. Ultimately, Maree would like all students, regardless of their background, to get a sense of belonging from being part of university communities, and this is what her research contributes to.

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I work, the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation, and pay my respects to the Elders, past and present.

Funding

This research is funded through a Melbourne Graduate School of Education Researcher Development Award.