An exploration into black undergraduate student’s views of academic success

Virtue-Haughton, Jaimie-Leigh (2016) An exploration into black undergraduate student’s views of academic success. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

"This research aimed to explore black student’s views of academic success. The perceptions of black undergraduate students have been documented in the past (Equality Change Unit, 2013, Atkins, 2012). However, existing research has failed to explore the direct perceptions of both male and female students in the United Kingdom. This study therefore provides a much-needed insight into the perceptions of black male and female undergraduate students in the United Kingdom. Opportunity and snowballing sampling was used to recruit eight participants, (4 male, 4 female), self-identified black undergraduates who participated in semi- structured interviews. Data was analysed thematically, guided by Braune and Clarke (2006), where 8 key themes emerged in relation to the three research aims. Themes were found that directly related to specific research questions. In regards to the exploration of student’s perceptions of the importance of academic success 3 major themes emerged, their impartial perceptions of importance, fear of failure and future planning. 3 themes evolved relating to the perceived contributors and barriers of academic success; black educators, support and guidance, and detachment from other race groups. Finally the pressure of black excellence and parental roles were the 2 themes that emerged relating to the aim of exploring perceptions of cultural values and expectations. This study contributed to the limited amount of literature exploring black students direct perceptions of academic success. With high anticipations this study will to be used as a contributor to any educational policies that eradicate any educational issues faced by black students."