Exploring Factors of Master’s Degree Pursuit in Hong Kong

• In Event: Master’s education in east Asia: access, learning, and employment

Proposal

This study aims to explore the factors of decision to pursue a self-financed Master’s degree in Hong Kong. It also examines how those determinants differ by Master’s degree type. Increasing numbers of students are pursuing a growing and diverse range of Master’s degree programmes, and yet this level of higher education has received less research attention than the undergraduate and doctoral levels. Master’s degrees are discipline-specific, and provide ‘intensive preparation beyond the bachelor’s but not as specialized as the PhD’. The time-to-degree is relatively short, and completion rates are high. It is such a degree is pivotal to bridging the baccalaureate, doctoral and work-place. The study will draw on student choice theory, which provides a broad perspective on the underlying factors, including economic and social factors, underpinning students’ decision to obtain a further degree. The study will rely upon 50 qualitative data from semi-structured interviews of master’s students in various types of degree in Hong Kong. The results show that economic motivations, such as better job opportunities, skill learning, career development, promotion potential and incentives offered by their current employer, are important aspects of their decision. In addition, social motivations were also mentioned, such as securing a better chance at social mobility, earning social credentials, forming networks and gaining a better alumni reputation. The study also found pure scholarly motivations or enjoyment of learning as well. Interestingly, motivations differed by types of degree. Master’s programmes have a variety of orientations, such as preparing students for further study in pursuit of an academic career, serving as an independent training programme that results in a licence or certificate and providing professional development. Self-financed postgraduate programmes constitute the fastest-growing market in higher education, which has led to concerns over quality and cost. The study’s findings will expand our understanding of the heterogeneity of current students’ background and their growing demand for Master-level education.

Author

• Jisun Jung, The University of Hong Kong