Student perspectives on integration in part-time, flexible higher education in Ireland;’we don’t socialise here’

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite efforts in Ireland to increase the number of part-time students in Higher Education, there was limited growth over twenty years 1997–2017. Part-time featured in widening participation strategies; however, this mode of learning has orientated towards employability. Retention of part-time students remains a problem for Higher Education. This paper draws on findings from an empirical study and explores factors that encouraged integration amongst on-campus part-time, flexible students in Higher Education Institutions. Findings indicated that students persisted in their studies despite encountering challenges. Students reported a sense of belonging at programme and department level; however, this did not equate with inclusion within the Higher Education Institutions. Students continue to experience difficulty in accessing supports and facilities. The limits of an interactionist model were explored from the perspective of non-traditional students. Tinto’s model of integration does not translate straightforwardly to part-time flexible students who were not socialising on campus but were committed to completing the programme.