First- and second-generation design and engineering students: experience, attainment and factors influencing them to attend university

Figures & data

Table 1. Demographics of population.

	Number in population and %
Male	102 (77%)
White	113 (86%)
White British	91 (69%)
Black or mixed ethnicity	9 (7%)
Mature students (over 21 years old)	5 (4%)
Leavers of state schools	124 (94%)
Registered as having a disability	34 (26%)
Known to be first generation	25 (19%)
Known to be second generation	44 (33%)

Table 2. Influences on decision to go to university.

Why did you want to come to university	First-generation students (A)	Second- and subsequent-generation students (B)	Difference in percentage points between (A and B)	χ^2
My family expected that I would go to university	40%	73%	33%	7.97*
To have a good time and enjoy myself	85%	97%	12%	2.63
To make friends	85%	97%	12%	2.63
My friends were going to university	45%	57%	12%	1.05
To build good networks for the future	81%	90%	9%	1.17
To get a graduate job	89%	83%	6%	0.899
To get a good degree	96%	100%	4%	1.31
To develop specific skills and experience for my career	96%	100%	4%	1.31
I wanted something more from my life	92%	87%	4%	0.457
Teachers at school expected that I would go to university	47%	50%	3%	0.743
To learn about something new	98%	97%	1%	0.05
I need a degree for my chosen career	98%	90%	1%	0.105

Note: All χ² 1 degree of freedom. First-generation students n = 47. Second-generation students n = 30.

*p < .05.