University students' perceptions of influences on external studies

Abstract

Fifty‐three external university students and a comparison group of 51 on‐campus social and political theory students responded to a written questionnaire on their perceptions of the factors influencing their external studies. Responses were obtained to objective questions and by written open‐ended advice to two hypothetical prospective external students.

In both sets of responses students identified family, job and life circumstances as major influences on external university study.. Advantages of external study were self‐reliance and finances, and disadvantages were related to access to the library and academics' demands. Students expressed preference for studying on‐campus or by the combination of campus and external courses which was available at the university. The study provides base‐line data about students' perceptions of contextual frames or constraints on external study.