Multiple and Multi-dimensional Transitions of Doctoral students and significant others on returning to their home nation

The aim of this Multiple and Multi-dimensional Transitions of Doctoral students and significant others on returning to their home nation study at University of Dundee is to understand the multiple transition experiences of doctoral students and their impact on their wellbeing, as well as on those of their significant others 

Context of Multiple and Multi-dimensional Transitions of Doctoral students and significant others on returning to their home nation study at University of Dundee

Transitions of doctoral students, in the main, are an indicator of a fulfilment of their aspirations to study for the highest degree with academic experts of their choice, and when they gain admission in a competitive environment, an indicator of being held in high academic esteem, leading to high levels of motivation

In line with our conceptualisation of transitions, the study will use a longitudinal research design and data will be collected at four time points in two waves with both full time and Part TimePGRs, including those with protected characteristics, with appropriate adjustments for postgraduate researchers who are on a part-time programme.

Research Objectives

• To explore the multiple transition experiences of doctoral students in multiple domains (e.g., psychological, social) and contexts (e.g., university, home)
• To understand the impact of doctoral students’ transitions on their wellbeing
• To understand the impact of doctoral students’ transitions on their significant others’ transitions and vice versa
• To understand the impact of doctoral students’ and significant others’ transitions on significant others’ wellbeing
• To understand the support systems and strategies that can facilitate successful transitions