Student dropout before ending their university courses is a major concern to higher education institutions; on the one hand because stable enrolment is required to maintain the university budget and this depends on attracting and retaining students; and on the other because satisfaction with learning and success in studies influences the students’ capacity to find a job and demonstrate their professional value.
This study complements the previous study conducted by request of AQU Catalunya and its general objective is to look in depth at the type of dropout that exists in the Catalan university system. Specifically, the aim is to identify the causes for students dropping out of their studies (reasons of a personal, psycho-pedagogical, academic, orientation, or information nature), and compare these with other studies and to make overall proposals that can be taken into consideration by courses and universities.
The design of this specific study is descriptive-interpretative. In depth interviews are conducted with students that have stopped their university studies, these being from different courses and universities.
The results of this research should serve to:
1) Complement the characterization of dropout at Catalan universities described in the previous AQU study;
2) Look in depth at the reasons why university students might drop out of their studies;
3) Propose a set of global and specific measures or strategies that can help encourage the retention of students;
4) Publish the results in impact journals.