The transition from post-secondary education to tertiary education

Abstract

There is a considerable research gap with regards to the transition from postsecondary to tertiary education in Malta. This research aims to explore the experience of first year university students coming from different post-secondary education institutions. Data was collected by the use of semi-structure interviews with five first year students at the University of Malta. The data analysis was carried out using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Five main themes have emerged from the abovementioned interviews: culture shock, friends as a support system, personal growth, adjusting to a loss and coping mechanisms. The participants expressed how their university experience so far has been a positive one albeit with some challenges. Stressors were related to academic issues such as becoming an independent learner as well as personal issues such as friendships. This study suggests that post-secondary education should prepare students not only to face the academic challenges of university but also the other stressors.