A geo-demographic analysis of higher education students in Malta

Abstract

In view of the fact that high participation rates in higher education tend to affect the employability of young people and contribute in breaking the cycle of deprivation, social exclusion and poverty, this research explored the spatial trends and geographical distributions of students within the University of Malta. Furthermore, since the level of disadvantage experienced by a child as he/she moves through the education system is strongly influenced by the socio-economic status and the health and wealth of his/her own family, this study also examined if any geo-demographic trends as well as socio-economic characteristics have been affecting students' participation in higher education. The different degrees of significance of such characteristics and challenges were also examined. This was done using student data from the Faculty of Arts of the University of Malta as a case study. Various quantitative and qualitative research methods were adopted in this dissertation which include the manipulation of secondary data, the creation of GIS maps together with their analysis and the use of the location quotient statistical test. These findings will eventually help future researchers to determine what instigates students to further their education at a particular faculty and what characteristics are affecting the type of course students choose at University. Moreover, such study may also serve as a foundational study to help both the University of Malta and the local government in identifying the necessary issues on which they need to focus in order to continue encouraging more students to participate in higher education.