Unlocking Student Perspectives: A Systematic Review of the use of Thematic Analysis in Educational Survey Research

Thematic analysis (TA) is a widely used qualitative research method for identifying patterns and themes within textual data. In higher education, student surveys provide valuable insights into learning experiences, institutional effectiveness, and pedagogical strategies. This systematic review aims to synthesize the applications, challenges, and contributions of TA in analysing student surveys, highlighting key themes and methodological concerns that shape educational research and policy decisions.