Transition from Further Education to Higher Education: experiences of students.

An articulation pathway exists between North East Scotland College (NESCol) and Robert Gordon University (RGU), enabling students who complete the HNC Social Services programme to enter directly into Year 2 of the BA (Hons) Social Work degree. This pathway forms part of wider efforts to widen access to higher education and support progression from further to higher education in Scotland. This report summarises the findings of a qualitative longitudinal study examining students' experiences of this transition. Researchers at Robert Gordon University conducted semi-structured interviews with students at two points: at entry to university and following completion of Semester 1 and first placement. The study explored expectations of university study, experiences of workload and assessment, perceptions of preparation and support from both NESCol and RGU, and students' sense of identity as direct entrants into second year. The report presents findings relating to transition, preparation and adjustment, and concludes with recommendations aimed at strengthening the articulation pathway between NESCol and RGU.