The students’ perspectives on exploring the attributes that influence the sustainability of the UK postgraduate programme at both the UK and overseas partner institutions

This study considers the students’ perspective and aims to explore the attributes that contribute to the sustainability of the UK postgraduate courses in the UK and the overseas partner institutions. This chapter adopted a qualitative research design, and data has been collected via eight focus groups from the postgraduate students of two UK universities and their partners’ institutions, which are based in Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka) and the Middle East (Dubai). Data was analysed via thematic analysis. The analysis and findings of the research explored six attributes—academic curriculum quality, course structure and delivery, teaching and learning, assessment and feedback practices, student support systems, and resources and facilities—that contribute to the sustainability of the university courses. From an applied perspective, the findings suggest new areas of interest for sustainability strategies for the UK universities and their partner institutions. Policymakers can practically use this research to design and craft HEI sustainability-related policies. This research will also help potential students understand the attributes of a sustainable university course while deciding on the courses they wish to study. From a theoretical point of view, this research contributes to developing a rich literature on sustainable university courses.