Date of Award

6-2005

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (Research)

Department

Business and Social Studies

First Advisor

Ms Elizabeth McEntee

Abstract

This thesis examines the factors that influence the college choice and decision making behaviour adopted by Leaving Certificate Students choosing third level colleges in tertiary education. It attempts to understand the decision making process and associated influences that affect students when considering a third level college. The position adopted for this study is that of a consumer behaviour perspective.

Whether or not the potential students operate a systematic process, logically thinking throughout each step, is worthy of research. Secondary research confirms the many variables influencing the decision-making process, particularly in the USA and UK. However, in-depth knowledge regarding the criteria Irish students employ is limited. Therefore while existing college-choice models drawn from elsewhere provide a useful foundation they are not sufficient to answer the key question: How do students choose third level institutions in Ireland?

Hence, research was carried out on 200 Sixth Year Students from secondary schools in Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and Waterford. The research was done after the students had completed their CAO College Applications.

The main purpose of this thesis is to contribute to the information base available to decision makers in relation to participation in higher education in Ireland.

Access Level

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Coverage

July 2024

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