Why don't more ICT students do PhDs?

Cally Guerin*, Asangi Jayatilaka, Paul Calder, Alistair McCulloch, Damith Ranasinghe

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Compared to many other disciplines, ICT has relat ively few students choosing to continue into doctoral studies. We have explored some of the perceived barriers to undertaking doctoral studies in ICT in three Australian universities. Current students were surveyed to establish their post-course intentions regarding employment and further study. Their reasons for not choosing to go onto research degrees were linked largely to concerns about the financial implications of such study and a limited understanding of what research in ICT involves. We recommend that ICT students be given accurate informat ion about the costs involved, that students have authentic undergraduate experiences of research, and that smooth pathways be developed to allow students to return to doctoral studies after working in industry.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationComputing Education 2015 - Proceedings of the 17th Australasian Computing Education Conference, ACE 2015
EditorsDaryl J. D'Souza, Katrina Falkner
PublisherAustralian Computer Society
Pages73-80
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781921770425
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event17th Australasian Computing Education Conference, ACE 2015 - Sydney, Australia
Duration: 27 Jan 201530 Jan 2015

Publication series

NameConferences in Research and Practice in Information Technology Series
Volume160
ISSN (Print)1445-1336

Conference

Conference17th Australasian Computing Education Conference, ACE 2015
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period27/01/1530/01/15

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