Experiences of a distance education doctoral programme's graduates: a questionnaire survey

Abstract

From 2000 until 2010, 66 students obtained D. Litt et Phil (Health Studies) degrees awarded by the University of South Africa (Unisa). Students' theses should make original and unique contributions to the health and/or nursing sciences. This study attempted to identify D. Litt et Phil graduates' experiences during their studies to enhance other students' chances of successfully completing their theses. Questionnaires were sent to the population of 66 Dl Litt et Phil graduates. Only 37 (56.1%) graduates returned completed questionnaires. Most graduates were female nurses with an average age of 50.9 at graduation and took 4.6 years to complete their theses, but 80.6 per cent managed to do so within four years. The major challenges related to role overload and time management. Most graduates were satisfied with the university's services and with their academic supervisors. Current and future doctoral students might benefit from better time management, better language and computer skills, more contact with their supervisors and group activities with other students. Future studies should address challenges encountered by currently registered D. Litt et Phil (Health Studies) students and by those who did not complete their theses successfully. Such information could then be harnessed to enhance students' chances of completing their theses within shorter periods of time.