An investigation into the attitudes of male students on the south coast at GCSE and post 16 levels towards university, in order to determine why there has been a decrease in male applicants to university in 2015 and how it can be increased.

In recent years, there has been a big trend in the increase of females applying to University, while there has been a large decrease in the amount of males applying to University. This Management Project aims to investigate why there has been a decrease in male applicants to Higher Education, with the intention of finding out how it can be increased. \ud A detailed review of literature found that although there has been a large trend of a decrease in male applicants to University over the recent years, very little research has been conducted to find out why. Whilst many key figures in the educational system have expressed their opinion on the issue and statistics showing the decrease in male applicants to Higher Education, the amount of research conducted is still very limited. \ud An in-depth analysis of 524 students through a mixed methods approach of questionnaires and focus groups has been conducted to help determine why there has been a decrease in male applicants to University, but even more importantly, how it can be increased. These focused on looking into students career prospects, their views and attitudes towards education, their thoughts on University and their motivations behind them wanting or not wanting to go. \ud The analysis of the data found some key findings: \ud  The main reason males were not applying to University is because of finance. \ud  Males wanted to experience University to help them decide if they wanted to go. \ud  There has often been little contact with the careers department about student’s future careers and how they can get there. \ud  The main motivation behind males thinking about going to University is for better education and career opportunities.\ud 2 \ud Following the results of the research, a number of recommendations can be made regarding what can be done to help increase the male participation rate at university. These recommendations are: \ud  More advice to be given on the finance of University. \ud  Providing male students who are unsure if they want to go to University the opportunity to visit a University. \ud  Providing more information to students on their future career pathway and how they can get there. \ud  Showing students the positives of going to University