An examination of student attrition in a tertiary bridging program and progression to the first semester of undergraduate study in a regional university

This study used a case study approach to investigate student attrition from a one semester on-campus tertiary bridging program at a regional university and the progression of those students into the first semester of undergraduate study. While there is a substantial body of research which has been conducted in respect of the transition of students into the first year of undergraduate study, this thesis will address an existing gap in the academic literature by reporting a longitudinal study in an area which has received little attention in Australia and overseas. It examines the experience of students attempting to gain entry to tertiary study via an alternative entry program entitled the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), Queensland. The research aims to provide tertiary institutions with the empirical evidence required to conduct a tertiary bridging program which caters to the particular needs of these atypical students and which will reduce attrition and maximise progression to the first semester of undergraduate study.Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2012