Participation in postgraduate surveys: Barriers and obstacles - the students’ perspective

© 2013 S.P. Forrest, The Higher Education Academy Low response rates to the UK Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) reduce the reliability and usefulness of the data it provides. This project aimed to explore students’ reasons for nonresponse. Cross-sectional data from 355 postgraduate taught students in health faculties of one university found that non-responders were less clear about the purpose of PTES than those who responded. Students suggested that if they felt more connected to the university community they may be more likely to respond to PTES. This project recommends that universities may wish to try to engage postgraduate taught students more in their quality enhancement activities.