Understanding the experiences of Joint Honours Students at one UK Higher Education Institution

This case study report presents data from fifteen interviews with joint honours students conducted at one UK institution. It provides insight into their motivations for studying a joint honours programme and discusses their on-course experiences, which are framed within two dimensions. Firstly, their noticeable ‘difference’ from single honours students, which was associated with both positive and negative experiences. Secondly, their self-identified sense of belonging to their two departments. The findings illustrate variation in experiences, although there are suggestions of some patterns. In particular, they suggest that the structure of the curriculum and experiences of support can influence experiences of ‘difference’ and a student’s sense of ’belonging’ and suggest the institution needs to be aware of the ways in which its practices may influence the student experience. They also suggest there is a need for more research on joint honours students as a distinct group of learners.