Exploring the Perception of Quality of Higher Education by Graduate Students at Makerere University

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the quality of higher education by graduate students at Makerere University. Graduate students were sought to answer the questions on how they perceived the quality of higher education, why they held such a perception, and what they thought, in their view could be done to enhance the quality of higher education at Makerere University. I reviewed literature according to my study objectives globally, in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in the Ugandan context. My study used a qualitative approach and a case study design. Interviews were administered to eight graduate students from eight Colleges of Makerere University. I used purposive and convenient sampling strategies and data were thematically analyzed. The findings of the study indicate that, graduate students perceived quality of higher education as Excellence, Fitness for purpose, Transformation and Consistency. My study also revealed that graduate students hold such perceptions due to the existing tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. Graduate students in my study suggested the provision of an enabling environment, matching higher education to job market demands, proper and adequate communication, use of ICT in pedagogy, guidance and counseling, benchmarking and professional development to enhance the quality of higher education. My study concluded that graduate students at Makerere University have a multifaceted perception of quality of higher education with excellence as a dominant perception. My study also concluded that graduate students hold such a perception of quality of higher education because of the existing tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. My study further concluded graduate students emphasize provision of an enabling environment for learning, matching higher education to job market demands, availing proper and adequate communication, use of ICT in pedagogy, guidance and counselling, benchmarking and professional development to enhance the quality of higher education. My study recommends a systematic analysis of the linkages between the various conceptualizations of quality among students and their role and position in higher education. Makerere University’s Quality Assurance Directorate and Management should avail information regarding quality assurance processes to the graduate students. Finally, my study recommends that University managers and policy makers should design workable improvement initiatives that can enhance the quality of higher education. Exploring the Perception of Quality of Higher Education by Graduate Students at Makerere University