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Peter Glover MSc BSc (Hons) & Dr Cathy Bulley PhD BSc (Hons). Exploration of Physiotherapists’ Motivations to Embark upon Taught Master's Level Study. Background. Life-long learning & specialisation Increased uptake of Master’s Programmes in UK (HEPI, 2004) Lack of research. Study Aim.
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Peter Glover MSc BSc (Hons) & Dr Cathy Bulley PhD BSc (Hons) Exploration of Physiotherapists’ Motivations to Embark upon Taught Master's Level Study
Background • Life-long learning & specialisation • Increased uptake of Master’s Programmes in UK (HEPI, 2004) • Lack of research Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Study Aim To explore the personal perspectives of physiotherapists regarding their motivations for commencing Master’s level education Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Philosophy & Method • Qualitative Research • Relativist approach • Researcher = data collection instrument • Phenomenology • Method • Semi-structured 1:1 Interviews Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Sampling & Participants • Non-probability Purposive Sample • Broad Inclusion Criteria • N=9, 1 male, 8 female • Mean age 36 ± 7.3 (24 – 47 yrs) • Mean years post qualifying 12 ± 7.3 (5 – 26) Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Data Analysis • Interviews transcribed verbatim • Researcher verification • Member checking of initial interpretations • Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
4 Motivational Themes Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Working Environment Theme Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Culture of NHS • Political Pressure for development activity Amy “I don’t know how Agenda for Change is going to impact … I just think it [Master's Study] will be looked favourably upon, with the emphasis these days on CPD and life long learning” Amy “there has been a lot of talk in our department about members of staff undertaking research, … it terrified me and doing my Master’s would help me towards doing some type of research” Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Colleagues • Inspiring Role Model Jim “some pretty good physiotherapists, in my opinion, who had done further study … so they were good role models to have.“ • Peer Support Elizabeth “I had one colleague who started the Master’s module with me and she very much encouraged me to come along. So I think her influence helped me strongly in that respect” Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Circumstances • Change in Professional Circumstances Louise “When I got this job I realised that I needed more knowledge really just to be what I thought a Senior One should be … and just be a bit more helpful to the department in general” • Financial Support Jim “the Trust that I was working in were kind of more willing to pay some of the costs towards it [Master's Study], Whereas, where I was before there was no chance of any funding at all … the Trust obviously funding it was a big factor.” Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Career • Career Progression Alison “and there was basically no way I would get a Senior One [promotion] unless I was doing something else as well [formal study], because of the competition.” • Career Change Jackie “I was thinking about going into education as a possible career move so I wanted my Master’s degree to secure me a job if you like. … and I wanted to be credible in that position …” Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Conclusions • The motivations for embarking upon Master’s study are complex, individualised & varied • The Working Environment: • Provided motivating factors to commence M-Level study • Acted as an external motivator Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Implications of Findings • Promote an educational culture within the practice setting • Develop the educational infrastructure to support Master’s study • Endorse peer support when starting Master’s study Peter Glover MSc BSc(Hons)
Peter Glover MSc BSc (Hons) & Dr Cathy Bulley PhD BSc (Hons) Exploration of Physiotherapists’ Motivations to Embark upon Taught Master's Level Study