Exploring Factors that Promote Successful Completion of Master’s Theses at University of Cape Coast

Abstract

This study sought to explore factors that promote the successful completion of Master’s theses at the University of Cape Coast. Through the phenomenology design, the study used a purposive sampling technique to select twelve (12) participants, consisting of seven (7) students, three (3) supervisors, and two (2) administrators. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from participants. Interview data were generated by transcribing interviews verbatim and with the help of the ATLASti software. Thematic analysis was used to analyse themes. This study found that student’s academic relationships with colleagues and other scholars and areas of focus for research help students to write their theses successfully. Again, easy accessibility of supervisors to students, timely and useful feedback from supervisors were also found to assist students in the successful completion of the thesis. Finally, institutional and department promoters such as Graduate School policies, measures to ensure effective supervision, provision of financial aid, provision of infrastructure, periodic seminars and work-in-progress presentations, and good relationships with departmental faculty and staff aided in the successful completion of the thesis. By recommendation, student researchers should explore cost-effective methods, materials, and technologies, and utilise resource-sharing mechanisms among departments. It was also recommended, that institutions establish a comprehensive financial framework to support student’s thesis research to enable them to complete successfully.