Why Quitting Double-degree Programs: Students’ Perceptions in China

Abstract

Around the world, colleges have been providing opportunities for students to participate in double-degree programs. In the past 30 years, double-degree education at tertiary level has been developing fast in China. While many studies focused on its positive effects, little attention was paid to its shortcomings. Through a focus group interview of five undergraduates from a Chinese university, this study revealed some underlying deficiencies of China’s double-degree education. The interview comprehensively uncovered participants’ motives, expectations, difficulties and reasons for quitting with regard to their double-degree programs. Colleges’ failure to live up to expectations (i.e., quality of courses, teachers, job prospects) and students’ lack of external support were found to be the main causes that led students to cease their studies. School policies and personal reasons also contributed to their decisions. This research provides advice for future curriculum planning and management of double-degree education from the perspectives of students, teachers and universities.