The Higher Education Academy commissioned research (Woodfield 2014) Undergraduate retention and attainment across the disciplines examined retention and attainment across all 30 disciplinary areas. The project analysed Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data from 2013 on retention and attainment in relation to a range of student characteristics. The aim was to better understand the experiences of an increasingly diverse student body to enhance student success and achieve wider participation. The research found variations across student groups and disciplines in terms of retention and attainment and proposed further qualitative research to explore these differences.
The aim of this literature review has been to contribute to the development of knowledge in the area of retention and attainment for diverse groups specifically relating to undergraduate Education disciplines. Recommendations for developing knowledge and research relating to undergraduate Education discipline theory policy and practice are drawn out. The report will be of use to researchers and practitioners in undergraduate Education disciplines as well as those involved in the preparation of students for undergraduate Education discipline study and preparedness of students for professional Education practice.
