EXPLORING EDUCATIONAL HORIZONS: A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLORATION OF ENGLISH GRADUATES' DECISION-MAKING FOR MPHIL STUDIES, IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This research explores the factors behind the persuasion of MPhil studies by English graduates, the financial and social dynamics faced by them and their views on the education system of Pakistan. Students have to make an important decision after completing their sixteen years of education (BS/MA), whether they want to study further and pursue an MPhil degree or begin their full-time professional careers. In this study, the researcher has collected data from 150 MPhil students of many universities across Pakistan. The researcher's primary concern is to understand why the MPhil students are pursuing this degree and to what extent the family, friends and society has influenced them to pursue this degree. The study explores if this decision is driven by personal aspirations or imposed by societal, familial, or other external pressures. Financial stability emerges as a significant factor in students' decision-making processes. The researchers assess the extent to which all these factors influence their choices. This research uses both qualitative and quantitative approach to analyze the data. The theory of planned behavior is used to analyze decision making and SPSS software is used for statistical analysis. The results showed that external factors played a vital role in the persuasion of MPhil degree.  The responses of some students showed that there is lack of counselling about education and career, therefore 20 to 30% of the students have no clear career guidelines.