Bis research paper number 128 The wider benefits of international higher education in the uk

Appendix 1 
Rationale for groupings of graduate characteristics 
As indicated in Chapter 3 on the research method and sample, it was necessary to use a 
small number of groups with which to classify each of the key characteristics of graduates 
interviewed. This was due to the restricted number of interviews (100) to be carried out, 
within which the range of graduates interviewed had to reflect reasonably the full range of 
characteristics of graduates in the real international cohort. The rationale chosen for each 
grouping is given in Table A.1. 
Variable 
Grouping 
Target % Rationale 
Country of origin 
China 
India 
Other Asian nations 
Middle East 
Low income nations 
Latin America 
High income 
17 
17 
16 
10 
20 
10 
10 
Combination of reflecting the numerically largest 
‘sending’ nations, certain established country 
groups, and regions of particular economic 
interest 
Current country 
of residence 
Country of origin 
UK 
Other 
80 
10 
10 
‘Returned home’ are main focus but some others 
to consider differences in possible benefits 
Gender Female 
Male 
50 
50 
Equal split: enables identification of any 
differences by gender
Level of study 
Undergraduate (UG) 
Taught Masters (PGT) 
Postgraduate research 
(PGR) 
25 
65 
10 
Reflects UK international student population; 
PGRs may have particular benefits and also 
strategically important 
Subject of study 
STEM (& medicine) 
Business/finance 
Arts & humanities 
Social sciences 
Other 
30 
30 
15 
15 
10 
Very broad breakdown to reflect concentrations 
of international students in the UK and some key 
subjects of interest (e.g. art/design) 
HEI type 
Research-intensive 
Other
60 
40 
Very broad classification to identify potential 
differences in impact/benefits by HEI 
type/reputation 
HEI location 
England 
Other UK nation 
80 
20 
Representation of HEIs in all four home nations 
Funding source 
Self-funded 
Scholarship 
Other sponsor 
60 
30 
10 
Very broad breakdown to enable differentiation of 
benefits with different motivations/funding; 
scholarship alumni over-sampled as likely to 
provide good case studies 
Current 
occupational 
sector 
STEM/manufacturing 
Education inc HE 
Business/finance 
Health/social care 
20 
15 
15 
10 
Very broad classification based on industrial 
sectors; certain key sectors highlighted 
105 

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The Wider Benefits of International Higher Education in the UK