Factors Influencing Postgraduate Students’ Academic Performance: A Qualitative Study

Brekhna Jamil; Mahak Shaheen; Nowshad Asim; Munir Ahmad Khan; Munazza Baseer

doi:10.37762/jgmds.13-2.815

Authors

Brekhna Jamil Khyber Medical University, Peshawar
Mahak Shaheen Khyber Medical University, Peshawar
Nowshad Asim Khyber Medical University, Peshawar
Munir Ahmad Khan Khyber Medical University, Peshawar
Munazza Baseer Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37762/jgmds.13-2.815

Keywords:

Postgraduate Education, Academic Performance, Student Retention, Tinto Model, Qualitative Research, Higher Education

Abstract

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore factors affecting academic performance among postgraduate students.

METHODOLOGY

A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach was conducted from May to October 2024 at Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Twelve postgraduate students from various academic programs were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured Zoom interviews and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s approach and guided by Tinto’s theoretical framework. Strategies, including member checking and reflexive memoing, were employed to ensure credibility.

RESULTS
Five major themes emerged from the analysis: academic performance trajectory, prior academic background, motivation and personal attributes, academic workload and challenges, and institutional and peer support. Participants reported two main academic patterns: initial success followed by academic decline and initial challenges followed by gradual improvement. Factors facilitating academic success included peer support, motivation, structured coursework, and effective time management. Conversely, challenges such as complex research requirements, family responsibilities, commuting difficulties, and heavy workload negatively affected academic performance.

CONCLUSION

Postgraduate academic performance is shaped by a dynamic interaction of personal, academic, social, and institutional factors, consistent with Tinto’s student integration framework. Strengthening institutional support systems, mentorship, and peer learning environments may enhance postgraduate student engagement, academic success, and retention.

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Author Biographies

Brekhna Jamil, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

Professor of Medical Education,
Institute of Health Professions Education & Research,
Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

Mahak Shaheen, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

MHPE Scholar,
Institute of Health Professions Education & Research,
Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

Nowshad Asim, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Education,
Institute of Health Professions Education & Research,
Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

Munir Ahmad Khan, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

MHPE Scholar,
Institute of Health Professions Education & Research,
Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

Munazza Baseer, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

MHPE Scholar,
Institute of Health Professions Education & Research,
Khyber Medical University, Peshawar

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