Student experience of transition from FE to HEI

Articulation from Further Education (FE) to Higher Education (HE) has been a key area of work for the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). This is viewed as a mechanism to acknowledge students prior learning and facilitate entry into year two of an undergraduate pre-registration nursing programme. This qualitative study captures the student’s transition from FE to 2nd year following completion of a bespoke module. Focus groups were utilised to describe and understand the student’s experience. Knowledge, preparation, confidence and support emerged as key themes. Peer and Mentor support are pivotal to the students experience and sense of identity as they transition. The findings add to the growing body of evidence around student experience of articulation and provide a deeper insight into the student’s experiences of academic, clinical and social transition. To sustain this articulation route partnership working, preparation; and peer and mentor support are factors that require further research.