Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

This is part of a study which endeavours to answer two questions: what are the purposes of postgraduate education and its value to society, and how is postgraduate education organised in relation to these purposes.

Main Topics:

Amount and type of both educational and occupational 'success' experienced by intended intellectual elite given in great detail. 1954 males and 349 females list first and postgraduate degrees attempted, length of time taken for completion of degree, length of time before candidacy ceased in unsuccessful cases, and reasons for failure. Reasons for having undertaken postgraduate studies, respondent's suggestions for ways in which postgraduate studies could have been more profitable, and respondent-perceived benefits from postgraduate study presented in detail. Publications history and whether respondent feels his work has been a contribution to knowledge is also given. Employment history from first three jobs to present job, reasons for changes, reasons for having gone abroad for work and reasons for having returned (where applicable) also assessed. Occupation taken at two levels: nature of employment and duties and nature of employers' business or industry. Fine information given on income: details of salaries, bonus schemes, superannuation, other benefits and secondary sources of income other than primary occupation. Respondents asked their opinion of general value of postgraduate studies and whether skills obtained were relevant in both obtaining present job and in fulfilling responsibilities of present employment.

No sampling (total universe)

Postal survey