The cultural and economic significance of part-time work among university students

Abstract

This quantitative study focuses on University of Malta students and the implications surrounding the notion of working while following tertiary education. In this study, student behaviours and practices are analysed, taking into consideration their employment status. This is done in order to determine if and to what extent, being employed influences the student and their academic performance. The current welfare system surrounding tertiary education is also taken into consideration in this study. Correlations are analysed between the stipend received, the student’s employment status and the hours worked. The sampling frame was made up of second year University of Malta students, members of the ‘KSU Common room Family’ on Facebook. A total of 60 responses were collected: from 30 working students and 30 non-working students. The data collected led to the conclusion that, should university students not work for more than 20 hours a week, no severe consequences can be noted on either their educational attainment or their social life. This study shall present both the students’ and the lecturers’ perspective on the notion of working while studying, while analysing similar studies conducted both locally and abroad. These are all taken into consideration when analysing the data and prior to giving the researchers’ recommendations.