Abstract
The object off the thesis is an evaluation of a vocationally oriented four year sandwich course. The social characteristics of the 196 students who joined the course are analysed in chapter four, and compared with findings from similar studies. Success, failure, and wastage are discussed in chapter five. Only 55% of entrants to the department gained the qualification in the 'normal' time, and 40% failed to gain the qualification at all. A number of variables are investigated in order to find a predictor of (a) student mortality, and (b) diploma success. Student mortality is found to fee significantly associated with mean first year assessment marks, although no variable that was known at the time of entry showed a significant relationship. Diploma success is strongly associated with the number of G. C. E. 'A' levels held by the entrant, and also with the mean first year assessment mark. The post graduate career pattern is analysed, with reference to the number of applications and firm offers for jobs, and the sector of the industry in which individuals are employed. Salaries, both in the first job and the current job are analysed by mz and the sector of the industry, and compared with statistics for the industry as a whole. The subjects that were studied on the course are ranked according to their relevance to the respondent's current occupation, and a series of attitude statements investigate the value of the qualification to respondents in different sectors of the industry. Attitudes to the Industrial year are also analysed, as is a block of job attributes designed to test work expectations. Job satisfaction and attitudes to training and promotion are also studied, and related to the social characteristics of the student.