Within the Threshold Concepts Framework, 'postliminal variation' has been defined as the variation in the point and state of exit into a new conceptual space, and the epistemological and ontological terrain encountered from that point onwards. However, in the extensive published literature on threshold concepts, we find many cases in which its…

This conceptual study examines the challenges involved in a new context of postgraduate education that emphasizes timely degree completion, skill development and employability, while still seeking to uphold a commitment to a genuine education ('Bildung'). Findings from two recent empirical studies set the scene for this inquiry since they raise…

Supervision lies at the heart of research-based doctoral education. Existing scholarship has recognized the role of supervision in students' academic socialization and identity construction but presented little empirical evidence based on prolonged observations of actual supervisory interactions. Addressing this gap, the present study adopted a…

This paper focuses on an emerging group in Chinese higher education -- students in transnational higher education (TNHE). Recent research has documented much about students' motivations for attending TNHE institutions. However, the impact of such institutions on student outputs remains under-researched. This study conducted interviews with 78…

This study examines what factors contribute to intercultural learning during the study abroad experience, drawing on Mezirow's theory of transformative learning and data from the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Using data from 1,858 US students studying abroad in 27 countries over 6 years (2014-2020), this study constitutes the largest…