Lived experiences of married female postgraduate students in the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

Abstract

This study explored lived experiences of married female postgraduate students in the University of Education, Winneba. This qualitative study employed descriptive phenomenological design. Twenty participants were selected using snowball sampling technique. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Data were analysed in themes. The study found that these students had both pleasant and unpleasant experiences by receiving support from the spouses and not having easy access to the university’s internet respectively. More so, their experiences had unfavourable outcome on their marital roles and academic work. Further, these students used positive coping mechanisms in dealing with their experiences. These include: Receiving support from partner in completing assignments, receiving advice from some seniors, and seeking for professional counselling. Also, there were social support systems available to these students which include receiving financial support from the government and religious groups. It was concluded that married female students had lots of experiences, both good and bad. Further, these experiences did not support their marital roles. However, these students employed appropriate coping strategies in dealing with their experiences such as receiving social support services. It was recommended that management of University of Education, Winneba should streamline the content of the Postgraduate Degree Programmes which can help reduce the academic burden on married female students most especially. Also, counselling centre in the University of Education, Winneba should design a detailed programme aiming at assisting married female merge their academic, marital and work roles effectively.