Abstract:

This study subscribes that specific student personal characteristics are vital in ensuring successful completion of studies. Rationalizing that self-motivation is key to student completion, it spells out that major factors responsible for the students discontinuing their studies are mainly student-based.

The study employed an Ex post factor design. The study population comprised of students who have ever enrolled for Masters and or Doctorate studies at the current East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development (EASHESD) and the School of Education, therein the College of Education and External Studies (CEES). Makerere University; together with the lecturers who supervise these students. A sample of respondents was selected without bias from the population that was accessible. While convenience sampling technique was used to select the student-respondents that is, those that were available during the time of the study, simple random sampling was employed on the supervisors to get a random representative sample. This was ideal for it ensured independent chances of being selected.

The quantitative data were edited, categorized, coded, processed and then analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, that is, using the measures of central tendency; as the qualitative data was transcribed using themes and codes drawn from the study objective and the responses reported verbatim.

While the study concluded that student’s characteristics are significantly related to completion of research and therefore postgraduates need be self motivated, it earnestly recommended that the said students should be orientated and educated well in time about research. Suggested as well are areas for further research.

Keywords:

Personal characteristics, Postgraduate research, Sustainable development.