Exploring the sense of belonging in online postgraduate students: a literature review and ongoing PhD research

Amidst the fourth industrial revolution (Schwab, 2016), higher education institutions are increasingly diversifying and launching online programmes, a trend on an upward trajectory globally (Garrett & Simunich, 2023). Sense of belonging is known to be vital for on-campus student success (Thomas, 2012). However, with the development of asynchronous master’s level study designed to fit around full-time working professionals, who likely have established support networks, the need for belonging in online learning environments remains critical (Jackson et al., 2010). This presentation reviews existing literature on the sense of belonging among online students and introduces my ongoing PhD research that tests established theories of belonging, traditionally applied to undergraduate and on-campus students, within this unique student population. Understanding the role of belonging in the success of online postgraduate students is crucial for institutions aiming to support student retention and academic success (Morris, 2021). Morris (2021) explores the intricate relationship between belonging, mental health, and overall wellbeing among postgraduates, highlighting how feelings of belonging positively impact learning experiences and academic community integration. These findings align with broader literature emphasising the need for a supportive and engaging online learning environment to promote student success (Walsh et al., 2020). This review highlights the current literature that underscores the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in online postgraduate students to enhance their wellbeing and academic success. However notes that this is challenging amongst the asynchronous student population and understanding this phenomenon is essential for higher education institutions to learn how to best support this student population, thereby improving student retention and success. By bridging the gap between existing literature and ongoing research, this presentation aims to provide insights into the unique needs of online postgraduate students and offer practical recommendations for higher education institutions to foster a supportive and engaging online learning environment.