Determinants of quality of university education from undergraduates’ perspective: A case of Faculty of Agriculture in the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Quality assurance plays a vital role in delivering higher education. Even though university education targets to produce quality graduates, the quality of the education system is quite questionable, particularly in developing countries. Hence, this study aims to examine determinants of quality of university education system while taking a sample of 164 undergraduates of the Faculty of Agriculture in the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The primary data was collected through a Google form-based structured questionnaire. Eight factors were considered as the determinants of the quality of higher education. The data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank and Pearson Chi-Square Test. All the statements given to the respondents regarding the eight determinants were proven valid and significant by the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (p< 0.001). Accordingly, undergraduates perceive that curriculum planning, professors/lecturers, infrastructure, extra-curricular activities, lectures, library services, university reputation, and other services significantly contribute to the quality of university education. Pearson Chi-Square Test results suggest that, a significant association exists between degree followed by undergraduates and their perception of the quality of university education (p<0.005), while gender, and year of studying show no association. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for the policymakers in university education to uplift the quality of the Sri Lankan university education system.