MOTIVATORS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR RESEARCH PROJECT PARTICIPATION AND PERSPECTIVES OF INTERNATIONALISATION: CRIMINOLOGY STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES OF VERTICALLY INTEGRATED PROJECTS AT MALMÖ UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Research-based teaching methods foster an environment that cultivates new knowledge to tackle real-life challenges. Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) utilise this pedagogical approach to promote collaboration among students and researchers in multidisciplinary teams at the faculty level. This supports the development of soft and hard skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities. However, VIP is not easily accessible for international students in non-English-speaking universities due to language barriers and structural constraints. The present study employs a qualitative focus group method to explore the motivations and barriers faced by Criminology master’s students in participating in extracurricular activities like VIP, their perspectives on international opportunities at Malmö University, and whether VIP could enhance internationalisation. The findings indicate that students recognise the benefits of VIP and extracurricular activities; however, various factors, including misconceptions, affect student participation. Moreover, a desire for international collaborative research was expressed.