How students perceive the university's mission in a Spanish university: Liberal versus entrepreneurial education?

Abstract

This study explores the extent to which undergraduate students perceive a dichotomy between a liberal vs. an entrepreneurial model of university. This research is important in that it compares the stated aims of university education, particularly within the Bologna Process, with students' expectations regarding liberal education and employability. A Likert-type questionnaire containing 25 statements reflecting liberal and entrepreneurial features of university education was answered by 488 students from 10 disciplines at the University of Valencia, Spain, just before the implantation of the Bologna curriculum. An exploratory factor analysis revealed that students clearly perceive the dichotomy between the liberal and entrepreneurial views, regardless o discipline. A within-subjects comparison of average scores between ‘liberal’ and ‘entrepreneurial’ items suggested that first cycle students tend to appreciate the former significantly more, but this appreciation declines in second cycle students. The Bologna Process aims to ensure the liberal dimension of university education, but places particular emphasis on employability. A genuine search for solutions that harmonize both rationales might better fulfil the training expectations of students.