Table 2 Characteristics of the sample, n = 17

Nationality

Students were from 9 different countries (2 EU, 15 non-EU). The main regions were EU (n = 2), Middle East (n = 8), East Asia (n = 4), South Asia (n = 2) and sub-Saharan Africa (n = 1).

Gender

Male: n = 6, Female: n = 11

Year of Study

Ranged from 1-5 years as follows: year 1 (n = 3), year 2 (n = 4), year 3 (n = 7), year 4 (n = 2), year 5 (n = 1). The majority (n = 10) were in the final stages (years 3-5)

Source of Funding

Most had government scholarship (n = 13); the rest were self-funded.

Age

The majority (n-10) were <32 years; the rest (n = 7) were aged between 33-49 years

Social situation

The majority (n = 10) were in the UK with family; the rest were on their own

Pre-doctoral employment situation

Higher education (n = 9), senior clinical practice (n = 7), policy work (n = 1)