One in Five graduates get a first
New statistics released this week have revealed one in five students leaves university with a First Class Degree.
According to data published this week by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, one in five graduates have been awarded the top classification for their degree, a First. Usually reserved for the cream of the crop , this revelation has put the value of a degree into further doubt, while some claim that because of higher fees and the difficult job market, students are working harder to stand out from the rest.
The results from the Higher Education Statistics Agency found that 20% of graduates left university in 2013/2014 with a First Class Degree, while 70% of graduates left university in the same year with at least an Upper Second Class Degree, a 2.1.
Revelations about the rise in First Class degrees have brought into question the point of such broad classifications. Speaking about the news, Director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research, Professor Alan Smithers at Buckingham University, said the rise in Firsts was 'undermining the usefulness of the degree in being able to distinguish'. Professor Smithers continued 'Whereas in the past firsts were an exception now a significant proportion of students are getting them.'
Chief Executive of Universities UK, Nicola Dandridge, defended the rise by highlighting the pressures on students. Dandridge said 'With changes to the student funding system and increased graduate contributions, there is evidence to suggest that students are working harder than ever to get their degree results.'
Dandridge added 'However, the sector has recognised for some time that the current degree classification system is a blunt instrument, hence the trialling of the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) and grade point average system at a number of universities. The aim is to provide a more detailed account of what a student has actually achieved during their studies, rather than just a one-off degree classification.'
By James Howell
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