Useless Degrees
University degrees have been criticised by Charles Kennedy for not containing enough "intellectual rigour". The comments of the Leader of the Liberal Democrats have angered both universities and their students.
Roderick Floud, speaking on behalf of Universities U.K., denied the accusation made by Kennedy that there has been a "dumbing down" in higher education.
In his speech, Kennedy outlined LibDem policy on university reform. A LibDem government would raise the entry standards of universities. This would, Kennedy admitted, result in "slightly fewer" student places, but would allow the abolition of all tuition fees.
Tom Wainwright, president of OULD, spoke to the OxStu in support of Kennedy's stance. "Labour are committed to selection by ability to pay, the Tories are just confused, and the LibDems are the only ones basing their policy on common sense rather than opportunism."
Kennedy's comments come as figures reveal that 60 per cent of people graduating last year did so with either a first or a 2:1.
This so-called "grade creep" has raised students' expectations of results. A survey has revealed 67 per cent of students expect a 2:1 or a First.
These findings have raised fears that the degrees have become devalued. Careers Research and Advisory Centre, which carried out the survey, claimed that today's degrees are not worth as much as those given out in former years.
David Thomas, Chief Executive of the charity, also called for the introduction of a starred 2:1 which would separate those graduating at the high end of the achievement scale.
12th Jun 2003