Categories: LifestyleUK

Too many first-class degrees? Government will investigate

A panel of experts will moderate the marks universities award to students in response to concerns of ‘grade inflation.’

Image courtesy 简体中文 of Pixabay.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency previously reported that 26% of students are graduating with a first-class degree, an 18% increase from just five years ago. These statistics sparked concern that degrees were being ‘marked up’ and decreasing the credibility of universities.

Universities Minister Sam Gyimah said: “When you look at what makes our universities so prestigious, it comes down to the value of our degrees. The value of those degrees is threatened by grade inflation and that is a problem for students, employers and the universities themselves.”

The government will be using the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework rating system, introduced in 2017, to review evidence of universities awarding firsts excessively. Universities could be penalised if found to have lower standards.

University leaders defend the rise of higher degrees as the result of improved teaching approaches and technology.

With tuition fees steadily increasing, students will want to know they’re being fairly graded. 

Do you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth? University students: get in touch @VoiceOfLondonUK.


Words: Claire Chung | Subbing: Taylor Paatalo

Voice of London

Recent Posts

Escaping the rent trap – Welcome to the UK’s housing crisis

As the cost of living in the UK continues to rise, renters are facing an…

2 years ago

Fashion trends prediction for 2023

According to various fashion editors, critics and publications, 2023 will be a mesh between continuing…

2 years ago

BLACKPINK take over the O2

The biggest girl group in the world shut down the O2 arena in December. The…

2 years ago

Does museum glass cause more harm than good to oil paintings?

With many paintings in danger of damage, are museums protecting the longevity of their valuables?…

2 years ago

Chelsea are undefeated since the World Cup as they face Man City on Thursday

Chelsea F.C. have gotten off to a good start since Christmas and haven't lost a…

2 years ago

Tottenham falls behind in the Champions League race

Tottenham Hotspur lost their first game since Christmas in a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa…

2 years ago