Degree classification system out of date, say academics

 © The Herald
Originally published: 29.01.2009

University principals yesterday acknowledged the current degree classification system is out of date.

They said it needs to be changed to reflect the full scope of a student's achievements and activities during their time at university.

Giving evidence to the Commons University Select Committee yesterday, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, representing the 1994 Group of research-intensive universities, said: "I think we ought to be moving to something which actually provides the outcome of a student's time at university in a much broader picture of their achievement. A 2:1 doesn't tell us very much."

And Professor Rick Trainor, president of Universities UK, admitted that degrees differ in worth between institutions.

"There is a significant difference between universities and the extent to which they give firsts and 2.1s.

"A first in ancient history at Poppleton is not the same as a first in tourism and management from Poppleton Metropolitan."

Meanwhile, the Scottish Parliament heard that universities north of the border may have to investigate new forms of funding if they are to compete with institutions south of the border.

Concerns over a funding gap between Scottish universities and those in England in being able to retain staff and attract international students were raised before MSPs on Holyrood's education committee.

David Caldwell, director of Universities Scotland, warned that pressures on the public purse could make 100% government funding difficult to achieve in the future.

He said: "There are strains on the public funding and they have become more severe. It is difficult for government to find the money to support the kind of education system needed to support a modern economy.

"Scotland can't afford not to have an international comparative university sector and it has to be funded. If the government can ensure its is from public funds that is fine if not then we do have to look for alternatives."

Mr Caldwell was giving evidence to the education committee on the Joint Future Thinking Taskforce on Universities, a consultation with the government and Scottish Funding Council.