According to recent figures, more than one in six university students with weak A-level results graduated with a first-class degree in summer 2017. Figures from the Office for Students reveal that over a fourth of all students received a first-class degree while ¾ received a first or 2:1.
Figures showed that 95% of entrants with three A* grades at A-level graduated with a first or upper second-class degree last year. However, 67% of those who were graded CCD or below at A- level also attained a first or 2:1 degree. This raises questions about degree grade inflation.
Furthermore, according to the report, more female students gained a first or upper second-class degree than male students - 81% of female graduates compared with 76%of males.
According to the director of education and employment at the University of Buckingham, Alan Smithers, “It is now easy to get a first that what was once a rare accolade has become almost meaningless. When so many are being awarded, even to those with very poor A-levels, what value can they have to employers? In pursuit of league table positions and students, universities are in danger of killing the golden goose that sustains them.”
Schools have expressed their concerns about universities competing for students by offering unconditional offers.
What seems to be the crux here is that people are concerned that students are acquiring their first or 2:1 degrees “easily”. However, the argument that students who may have been mediocre during their A-levels may have worked extensively and dedicatedly to ensure they pass their course with flying colours, has been disregarded.
There may be students who gained A*-C as their A-level grades who went on to acquire a 2:2 or a third-class degree. The suggested reason behind this could be students partying excessively or becoming too arrogant and believing they will get high marks because they did exceedingly well in your A-levels. You cannot suggest that courses have become extremely easy, hence, students with poor A-levels receiving first-class or 2:1 degrees; if that were the case then probably everyone studying for a degree would leave with an enviable grade.
