University chiefs urge degree grading shake-up
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.University vice-chancellors acknowledged today that the degree classification system is out of date.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 today, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, representing the 1994 Group of research-intensive universities, said: "I think we ought to be moving to something like the Higher Education Achievement Report (Hear), which actually provides the outcome of a student's time at university in a much broader picture of their achievement in a whole range of things.
"This could include details of courses they have taken and other activities," he said.
He added: "A 2.1 doesn't tell us very much."
Professor Les Ebdon, chair of the Million+ group of universities, told the MPs: "The degree classification system is outmoded."
He added: "As a chemist, I know that there are strong practical skills I would like to be able to identify. The Hear will allow us to do that."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments