Third-class degrees

IN ORDER to supply the tuition for 50 per cent our young people to study for a degree, polytechnics and training colleges were transformed into second- class universities supplying third-class degrees, such as Beatles studies.

Under new proposals, those studying engineering, law and medicine will continue to be charged tuition fees.

They will pay high taxes for the rest of their lives, having got wellpaid jobs, and will also help to provide work for school leavers, who instead of going to universities take apprenticeships to become electricians, plumbers, builders and IT staff.

LEN FREDDI, Biggin Hill, Kent. WHAT is the purpose of higher education (Letters)? I took an arts degree to expand my horizons and develop the ability to analyse complex information and reach rational conclusions.

My degree course helped equip me for life, not to get a better job. ALAN MARSDEN,

Wisbech, Cambs.