Just one in three feels a degree is still worthwhile

‘Considering wider range of options’

FOR any proud parent, sending their teenager off to university used to be a day of celebration.

But fewer Scots today believe a degree remains the best option for landing a job, according to a new study.

Researchers found only one in three back the idea of higher education, while 32 per cent believe an apprenticeship is now the more sensible option.

The closely-run figures are in contrast to last year, when 38 per cent thought university was the way to a brighter future compared to 29 per cent who favoured on the job training.

According to the Bank of Scotland research, which involved 3,000 adults from across Scotland, cost may be a contributory factor to this shifting viewpoint, with 9 per cent of Scots believing a university education is no longer financially viable.

But of those who are heading off to university, 58 per cent feel they have enough money for their higher education, while 35 per cent say they will need to find more.

Student loans remain by far the most popular source of funds, with 45 per cent of students saying they use this to fund their studies.

Working part-time is also favoured by just over 30 per cent of students, while 25 per cent will turn to savings. Only 15 per cent of those heading off to university say they have a partner, family member or friend who will support them financially.

Bank of Scotland director Ricky Diggins said: ‘While most young Scots still believe that a university education offers them the best career prospects, it’s clear that a growing number are considering the wider range of options available, including less traditional routes into the workplace.

‘For those who are heading off to university, managing their finances can be a big challenge.

‘Therefore it is encouraging to see that a significant majority of Scottish students believe they have access to the funds they need to complete their studies.’

The findings come only two weeks after the head of a student watchdog made claims that a degree was no longer a guarantee of employment.

Nicola Dandridge, head of the Office for Students, which operates south of the Border, said students need to work during holidays to avoid being trapped in a ‘cycle’ of unpaid internships as graduates.

Speaking at the National Graduate Recruitment Conference in London earlier this month, Mrs Dandridge called on universities and employers to improve student access to work placements and internships.

Her comments follow a study which showed one in five university leavers is still not in graduate employment six months after finishing their degree, with many being forced to work unpaid to secure their preferred jobs.

She said: ‘It cannot be right that so many students – especially those in courses with little vocational element or without the right networks – have no access to good work placements and/or internships while they are studying.

‘This means they are more likely to face a cycle of internships, too often unpaid, after they graduate.’