Uni leads way in first class growth

The number of first class degrees awarded by Stirling University has soared in the last five years.

Students graduating with top honours have increased by more than 16 per cent.

The number of first class degrees handed out in Scotland has skyrocketed but Stirling University saw the highest increase.

Stirling saw an increase of 16.2 per cent between 2010-11 and 2015-16.

Dundee University recorded a 15.6 per cent increase and Aberdeen University saw a rise of 13.9 per cent.

Stirling, Dundee and Aberdeen all feature among the top 20 for first class degrees.

In Stirling almost 28 per cent of degrees were firsts.

In Dundee almost 35 per cent of degrees awarded in 2016 were firsts, compared with less than one in five in 2011.

Stirling University believes entry standards have gone up.

A spokesperson for the university said: “We’re committed to enhancing and delivering the best student learning experience, underpinned by high-quality teaching and an enhanced emphasis on assessment feedback.

“Places at the university are highly competitive and our entry standards have risen.

“Degree awards recognise the excellent performance of our talented students.”

Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, said many students are working harder, adding: “Some rise is not unreasonable, given that schools have got better and some universities have increased their entry tariffs so they’re getting better quality students.”