Degrees devalued ... the universities where one in three is granted a first

RECORD numbers of students are being awarded first-class degrees.

Last year 24 per cent were given the top award compared with 16 per cent only five years ago. The figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency will spark fresh debate about grade inflation.

There are also concerns about the impact of higher fees. Students now see themselves as customers and universities compete for their business in a buyer’s market.

The analysis found that at ten universities more than a third of students were given the highest award. At five the proportion of top honours has risen by at least 20 percentage points, Just seven British institutions are awarding fewer first-class degrees than they did five years ago.

Nick Hillman of the Higher Education Policy Institute said: ‘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.’

But he suggested the impact of league tables could be fuelling grade inflation. Many institutions now compare their results with others, Mr Hillman said, and if one finds itself slipping down the rankings there is an incentive to improve this. He added: ‘There are people who think the system isn’t as robust as it might be. It can all be a bit cosy – you ask someone you know to be an external examiner.’

A spokesman for Universities UK said that degree classifications were a matter for individual institutions.

She added: ‘Every one of our universities is unique, with a different subject mix, student body, faculties and departments and, of course, different course curricula and content, which makes comparison difficult, but this diversity is valued by students.’

She said teaching and learner support had improved while suggesting that higher fees encouraged students to work harder.