| Traditional degree classifications could become old | | | | the lecture theatre, the library and the examination |
| news if proposals by the Higher Education Policy | | | | room". |
| Institute are implemented. | | | | He said that it is "how else you spend your time, the |
| Its report, 'Comparability of degree standards?', | | | | opportunities you take up and the skills you develop |
| suggests that institutions put an end to 2:1 and 2:2 | | | | that are … arguably more important … in determining |
| classifications, instead providing future employers with | | | | what kind of an individual you are when you leave". |
| transcripts of the courses students have studied, as | | | | The report also suggests that cuts to the university |
| well as a statement on their abilities. | | | | system, as proposed by the coalition government, |
| This move could improve graduate recruitment as | | | | could lead to lecturers being pressured into awarding |
| employers would be able to see clearer differences | | | | higher marks to students who may not deserve them. |
| between candidates. | | | | To further increase the chances of landing a graduate |
| The institute argued that students studying for the | | | | career during times when there are large numbers of |
| same degree, such as an IT course at different | | | | university-leavers, students could look to develop their |
| universities, from ex-polytechnics to more established | | | | career as soon as possible. |
| institutions, cannot be compared as standards of | | | | According to Lisette Howlett, managing director and |
| learning often differ. | | | | founder of HireScores.com, graduates should start |
| Commenting on the report, Martin Pennington, director | | | | looking for internships and holiday employment as soon |
| of the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory | | | | as possible to build a relationship with a future |
| Services, said: "Clearly what employers have been | | | | employer or industry. |
| asking for is something which enables them to | | | | Students could also look at taking a graduate training |
| discriminate a bit more easily between different | | | | course to further develop their skills and put |
| graduates, because what we've seen over the last | | | | themselves above other candidates, as Ms Howlett |
| few years or so is increasing numbers of graduates | | | | explained that employers will be "less willing to invest in |
| coming out from all kinds of universities with a 2:1 and | | | | training and development and more likely to be looking |
| that not being sufficient for employer's purposes." | | | | for someone who is fully qualified for the work" as |
| Instead, the proposed system would inform employers | | | | budgets tighten. |
| of the modules taken throughout the degree and the | | | | Taking a trip to a graduate careers event during the |
| marks given, as well as activities performed outside of | | | | summer could also provide an opportunity for young |
| the degree. | | | | people to get in contact with a company and network |
| Mr Pennington added that employers realise that | | | | with future employers. |
| degrees are more than what a student has learned "in | | | | |