First-class degrees no proof of first-class university

I HAVE read a listing of the various classes of degrees in Irish universities.

There may well be the temptation on the part of some to equate the award of a high percentage of top-ranking degrees with excellence on the part of an institution.

On the basis of the information provided, the league table that might result from the listing would rank TCD as fifth among Irish universities and the University of Limerick (UL) as sixth.

However, it is well known that Trinity has, significantly, the highest level of academic attainment (in terms of Leaving Cert points) by students entering Irish universities.

I have observed the demand worldwide for graduates from UL. Their performance in the workplace is hugely recognised, and UL is still a ‘young’ institution. I will be surprised if graduates from universities awarding more high-class honours degrees are performing better.

If a first-class honours degree is to have meaning, it should reflect a high level of intellectual ability and attainment. Similarly, a II (1) classification should reflect excellence and potential.

In fact, any honours degree should reflect intellectual ability. (Two generations ago, 80% of graduates from Irish universities were awarded pass degrees). Now we need to ask how it is that universities with significantly lesser student entrance attainments than TCD are able to award up to 26% first-class honours degrees.

I have been a member of department ranked in the top category in a leading British university. Grading there was rigorous. My queries would suggest that the grading system at UL is equally rigorous, as is doubtless that at Trinity.

Autonomy for universities is essential, and the diversity in the courses offered is to be lauded.

However, every course for which there is a degree classification should be judged in terms of course content and adherence to highest standards for the award of premier class degrees. There should be a rigorous examination by independent scholars of the course content and a critical observation of the presentation performance of those who offer the material. Each department/course should be rated in terms of content, presentation and requirements.

It is important in this new age that Irish graduates with honours degree classifications should be regarded as excellent in terms of intellectual ability and of knowledge and achievement in their disciplines.

It will be essential to take steps to ensure that laxity in adherence to the standards that should be considered essential does not lead to a diminishing in the recognition of the quality of Irish degrees. Employers in Britain have told me they have their own league tables for recognition of degrees and a first-class degree in some universities would be regarded as equivalent to a third-class or to a pass degree in another. Surely we would be dismayed if such were to happen here.

Michael HB Hayes MRIA

Aylrue Hill

Labasheeda

Co Clare