Education

Are the standards of UK universities declining?

Published

1 month ago

December 19, 2024

Attending university is a popular next step for many people in the education system. However, with significant events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and a shift into more online-based learning, it begs the question – is the experience as good as it has ever been?

In this article we’ll explore the current state of universities in the UK by looking at several factors that offer an insight into whether or not standards are declining or increasing.

Acceptance rates

The acceptance rate of UK universities has remained in line with what it was 10 years ago. In 2013, 496,000 out of 677,000 applicants were accepted and, in 2023, 554,000 out of 752,000 applicants were accepted. This gives an acceptance rate of 73.3% and 73.7% in 2013 and 2023, respectively.

Acceptance rates staying relatively similar does indicate that the standards for entry into UK universities has remained consistent over the years.

Student satisfaction

Student satisfaction rates are typically revealed each year by the NSS (National Student Survey). The figure often varies widely depending on the university, but overall it generally falls in the mid to high 80% range. This statistic was similar in 2016, which had an average satisfaction rate of 86%.

The COVID-19 pandemic did affect student satisfaction rates. Just before the pandemic, in 2019, the NSS reported an overall satisfaction rate of 84%. In the midst of the pandemic, this figure dropped to 74% and then increased slightly post-pandemic, rising to 76.3% in 2022.

By 2023, levels had returned to normal, showing that overall, universities are still providing a good experience for students.

Undergraduate degree results

In terms of student performance, the quality of work has improved over the last 10 years. In 2013/14, 20% of undergraduates achieved first-class honours and 6% obtained the lowest grade, a third. In 2022/23, 30% of undergraduates were awarded first-class honours whilst only 3% received a third. These figures indicate that students are performing better in their studies and the standards of learning in UK universities have improved.

Increased performance from graduates could be down to numerous factors, including more advanced online plagiarism checks from sites like BachelorPrint or more flexible learning models with the addition of remote course elements.

Current state of UK universities

Overall, there’s limited evidence to suggest that the standards of UK universities have declined in recent years. Acceptance rates and student satisfaction have remained relatively steady, aside from a blip due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and more students are achieving higher honours than ever before.

Education

Battle to save courses at Wales’ oldest university fails

Published

4 hours ago

January 25, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

LAMPETER is to cease to have any university education with its humanities courses transferred to Carmarthen, ending undergraduate teaching at Wales’ oldest university, following a decision by University of Wales Trinity St David this week.

Lampeter University students learned of the decision just days after more than 100 students and alumni took their battle to save the university to the Senedd.

Former students, including Escape to the Country TV presenter Jules Hudson, travelled to Cardiff from all over the UK to take part in a four-hour protest outside the Senedd on Tuesday, January 21.

They were joined by Lampeter residents and councillors, along with current students, who came down by coach from the former St David’s University College.

The students face having to move in September to a different campus in Carmarthen under controversial plans by the University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD) to relocate all humanities courses away from Lampeter.

This would end undergraduate education after almost 200 years in the town.

Protesters held banners declaring “St David V Goliath” and “Achub campws Llambed” (Save the Lampeter campus).

Speeches of support were given by several members of the Senedd, including Cefin Campbell and Adam Price, town councillor and former student Rhys Bebb Jones, and TV presenter and ex-archaeology student Jules Hudson.

MS Elin Jones called for a more appropriate time frame for the decision and for current students to be able to complete their courses in Lampeter, and for the Welsh Government to intervene.

The protest was organised by Esther Weller of the Lampeter Society, a group of thousands of Lampeter alumni, and was staged a month after around 100 campaigners marched through Lampeter and held a demonstration outside the university.

A petition to save the university has come close to collecting 6,000 signatures online and on paper.

Since then, a letter from University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) Chief Operating Officer Peter Mannion has been received today, January 23, and shared by students.

It says: “On November 11, 2024 the University informed students and staff at the Lampeter campus of a proposal to move its current and future Humanities teaching and learning to the UWTSD campus in Carmarthen from September 2025.

“Since then, the University has engaged in regular conversations with students and staff to listen to their responses to the proposal and undertaken a formal consultation with trades unions and affected staff. Discussions have also been held with external stakeholders representing local, regional and national interests.

“The University has now concluded its decision-making process and approved the proposal to relocate its Humanities provision from Lampeter to Carmarthen.

“The preparation and practical considerations for this forthcoming change will be communicated with you over the next few weeks.

“We are very grateful for the engagement from students and staff which has made an essential contribution to challenging and helping to further develop the original proposal.

“As you know, the Lampeter campus is of great importance to the University. We will shortly be establishing a mechanism by which we can involve stakeholders in proposing a range of economically viable, education-related activities that would bring a new, sustainable lease of life to the campus.”

The University of Wales Trinity St David has published an identical statement.

Community

County Show calling all Pembrokeshire parents and teachers

Published

2 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOLCHILDREN from across the county are invited to the next Food Story event, Nutritious, Delicious & Local, which will take place at the Pembrokeshire County Showground on Wednesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 6, 2025.

This exciting event, suitable for pupils from Year 2 to Year 11, will offer a hands-on learning experience focusing on health and well-being, as well as the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in local food production. Topics will include how weather and climate impact farming, the growth of crops, and the daily challenges faced by farmers.

Children will also have the chance to cook and sample local produce, making it a truly interactive and educational experience.

All primary and secondary schools across Pembrokeshire will receive an invitation and booking form to attend. If teachers have not received the email and would like to participate, they are encouraged to contact the Pembrokeshire Showground Office at [email protected] as soon as possible.

Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire the next generation about the importance of nutritious, local food!

Education

Former Haverfordwest High student wins South Hook LNG scholarship

Published

5 days ago

January 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PROMISING local law student, Alisha Akhtar, has been awarded South Hook LNG’s 2024 Scholarship, receiving £5,000 to support her academic journey. Alisha, a former Haverfordwest High pupil, is in her final year of an LLB Law degree at the University of Salford, Manchester, and is preparing to undertake the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in two years.

The annual South Hook Scholarship is designed to encourage academic excellence and career ambition among Pembrokeshire students. Candidates go through a rigorous selection process that includes a written application and an informal interview, demonstrating South Hook’s commitment to supporting local education.

During a ceremony held at South Hook LNG, Alisha was presented with her award by the South Hook team. Speaking about the scholarship, she said: “My late parents worked tirelessly to provide opportunities they never had. This scholarship brings me closer to my goal of pursuing a career in law and honours my parents’ sacrifices. I am deeply grateful to South Hook LNG for believing in my potential.”

Hamad Al Samra, General Manager of South Hook LNG, praised Alisha’s determination, saying: “We are continually inspired by Pembrokeshire students. Alisha’s focus and commitment stood out, and we are pleased to support her in achieving her aspirations.”

South Hook LNG encourages local students pursuing higher education in engineering, science, or business-related fields to apply for their scholarship programme. Details for the 2025 award will be available on the company’s website in September.

Photo caption: Alisha Akhtar, South Hook LNG’s Scholarship recipient of 2024, with members of the South Hook team responsible for assessing the applications. (Pic: Supplied)