Record number of first-class degrees awarded

Nearly half of 2009 graduates achieved a 2:1, according to data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa).

The statistics show that more than 330,000 students were awarded a degree for the first time last summer, down slightly on the previous year.

Of those who gained a degree, 43,125 graduates (14 per cent) were given a first, while 148,360 (48 per cent) got an upper second.

The data is likely to prompt fresh concerns about grade inflation and the worth of different degrees.

The figures also show a continuing increase in the numbers of overseas students studying at UK universities.

EU student numbers rose by 5 per cent, from 112,150 to 117,660, while the numbers of students from other countries outside the EU increased by 9 per cent from 229,640 to 251,310.

There was a 3 per cent increase in the numbers of UK students, from 1.96 million to 2.03 million.

A shake-up of degree marking was announced last autumn, in the wake of concerns about standards.

Vice-chancellors’ group Universities UK (UUK) said a review would be set up to examine the use of external examiners to ensure there is a “robust” marking system in place.

In 1996-97, just 7.7 per cent of degrees were awarded a first.

A report commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, published in October, called for changes to the way degrees are awarded and a revamp of the way universities are inspected, as well as the external examiner review.

But it rejected concerns that degrees are becoming easier with more graduates gaining first-class honours, insisting standards have not fallen.