USI welcomes report on 3rd level grade inflation

The Union of Students in Ireland has welcomed a report by the Department of Education on grade inflation in the higher education in Ireland.

This report will ultimately benefit the students of Ireland, by instigating vital improvements in our third level education system, they said.

High quality, well-educated and competent graduates are essential for attracting jobs to this country, and for contributing to the recovery of the ailing Irish economy.

Grade inflation can be overcome by improving quality assurance within the higher education institutions of Ireland. This is something that USI has continued to campaign for in recent times.

USI believes that student participation is vital in achieving proper quality assurance.

It is vital that we refocus our QA systems on the student experience and the outcomes that students obtain from receiving a third level education in Ireland.

USI Deputy President and Campaigns Officer, Dan O’ Neill, said: 'It is in the interests of the students of Ireland that we ensure Irish qualifications are recognised and respected at an international level.

However, it is also important that Irish Institutes of Technology and universities do not become mere "degree factories" for the benefit of big business.

USI welcomes any report into third level education, which shows us how to improve to the system. We must now reassess and improve our higher education quality assurance practices, to include more participation and involvement from students.'