The Irish Times view on third-level grade inflation: a problem that needs to be tackled

Almost one in four students leaving Irish universities now does so with a first-class degree, according to figures published by the Department of Education. Seven years ago, the number getting more than 70 per cent in their final exams was closer to one in six.

Some see the pernicious hand of league tables at play. These often-subjective rankings can have serious consequences for a university’s ability to attract high-calibre students and donations as well as funding for research.

Something of a vicious circle has taken hold in this regard. The number of students graduating with first class degrees has a direct impact on some league tables. It can also have an indirect effect on other tables which take into account the number of students going on to post-graduate studies, or graduate placements with prestigious employers.

A more benign – but equally plausible – explanation is premised on the notion that the education system as a whole has just got better. The points-based university admissions system has many flaws but it rewards hard work. When combined with the removal of some of the financial barriers to third-level education the net result is a wider pool of hard-working applicants competing for undergraduate places.

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This explanation sees a virtuous circle at work. Students entering university now work harder than ever before and are better prepared for the demands of third-level education. They also expect more of the academic staff and have contributed to the universities taking a more professional approach to teaching.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland, the body responsible for the quality, integrity and reputation of the further and higher education system, has been asked by the Department of Education to determine the factors behind grade inflation.

There will not be a simple answer, but whatever the reason grade inflation at the current pace is a cause for concern, because ultimately it can devalue university degrees and the reputation of the sector as whole.