MPs to hold universities inquiry

The degree classification system has been under scrutiny

MPs are to investigate some of the most controversial issues surrounding students and universities in the UK.

The Commons innovation, universities and skills committee will look at a wide range of issues from student support to university admissions.

It will also examine the balance between teaching and research, look at degree classifications and the extent to which plagiarism is an issue.

Government participation targets and their relevance will also be covered.

The announcement that the committee is to hold an inquiry comes a week after the Westminster government said it would be cutting grants for students from middle income homes in England.

Government targets

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills said poor estimates of how many students were eligible for a new package of support left it with a £200m funding shortfall.

The inquiry also comes ahead of a review of student fees.

Committee members are asking for evidence on the effectiveness of student support packages and the implications for current and future levels of student debt.

They want to examine how schemes to support student engagement and reduce drop-out rates are working, and how their success is being assessed.

On admissions, the committee is calling for evidence on the process including the use of entrance tests, A-level results, the new advanced Diplomas in England and apprenticeships.

It wants to examine the UK's ability to meet government targets for participation in higher education and for getting more students from non-traditional backgrounds into university.

On degree classification, the committee will look at whether the way degree classes are awarded is appropriate and the effectiveness of monitoring of degree standards by the Quality Assurance Agency.

It will look at the advantages and disadvantages of the current system and the introduction of a wider record of a student achievement.

The quality of teaching and research and the extent to which they vary between institutions will also come under the spotlight.

The inquiry will look at the availability and adequacy of training in teaching methods for UK academics and the levels of funding for teaching and research.