“Statistical First Release 183 – Student Enrolments and Qualifications” published by HESA on 10-1-13 provides early information on student enrolments and ion particular student attainment last year.
(from http://www.hesa.ac.uk/content/view/2667/393/)
Of those gaining a classified first degree, the proportion who obtained a first or upper second has shown a steady increase from 61% in 2007/08 to 66% in 2011/12.
67% of first degrees undertaken through full-time study in 2011/12 achieved first or upper second classifications compared to 53% of those undertaken through part-time study.
Staffordshire University manages to award about 55% of “good degrees” in 2011-12, which is an increase on the previous year, but still significantly behind the national average and competitors.
Clearly, this does have an impact on league tables, where it is used in the “value added” calculation for example in the Guardian. Ultimately it could have an impact on recruitment – where would you choose to go – the university with the highest or lowest probability of getting a 1st or 2(i)?