Computer sciences and business and administrative studies are among the degree subjects with the highest drop-out rates; with around nine per cent of students dropping out by their second year.
This comes as universities will today be told they “require improvement” by the Office for Students (OfS) if they do not tackle high drop-out rates and improve poor-quality courses.
The student watchdog have already warned that “Mickey Mouse” degrees could be scrapped or lose their funding – basically ones that don’t succeed in getting graduates professional jobs.
The OfS will be setting minimum thresholds for student outcomes, such as how many students complete their degree and what jobs they get. The consultation concludes in March and the new requirements are expected to be in place by the summer.
These are the degree subjects with the highest drop-out rates:
Computer sciences – 9.2 per cent
Business & administrative studies – 8.6 per cent
Mass communications & documentation – 7.6 per cent
Creative arts & design – 7.6 per cent
Subjects allied to medicine – 7.5 per cent
Combined subjects – 7.2 per cent
Agriculture & related subjects – 7.0 per cent
Engineering & technology – 7.0 per cent
Architecture, building & planning – 6.9 per cent
Biological sciences – 6.8 per cent
Education – 6.6 per cent
Social studies – 5.8 per cent
Law – 5.8 per cent
Physical sciences – 4.7 per cent
Mathematical sciences – 4.7 per cent
Languages – 4.3 per cent
Historical & philosophical studies – 4.3 per cent
Medicine & dentistry and veterinary science – 1.4 per cent
Percentage is calculated by entrants to full-time first degree courses who did not continue into their second year, by subject. Source: HESA.
Lord Wharton, chairman ofthe OfS,wrote in The Times: “We need to protect [students] from poor courses which offer few real benefits. They invest significant amounts of time and money in their studies and should be sure that, if they work hard, they will earn a qualification of value which stands the test of time.”
Related stories recommended by this writer:
• ‘Mickey Mouse’ uni degrees could be scrapped or lose their funding
•A graduate is suing her university for £60,000 for giving her a ‘mickey mouse degree’
•These are the most bizarre courses you can do at uni if all went wrong on results day
As an expert in education policy and academic trends, I understand the significance of the issues raised in the article regarding high drop-out rates in certain degree subjects and the potential impact on universities. My expertise in this area stems from a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape, research in higher education, and an awareness of the ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes.
The article discusses the concerningly high drop-out rates in various degree subjects, particularly focusing on Computer Sciences and Business & Administrative Studies, both with drop-out rates exceeding 8%. The data, sourced from HESA, indicates that approximately 9.2% of students in Computer Sciences and 8.6% in Business & Administrative Studies do not continue into their second year. This information is crucial as it sheds light on the challenges faced by students in these fields.
The Office for Students (OfS) plays a central role in addressing this issue by proposing minimum thresholds for student outcomes, emphasizing the completion of degrees and the employability of graduates. The mention of "Mickey Mouse" degrees that may lose funding underscores the need for universities to offer programs that lead to meaningful professional opportunities for graduates. Lord Wharton, the chairman of the OfS, emphasizes the importance of protecting students from poor-quality courses and ensuring that their investment in education results in qualifications of enduring value.
The subjects with the highest drop-out rates, as outlined in the article, range from Computer Sciences and Business & Administrative Studies to Creative Arts & Design, Mass Communications & Documentation, and beyond. The percentages provide a quantitative measure of the challenges students in these fields face.
The OfS's initiative to set minimum thresholds and the impending requirements, expected to be implemented by the summer, indicate a concerted effort to address the drop-out issue. The consultation process, concluding in March, signifies a collaborative approach involving stakeholders to enhance the quality of higher education.
In conclusion, the article highlights the pressing need for universities to address high drop-out rates, particularly in certain degree subjects. The evidence presented, including specific dropout percentages and the OfS's proposed interventions, underscores the gravity of the situation and the importance of ensuring that students receive a valuable and worthwhile education.
