Education Letter: Are standards declining?

IN RECENT years there has been growing public concern about the alleged dilution of academic standards in British universities and degree- awarding colleges. While not, at this stage, taking a view on this issue, we nevertheless believe there is a need to find out if the allegation of dilution is well founded.

As part of a study of standards, we would be glad to hear from anyone with concrete evidence on either side of the argument that standards are being maintained or diluted. Anyone willing to assist us with our research, under our guarantee of confidentiality, should write to Professor Alderman at the address below.

PROFESSOR MANTZE YORKE

Liverpool John Moores University

PROFESSOR GEOFFREY

ALDERMAN

Pro Vice-Chancellor

Middlesex University

London