Probe as 90% fail degree finals
An investigation is underway into how 90% of students on an architecture
course failed their final exams.
The course at the University of Central England, Birmingham, has been
suspended while the investigation takes place.
Thirty students due to start in September will now have to find places
at another university.
The university's authorities have chosen an independent adviser to
examine the high failure rate, with 54 out of 60 undergraduates failing.
Those who failed are being offered support as they face the prospect of
autumn re-sits.
Pro-vice chancellor Professor Phil Walkling said students obliged to
work full-time at the same time as studying as well as unfinished
coursework contributed to the appalling pass rate.
He was quoted by the Birmingham Post as saying: "I have never across a
situation where so many students failed before. It's unheard of.
"There is no one reason why so many students failed. It is a whole
spectrum of things.
"Some have completed their final coursework and others have been working
almost full time due to financial pressures."
A university spokeswoman added: "In response to this exceptional
circumstance, the decision has been made to not recruit to either the
full or part time course in BA Architecture in September 2004.
"The university will help students who had already accepted places to
find places at comparable courses in other universities."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/education/3903699.stm
Published: 2004/07/17 18:45:07 GMT