The practice of awarding complimentary MA degrees to Oxbridge BA students two or three years after they graduate has been criticised by MPs, who called it “unfair” and “outdated”.
Traditionally Oxford students can claim a Master of Arts (MA) title seven years after matriculating for a bachelor’s degree in exchange for a small administration fee.
Students at Cambridge can similarly convert their BA six years after their first term of study.
However, politicians have now proposed banning the practice amid claims it could give Oxbridge graduates an unfair advantage in the jobs market.
On Tuesday Labour MP Chris Leslie headed a cross-party group lobbying Parliament to consider scrapping the complimentary MA. Leslie told MPs, “There is no logical or justifiable defence for this historical anachronism. It grew out of ancient circumstances that have long become irrelevant.
“It’s time to discontinue the ability of Oxbridge colleges to award un-earned qualifications that can cause such easy confusion. This practice of awarding MA degrees without the need for further study or exams has previously been described as ‘one of the best-kept secrets in academia’.”
Approximately 3,000 Oxbridge graduates a year convert their BA degrees to MAs, a title which is only awarded elsewhere to students who have completed a year of further studies.
In 2000, a study conducted by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) found that nearly two thirds of employers were unaware that the Oxbridge MA was an honorary title and not an academic qualification.
Speaking at last year’s Cambridge University’s Senate, Dr Neil Dodgson, a tutor in computing, said, “Many find it offensive that we should award a degree for doing nothing more than being able to breathe for three years.
“Perhaps it is time for us to acknowledge that the rest of the world has moved on, and to align ourselves, reluctantly, with a world that believes that a degree should only be awarded for academic achievement.”
Writing for the Telegraph, Chris Leslie added, “It is highly unfair to perpetuate this fast-track award merely on the assumption that a BA (Hons) from these two institutions justifies a complimentary equivalent award.
“While this tradition may well appear harmless, there are many employers across the country who w
on’t know the difference between MA (Oxon) and MA (Nottingham).
“Creating a level playing field of minimum academic standards for Master’s degrees would enhance the integrity of all universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.”
When asked about the validity of the Oxbridge MA, Callum Dunbar, a second year historian at Christ Church, said, “I agree with Leslie; while many of the traditional aspects of life at Oxbridge add something special to the university experience, being qualified at Masters level without the work required to gain such a degree in other universities seems highly unfair on those who have worked and paid to extend studies.”
Alex Baines, a second year English student, said, “Perhaps the claim that this token degree affects employment opportunities in any significant way is also misguided.
“Ultimately the decision will come down to a greater number of factors than merely the academic merits of an MA over a BA, and so if the awarding of such degrees is to be scrapped, then maybe there should be further justification.”
A spokesperson for the Oxford University Press Office said that the issue had only been raised by a specific MP and it was therefore difficult to gauge public opinion on whether the system should be changed. The spokesperson added that the QAA research Leslie had used as grounds for change was relatively outdated.
Sam Folkard, a third year student Medicine student, was more optimistic. He said, “It is clear to employers that the MA isn’t awarded on merit. It may be an antiquated tradition, but so are sub fusc, gowns and other central aspects of Oxford life.”
It is not the first time the tradition has come under pressure. In 2000, 58 MPs signed an Early Day Motion calling on Oxford and Cambridge to phase out honorary MA degrees.
