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Lecturers say diplomas must be made to work and win the respect of universities

7 March 2008

UCU today responded to a government announcement that greater academic value will be attached to diplomas by introducing an extended diploma in 2011.

University and college lecturers say that new diplomas, to be phased in from September this year, must be made to work before any extended versions are introduced.

UCU warned that the 14-19 education system must also be made less complicated to ensure that diplomas are a success.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'We owe it to young people to make the new diplomas work. The overriding need is to make the initial diplomas work at all three levels before adding to them and making them more complex.

'The value of diplomas must be understood and respected by universities so that diploma students can progress into higher education. It would be easier for everyone if A-levels, GCSEs and diplomas were brought into a more coherent and less confusing 14-19 system.

'College lecturers will do their very best to make the first wave of diplomas a success. Our members will embrace yet another initiative and we hope college employers will too, by bringing college lecturers' pay into line with that of school teachers.

'The government is expected to report on a rationalisation of qualifications soon, perhaps within a month. We will have a better understanding of how the diplomas can best proceed when we have seen this.'

Last updated: 14 December 2015

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