Two thirds of undergraduates wish they had received better careers and course advice at school, according to a survey marking the new university year.
"This survey shows students aren't confident that they were properly served by curriculum and careers advice at school, and so may cast doubt on their degree options," says Maggie Scott, Director of Learning and Quality the Association of Colleges.
The ICM survey of university students from across the UK , undertaken for AoC, shows that:
- 66% of respondents wish they had been given better careers advice at school.
- 58% wish they had had the chance to combine academic and practical choices at school.
- 55% believe schools steer pupils to courses which the school does best, rather than one the pupil needs.
- Over 40% did not think A-levels adequately prepared them for university.
Maggie Scott added: "This survey gives voice to the silent majority who have not been well served by school careers advice.
"AoC would like to see systematic monitoring of the new system of careers guidance (involving federations of education authorities, schools and colleges) to ensure that advice is readily available, impartial and puts the learner's voice first.
"These results also show that the curriculum has been too inflexible for many. They are therefore a welcome endorsement of both the development of the new specialist diplomas, which will allow students to mix practical and academic learning with more ease, and the extended projects which can now be taken up by A-level students."
Other results from the survey of 1027 undergraduates in years 1 to 3 show:
- 67% of respondents believe students who have practical skills such as IT or business administration tend to be more employable.
- 89% of freshers think they will get a good, well-paid job when they graduate - compared to 76% of third year students.
- 70% of third year students wish they had been given better careers advice at school.
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