However, based on first-class honours, students are most likely to get a first in Trinity (20 per cent) than in any other university. ResearchersSo, why has this happened, what are the consequences of grade inflation and should we be worried? Three researchers at IT Tralee have been working to highlight the extent of grade inflation in Ireland’s third-level institutions over the past decade. An analysis they produced of all third level colleges in 2007 showed that the number of first-class honours and upper second-class honours grades had surged over the previous decade. It said students were more focused on securing higher grades because degrees were being used far more widely for selection into employment or advanced studies.

Source: The Irish Times December 31, 2018 00:00 UTC