Sector refutes Ofsted's 'vacuous' degree gibe

Ofsted chief inspector Chris Woodhead (pictured) was criticised by vice-chancellors, lecturers' union leaders and graduate recruiters this week for rubbishing "vacuous" degrees such as media studies and golf-course management. The Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, Natfhe and the Association of Graduate Recruiters said Mr Woodhead had failed to recognise the vocational value of such courses, in what has become an annual attack by him on "quasi-academic degrees". Ofsted is to take the lead on post-16 inspections from next April.

Opinion, page 12