A chara, - Et tu, Christina Murphy? I was disappointed to see her perpetuating the myth that giving places on degree courses to applicants who have not even passed their A levels ("Think twice before rushing off to a UK college", August 17th) indicates low academic standards in the "new" universities.
I am currently interviewing applicants for a B.Sc. (hons.) degree in new technology at the University of East London. I am delighted to say that a good proportion of places will go to applicants who have not passed, or even taken, A levels.
These are people aged over 21, who may have worked with computers for years and now wish to formalise their knowledge of IT, or who have just spent a year of intensive study on one of the specialised access and foundation courses run by local colleges and moderated, by us. We ensure, in each individual case, that they have the skills necessary for studying at degree level.
Along with these skills, such students bring with them the practical knowledge and time management skills gained from years in the workplace or running a home and family. "Traditional" students who have come straight from school to university have much to learn from them.
They are usually highly committed and well organised people.
Most importantly, they are academically successful, and several have, progressed, to postgraduate studies in prestigious institutions. What more can we ask of students?
I agree that Irish school leavers should ask searching questions about the standard and status of UK courses which they are considering. But please don't give them the mistaken idea that the presence of students who have not taken levels is, in itself, indicative of low academic standards.
Is mise,
Admissions tutor,
Department of Innovation
Studies,
University of East London,
Maryland House,
London €15 IEY.