HC Deb 28 April 1995 vol 258 cc713-4W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State of Education how many people graduated from English higher education institutions with honours either in philosophy or in a joint honours or composite degree involving philosophy in 1994; what proportion of the total number graduating from English higher education this represents; and if she will make a statement. [20903]

Mr. Boswell

Some 500 students graduated from first degree courses wholly or mainly in philosophy from English higher education institutions in academic year 1992–93, which represents one third of 1 per cent. of all graduates from these institutions. It is not possible to give data from courses where philosophy is combined with other subjects. Statistics on the numbers graduating where philosophy has been a minor element of the course are not readily available.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many higher education institutions in England currently offer single honours or joint honours degrees in philosophy; what percentage of the total number of higher education institutions in England this represents; and if she will make a statement. [20911]

Mr. Boswell

From the 110 higher education institutions in England which are members of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, 45 offered philosophy as an element of a first degree course in the UCAS "Handbook for 1995 Entry". This represents 41 per cent. of all English higher education institutions offering courses through UCAS.