OXBRIDGE MA DEGREES - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament

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Early Day Motions

As this motion is using historical data, we may not have the record of the original ordering, in which case signatories are listed alphabetically.

Amendments to this motion

There have been 2 amendments submitted to this motion.

View details of the amendments

Motion text

That this House expresses concern at the process whereby, unlike at other universities in the UK, Bachelor of Arts graduates from Oxford and Cambridge can apply for the automatic granting of an MA degree; notes that this practice enables graduates from Oxford and Cambridge to claim an apparent advantage in the jobs market over graduates attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from other universities and devalues and undermines the efforts and achievements of those students earning an MA after a period of further study and assessment by examination or dissertation; and calls for either the phasing out of the 'free of effort' MA Oxbridge degree or alternatively the provision of automatic MA degrees for all graduates in a spirit of equality and fairness regardless of their universities.

Signatures (61)

Supporters (58)
Withdrawn signatures (3)

The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.

Lawrence, Mrs Jackie

Preseli Pembrokeshire

Adams, Mrs Irene

Erith and Thamesmead

Liberal Democrat

Best, Mr Harold

Leeds North West

Borrow, Mr David S.

In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.

Brinton, Mrs Helen

Regent's Park and Kensington North

Caton, Mr Martin

Chaytor, Mr David

Clapham, Mr Michael

Barnsley West and Penistone

Clark, Dr David

Clarke, Mr Tony

Northampton South

Crausby, Mr David

Bolton North East

Cunliffe, Mr Lawrence

Davis, Mr Terry

Birmingham, Hodge Hill

Dismore, Mr Andrew

Heywood and Middleton

Etherington, Bill

Sunderland North

Foster, Michael Jabez

Hastings and Rye

Fyfe, Mrs Maria

Glasgow, Maryhill

Gordon, Mrs Eileen

Griffiths, Nigel

Edinburgh South

Griffiths, Mr Win

Hoyle, Mr Lindsay

Illsley, Mr Eric

Barnsley Central

Jones, Mr Jon Owen

Cardiff Central

Birmingham, Selly Oak

Jones, Mr Martyn

Kemp, Mr Fraser

Houghton and Washington East

Kumar, Dr Ashok

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland

Ladyman, Dr Stephen

Brighton, Pavilion

McDonnell, John

Hayes and Harlington

McWalter, Mr Tony

Hemel Hempstead

McWilliam, Mr John

Michie, Mr Bill

Sheffield, Heeley

Liberal Democrat

Nottingham South

Skinner, Mr Dennis

North West Leicestershire

Turner, Dr Desmond

Brighton, Kemptown

Finchley and Golders Green

Winterton, Ms Rosie

Doncaster Central

Sittingbourne and Sheppey

These members had previously signed the motion, but have now withdrawn their support. The date shown is when the Member withdrew their signature from the motion.

Abbott, Ms Diane

Hackney North and Stoke Newington

Corbett, Mr Robin

Birmingham, Erdington

Amendments (2)

After a motion has been tabled, other Members can table amendments to it. Amendments to this motion are shown below.

OXBRIDGE MA DEGREES (Amendment 1)

leave out from 'dissertation' to end and add 'urges Oxford and Cambridge to award its MA degrees on that basis but insists that all those still living who have paid for MAs shall have their payment refunded provided they stop using their title, including the honourable Member for Grimsby who paid ú30 for his MA degree from Oxford University.'.

Mr Austin Mitchell

Labour, Great Grimsby

1

signature

EDM 806A1: tabled on 12 June 2000

OXBRIDGE MA DEGREES (Amendment 2)

at end add "and further notes that St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee Universities confer such masters degrees immediately whereas BAs at Oxford and Cambridge have to wait three and a half years before being able to flaunt their 'free of effort' promotion and asserts that this situation is just as unacceptable as the other.".

Frank Cook

Labour, Stockton North

1

signature

EDM 806A2: tabled on 24 July 2000