There has been a dramatic growth in the number of people studying at universities in the last few decades. While some people see this as a positive trend which raises the general level of education within the community, others fear that it is lowering the quality of education. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the increase in student numbers at university?

Over the

last

century, tertiary

education

has become available to more people than ever before.

Although

this

can be beneficial for individuals and for society as a whole, some people argue that the growth in student numbers is having a negative impact on the standard of

education

. The worldwide expansion of tertiary

education

has been a positive trend for those involved. It has enabled more people to realise their capabilities, gain a qualification and pursue a career that interests them.

Furthermore

, jobs that require a tertiary

education

are often well paid and

thus

allow those people to enjoy a higher quality of life.

This

in turn helps to raise the standard of living of society through economic development.

However

, the growing availability of

further

education

also

has some drawbacks. A growth in student numbers has at times led to

much larger classes

Suggestion

a much larger class

much larger class

.

As a result

, teachers are often too busy to give sufficient attention to their students. In some cases

this

may cause a drop in standards and

this

could make it easier for students to pass.

Thus

, universities are in danger of being seen as “degree factories” in which the quantity of

students

Suggestion

student

students'

rates higher than the quality of

education

. In conclusion, a university

education

can be a significant and positive step in a person’s life and should

therefore

be available to everyone.

However

, universities will need to ensure that the quality of

education

they deliver is not compromised by the growth in student numbers.