The bar graph illustrates the comparative percentages of UK and international students achieving second-class degrees or higher across a range of academic disciplines at a prominent UK university in 2009.
Overall, it is evident that UK students achieved a higher percentage of second-class degrees or better than their international counterparts in most fields, although there were notable exceptions in English Literature and Nursing where both groups performed equally.
In the field of Nursing, both UK and international students attained degrees of second-class or higher at an identical rate of 80% and 70% respectively. The trend continues in Electrical Engineering where 60% of UK students surpassed their international peers, who recorded only 55%. In disciplines such as Information Systems and Biology, UK students achieved 55% and 70% respectively while international students lagged slightly behind at 50% and 65%. The data presents a contrasting situation in English Literature, where both categories of students were equally successful at 75%. Likewise, in Art History, UK students excelled with 80%, significantly outperforming international students at 70%. This pattern of UK students outperforming their international counterparts is consistently seen across various fields.
Further analysis reveals that in Accountancy, a notable 85% of UK students earned second-class degrees or above, compared to 80% of international students, reflecting a strong performance by both groups. Law exhibited a different scenario, with UK students at 65% and international students slightly lower at 60%. Sociology lines up similarly, with UK students achieving a notable 70% compared to international students’ 60%. The data collectively illustrates that UK students predominantly outperformed international students across most disciplines, particularly evident in Accountancy and Nursing, while fields like English Literature and Nursing displayed a commendable parity in achievement.