The problem is that degrees have been devalued by the sheer number of them. Years ago if you got a degree it was an achievement. Now unless it is from one of the top twelve universities and for a decent subject then many employers will simply not look at you as a candidate. In the 30's only some 3% had degrees, in the 70's it was up to around 15%, then it went crazy and now 50% have degrees.

It's still very much an achievement. All of the companies I've looked at for possible jobs have wanted graduates. Had I come out of college I'd have to start at the bottom and work up.

You used to need an IQ or 120 to do a degree now it is just above average of 100. The fact that all your potential employers required degrees was that they were using it as the first screening method. For the top companies unless it is from Oxford Cambridge or the other top ten red brick universities you will get no further. If you have a degree from one of the former polytechnics then unless it is a vocational degree you have pretty much wasted £20,000. It might get you past the graduate only entry requirements but you will be lucky to get any further.

Thats exactly what put me off following a sceince career.

As far as I see it for me, being a graduate gets me in the door, then once I build up experience and more knowledge, I can go further.

Smell the sarcasm

I came out of uni with a 2:1 (would've been a first if I hadn't been ill in the second year) and still had to do that.