PwC has long held a requirement for a first or two-one degree, but now will use a different assessment criterion to gatekeep its access to programmes such as undergraduate and graduate roles, internships and placements.

The company states that the move is designed to open up opportunities to more people, increase the socio-economic diversity of the firm and support its efforts to improve social mobility. However, it might also reflect a decline in the ‘gold standards’ of degrees, and the different levels of rigour in different courses, and the game of change played out in academic examinations.

PwC removed UCAS points as an entry criterion for its graduate roles seven years ago, finding that academic qualifications alone are not an indicator of workplace potential. The firm uses a broad range of assessments to assess ability and potential.

Ian Elliott, chief people officer at PwC, said: “We were fortunate to have over 95,000 applications to our graduate and school leaver programmes this year. This move isn’t primarily about attracting more applications but opening our roles to students from a broader range of backgrounds, including those from lower income households.”

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