Master’s Degrees (Minimum Standards) Bill

A Bill to prohibit universities awarding Master’s degrees unless certain standards of study and assessment are met; and for connected purposes

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

1 May 2012

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Master’s Degrees (Minimum Standards) Bill would prohibit universities from awarding Master’s degrees unless programmes meet defined minimum standards for the amount and quality of study and for how students are assessed. The aim is to raise consistency and quality across Master’s programmes by requiring providers to demonstrate that these standards are met before degrees are conferred. It also includes related provisions to support implementation and oversight.

Key Points

Sets minimum standards for study and assessment that Master’s programmes must meet before degrees can be awarded.
Applies to universities and other higher education providers operating in the UK.
Requires providers to demonstrate compliance and enables enforcement if standards are not met.
Could affect how Master’s programmes are designed, run and assessed, and how quality is assured.
Includes connected provisions to support implementation and oversight.

Progress

The bill is currently at its second reading in the House of Commons. If it passes the second reading, it would typically move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny.

Who is affected?

Current and prospective Master’s studentsUniversities and other higher education providersAcademic and administrative staff at providersEmployers and organisations that hire Master’s graduatesRegulators and quality-assurance bodies responsible for higher education standards

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Master’s Degrees (Minimum Standards)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 148 2010-11 (as introduced)

BillCommons

15 Mar 2011

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Master’s Degrees (Minimum Standards) Bill | TrackPolitics