Many top firms will not even look at applications from those who lack a 2.1, i.e., an upper-second class degree.

许多顶级公司甚至不会考虑那些没有高等二级学位证书的人的申请。

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And a leaked e-mail showed university staff being urged to increase the number of top degree grades to keep pace with competing universities.

BBC: Moves to tighten degree scrutiny

When only top-flight firms counted, a degree from a top college was vital.

ECONOMIST: Sayonara, sarariman

"It's a possibility that some people might not want to go because Messi is not there but they have a degree of top class players, " added Smith.

BBC: SFA chief executive Gordon Smith