THE HIGHER EDUCATION OF WOMEN.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR"]
Ssa,—As one interested in the higher education of women, may I venture to ask attention through your columns to the pro- vision recently made by the University of St. Andrew for the granting of degrees to women ? The St. Andrew's Literate of Arts (L.A.) Degree Certificate, equivalent in honour and in the stringency of the previous examinations to the M.A. Degree for men, may be taken now by women, who fulfil the requisite conditions, and who are anxious to have the Hall-mark of a University degree stamped upon their attainments.
The subjects for examination are for the most part those taught in the University itself, but to these have been added history, and the French, German, and Italian languages, with their literatures. Candidates must pass in four of these, one at least being a language, or must pass in two, and gain honours in one, to receive a title. One subject may be taken in each year, and should the candidate pass, this pass will count towards the title for the next year. Six ladies have this year succeeded in obtaining a degree, and upwards of thirty, having passed or taken honours in one or more subjects, are so far on their way towards it. The distinctive feature in the St. Andrew's scheme, and one deserving of consideration, is that it allows women to graduate as L.A. who take only one subject a year, and who spread their study and competition over a period of two, three, or four years, according as the candidate takes snore or fewer subjects at a time. The value of this plan in avoiding the risk of " cram " is obvious. Not only is the knowledge likely to be more thorough, as well as more permanently retained,
by its slower assimilation, but the danger to health arising from the mental strain consequent on a crowded examination is removed.
The examination papers for June, 1878, with the regulations for the next examination in 1879, which have just been published by Messrs. Blackwood, show sufficiently the standard of attain- ment that must be reached by candidates. It must be owned that women who have the energy, capacity, and industry which enable them to meet the requirements of an examination so strin- gent and thorough as this of St. Andrew's, deserve both the dis- tinction and advantage which the possession of a University degree confers upon its holders. That such a boon is prized by women, especially by those whose purpose it is to make education their profession, is proved by the large and increasing number of in- tending candidates. Full information with regard to the Pass and Honours Examination for 1879, the subjects for examination, and the books recommended to be read, will be gladly given by the Convener, Professor Knight, on application to him, at the University, St. Andrew's.
This little Northern University has already sent forth not a few distinguished men into the world ; let us hope that among its women graduates may be numbered some whose names in years to come will give it lustre, in return for the help so gener- ously proffered now.—I am, Sir, &c., Malvern, September 9th. MARY C. TABOR.
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