PwC removes 2:1 criteria for undergraduate and graduate roles

PwC is removing the 2:1 degree classification requirement for all its undergraduate and graduate roles, internships and placements, in a bid to open up opportunities to more people, increase socio-economic diversity, and support the firm’s efforts to improve social mobility.

The Big Four firm said that changing the entry criteria will enable PwC to further diversify its graduate intake through broader access to young people.

The firm will now assess potential instead of academic attainment as young people may not have the top academic achievements but have the attributes and “all round proven capabilities for a career with the firm”.

The firm recruits from over 100 institutions across the UK and by removing the 2:1 criteria, over 70,000 more students a year can access PwC’s graduate programmes.

PwC said that around 17% of students at university do not achieve a 2:1 or a first class degree classification, according to the Higher Education Student Statistics.

Seven years ago, the firm removed UCAS points as an entry criteria for its graduate roles as it is “not an indicator of workplace potential”.

Ian Elliott, chief people officer at PwC, said: “Whilst academic achievement has its place, for far too many students there are other factors that influence results. Talent and potential is determined by more than academic grades and so removing the 2:1 entry requirement will open our roles to a greater pool of talent.

“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. Removing the 2:1 criteria will allow us to make real progress in driving social mobility of PwC recruits.”