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The proportion of graduates gaining first-class honours has risen again, according to new figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency. In 1998, 8 per cent of students gained firsts, compared with 7.1 per cent in 1997 and 6.8 per cent in 1996.

Men continue to win the lion's share - 8.25 per cent compared with 6.9 per cent of females. In 1997, it was 7.79 per cent for men, compared with 6.3 per cent of women.