UNIVERSITY bosses in Bradford were accused of "spoon-feeding" their students today after recommending proof-readers to help undergraduates correct bad spelling and grammar.
The University of Bradford defended its decision to give students a list of qualified proof-readers as "supportive".
But the action sparked a debate over whether the extra help should be allowed, the Times Higher Education supplement reported.
Professor Alan Smithers, an education expert from Buckingham University, described the move as "spoon-feeding gone mad".
He said: "If someone has a degree from an English university, it is taken as evidence from employers that they are fluent in English.
"So using proof-readers gives a misleading impression and devalues the degree."
But Professor Geoff Layer, pro-vice-chancellor for learning and teaching at Bradford, defended the university's actions.
"It is clear that the use of proof-readers by students is a debate that spans many individuals within higher education," he said.
"It is not a policy of the University of Bradford to provide students with proof-readers.
"It is, however, clearly supportive to recommend those who are qualified."
