News from THE

Roper is to blame for fiasco, but London Met’s board bears responsibility

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Report into overpayments to university finds top officials were aware of problems but took no action. Rebecca Attwood reports

Gillies to lead London Met

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Former head of City named vice-chancellor. Rebecca Attwood reports

Cost is the big deterrent for would-be students

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Survey finds those from poorer backgrounds are likely to have a poorer experience, writes Rebecca Attwood

Cash-for-quality link could be 'damaging'

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Government may get fingers burnt over proposal, senior figures warn. Rebecca Attwood reports

Another fallen leader: Imperial's rector exits

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rector of Imperial College London has resigned amid speculation about a clash with his chair of governors - a factor in several similar departures in the sector this year.

Happiness research makes academics rather unhappy

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

£4.4m ESRC study of subjective wellbeing labelled 'disgraceful' and 'spooky'. Melanie Newman writes

Prostitution did not finance Belle de Jour's PhD

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Bristol-based scientist revealed as the writer "Belle de Jour", who chronicled her life as a "high-class hooker", has dismissed claims that she became a prostitute to finance her doctorate.

Big thinking wins big gifts

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Universities profit from philanthropists' faith in their ability to change lives. Hannah Fearn writes

Putting the science back into fiction

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new book aims to engage with genuine, rather than far-fetched, advances. Matthew Reisz reports

'Reform will be very difficult, but it is the only way to go'

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Universities must hold nerve despite protests, says head of grande école. John Morgan reports

From where I sit: Smarting Italians look for change

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Italy's more progressive academics are still smarting from the 2009 Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings. Despite some hair-splitting over the weighting of the criteria, few have pretended that the results were anything but...

'Constipated' pitches about being 14th best fail to hit the mark

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Institutions marketed like a novelty band will not stand out, conference hears. John Morgan reports

Overseas briefing

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

United States

You're hired? Apprenticeship degree mooted

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Plans have been unveiled for a "composite" honours and masters degree incorporating an apprenticeship as part of a new national skills strategy.

Engage with quality assurance or face state takeover, scholars told

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Academy autonomy being eroded by 'power creep', former QAA head warns. Rebecca Attwood reports

Shared space - good for collaboration or too noisy?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Trend for less expensive open-plan offices is not always the best option, writes John Morgan

Specialisation is th e way forward, says Bath v-c

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

But critics worry that limiting activities will curtail income streams. Melanie Newman reports

Fee speech

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Funding cuts to force job losses at Bristol and Manchester Met

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A total of 377 jobs could be cut at the University of Bristol and Manchester Metropolitan University after they became the latest institutions to address the "severe pressures" forecast on government funding.

Postgraduate focus is likely future for Cambridge

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Scholar predicts change as university history prompts reflection. Melanie Newman reports

Oxford and Cambridge are head and shoulders above the rest, report says

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The universities of Oxford and Cambridge merit their reputation as exceptional institutions because they outshine their supposed rivals in the UK.

News in brief

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Point-based immigration

Odds and quads

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When Julie Flowers and Rosalind Howell put on a piece of "live art" called Grill ... A Piece of Toast at a National Review of Live Art event at Nottingham Trent University in 1994, they used this piece of toast to publicise the show.

World in motion: 20 November 2009

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If there was ever any doubt that world university rankings have become a serious matter for the higher education community, one had only to glance around at the International Conference on World-Class Universities in Shanghai earlier this month.

The week in higher education

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An American academic has stirred up controversy after posting adverts around Duke University asking female students to take part in a "sexually explicit" study. Dan Ariely, a behavioural economist, is seeking participants for a study involving...

Consultation aims to delineate relationship between scientists and ministers

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Government intends to update rules of engagement regarding policy advisers. Zoë Corbyn reports

MMU plans up to 127 job losses

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

‘Outraged’ union intends to fight redundancies as university starts consultation. John Morgan reports

Sir Roy Anderson steps down as Imperial rector

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When he returns to research, Sir Keith O’Nions will become acting rector. Melanie Newman writes

Poor staff relations threaten Birmingham’s sociology department

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The faculty has also been criticised for a poor RAE showing and a lack of research grants. Melanie Newman reports

No confidence in Leeds v-c as UCU members ballot for strike

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Union claims proposed 10 per cent cut in academic staff would push Leeds to bottom of staff-student ratio table. John Morgan reports

Unions angry over breaches to collective salary negotiations

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Some universities have implemented salary rises despite the lack of a pay deal. John Morgan writes

When it comes to pornography, vulgar humanities are happy to talk turkey

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When Alan McKee submitted a paper on pornography to a leading social science journal, he did not attempt to spare readers' blushes.

FEC scrutinised as deficit lingers

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

BIS asks why £2bn gap between research costs and income persists. Melanie Newman reports

Costs of specialist IT courses top the list

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Annual fees for taught postgraduate courses can be as high as £20,000, writes Rebecca Attwood

Crisis talks: part-timers pose threat to standards

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Rise of casual labour in the academy is dangerous, conference hears. Phil Baty reports from Shanghai

Tories likely to stick with framework if they take over

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Willetts welcomes document but is wary of its narrow economic focus. Melanie Newman writes

UCU takes Stirling to tribunal over consultation on job cuts

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

University says staff 'worked together to avoid compulsory redundancies'. John Morgan reports

Review 'will keep hike in fees off the agenda until after general election'

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vice-chancellors divided on what is to be done about the fees cap. Rebecca Attwood reports

Council cuts 'public engagement' awards

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A cash-strapped research council has axed an annual round of funding aimed at boosting the standing of particle physics in the public consciousness.

From where I sit - Symbolic meaning

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If history is the hunting ground of politicians, as was suggested in Times Higher Education recently, then what makes one political deployment of history worse than another?

Partnerships lacked legal grounding, QAA finds

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The standards watchdog has criticised Liverpool Hope University for running collaborative programmes without the necessary legal agreements.

THE writer wins top education journalist award

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Matthew Reisz, Times Higher...

The Week in Higher Education

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Students' laziness could be laid bare by a new system for recording their achievements at university, it has been claimed. Vice-chancellors met last week to discuss progress in the trial of the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR),...

Government seeks to patch up relations with scientists

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lord Drayson, the Science Minister, has moved to heal a rift between the Government and the science community following the sacking of an independent drugs adviser.

Pilot aims to stop students leaving without a word

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Scheme offers impartial guidance to those who are thinking of dropping out, writes Rebecca Attwood

Manga's superstar plots British Museum capers

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Professor Munakata, professor of folklore...

News in Brief

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Teaching parity

Old hands collect most from alumni

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the recession, most universities are seeing an increase in donations. Hannah Fearn reports

London School of Economics Penguin II: happy feet replaced

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Teesside University - Now that's what I call graduation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A video celebrating graduation ceremonies at Teesside University is proving to be a hit online. The YouTube clip shows a group of graduates abandoning their mortarboards and graduation gowns to burst into an energetic dance sequence, which...

Durham University - Rivers run deep

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leeds Metropolitan University - Historic home for the arts

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

University of Aberdeen - Natural born environmentalists

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

University of Birmingham - Eat yourself thin

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

University of Plymouth - No longer lost in translation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Middlesex University - Downturn stops the presses

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

School of Oriental and African Studies - Old world meets new

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The world's most comprehensive visual record of tribal cultures in South Asia and the Himalayas has gone online. More than 10,000 rare images are now available to researchers and the general public on the School of Oriental and African Studies'...

University of Bradford - In praise of collaboration

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

University of Chester - Flagship deal

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Coventry University - Better late than never

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

University of Exeter - Death of a distant star

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Gloucestershire/Chichester - Heart beats

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Imperial College London - Hub fuels hope for sustainability

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Spot the masterpiece

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Odds and quads

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This vast 50-tonne steam hammer, once...

New network for advisers offering words to the wise

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

University Alliance forms group for policy experts assisting vice-chancellors. Hannah Fearn reports

Beautiful minds converge to inspire Nobel prizewinners of the future

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Arab nation aims to light a beacon for education at the third Festival of Thinkers. Matthew Reisz reports

Overseas briefing

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

United States

Bristol announces 250 jobs to go by 2011-12

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vice-chancellor tells staff that cuts are accompanied by wider review identifying where university is ‘wasting resources’ in a bid to find £15m savings, reports John Morgan

‘Energy therapy’ project in school denounced as ‘psychobabble’

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

EmoTrance and other psychotherapeutic schemes must be evaluated scientifically, scholars say. Melanie Newman reports

Academic made ‘untrue’ declaration about ‘full access’ to research material, GMC finds

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lead author who had not seen all of Procter & Gamble’s raw data about osteoporosis drug was ‘negligent’ but not ‘deliberately dishonest’. Phil Baty reports

Lord Browne to lead fees review

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

David Eastwood and Julia King join panel considering the future of student support. John Gill reports

'There’s no better job'

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It pays to be an academic during a recession, says Jon Marcus

Scientific advisers demand fresh start with Government

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Great and good unveil principles to guide relationship between the state and scientific advice in the aftermath of the Nutt affair. Zoë Corbyn reports

Business firmly woven into the fabric of new framework

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Government's long-awaited strategy for the sector is out at last. Melanie Newman reports

Managers and scholars divided as resistance grows to impact agenda

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Senior figures discuss shortcomings as letters and petition reveal growing dissent. Zoë Corbyn reports

New era for the world rankings

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Listings revamp as Times Higher Education signs deal with Thomson Reuters. Phil Baty reports

Leader: Only the best for the best

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Our world rankings are hugely influential but also come under criticism every year, so we have decided to improve them

Outrage over drug adviser's dismissal

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Scientists ponder their next move in light of David Nutt's sacking by Home Office. Zoë Corbyn writes

V-c puts hand in pocket to revive philanthropic tradition

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Birmingham head donates £40,000 of own cash to Circles of Influence project. John Morgan reports

Once-wealthy Golden State system loses its lustre

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

California's staggering debt threatens the future of its mighty public universities. Jon Marcus reports

Roll up for blue-skies battle

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Researchers and science communicators to cross swords with Lord Drayson. Phil Baty reports

Up to 30 posts to go as Gloucestershire swings axe

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Compulsory redundancies planned as institution launches efficiency review. Melanie Newman writes

Next-gen PhDs fail to find Web 2.0's 'on-switch'

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is counter-intuitive in the extreme, but young researchers are failing to make use of so-called "emergent technology", such as Web 2.0 tools, to support their work.

Route one: the beautiful game's overseas angle

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

British universities have long relied on their reputation for academic excellence and the prestige of UK degrees to tempt fee-paying students from overseas.

News in brief

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

University autonomy

From where I sit: 'People power' and the Wall's fall

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Memories of the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 are shaped by images: iconic moments that include the crowds gathered around the Brandenburg Gate; daring individuals climbing the barrier; helpless border guards looking on at the...

Standards criticism led to dressing-down for ex-QAA head

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Government stepped in to admonish the former head of the university quality watchdog "in no uncertain terms" when he publicly criticised the system for classifying degrees, it has emerged.

Short but tweet: the origins of the debate

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

skyponderer - Anyone else worried that science and defence are now inextricably politically linked? With lorddrayson doing both jobs!?

From the margins to the main page

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An exhibition focuses on the local fixers who made Western exploration possible. Matthew Reisz writes

Citations belie claims that pure research is best

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is "no evidence" that blue-skies work is more likely to produce highly cited papers than that with targeted funding, a study says.

Overseas briefing

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

India

Odds and quads

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At the heart of the University of Glamorgan's Treforest campus are three life-sized bronze female figures by Robert Thomas: a reclining nude titled Reflection; a seated Dreaming Girl, hugging her knees; and a third work, Independence.

The week in higher education

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Papers including The Daily Telegraph and The Sun rushed to splash pictures of scantily clad University of Cambridge students across their pages last week. The snaps of a near-naked "size-12 stunner", a bikini-clad student in a punt and a...

Over to you

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When we published the 2009 rankings last month, there was a lively online debate about the methodology. Comments included:

PR lecturer resigns in protest over lack of staff

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A lecturer has resigned from his job at the London College of Communication, claiming that the institution is not properly supporting its students.

Sector's income outshines ads and pharmaceuticals

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

UUK report shows that universities play a vital role in British economy. Melanie Newman reports

This is the news, live from the heart of the academy

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Solent v-c calls for tie-ins with broadcasters to save regional journalism. Melanie Newman writes

University of East London appoints new vice-chancellor

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Patrick McGhee to step up to the role in February 2010. Melanie Newman reports

Serious business: framework is unveiled

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Government’s long-term plan for sector outlines greater industrial involvement in courses and governance. Melanie Newman reports

Negative remarks about degrees earned ex-standards chief a dressing-down

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Former QAA head says row is leading to a significant shift in quality assurance. Rebecca Attwood reports

Excellence requires autonomy, say conference speakers

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Freedom from government interference is crucial to building world-class universities, an international gathering has heard. Phil Baty reports from Shanghai

Different pipers, same tune

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

1994 Group chief warns that the sector must dance to the music of ‘value for money’ whether Labour or the Conservatives lead. Melanie Newman reports

New data partner for World University Rankings

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Times Higher Education signs deal with Thomson Reuters

Nutt sacked by Home Secretary

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Government cracks down after distinguished scientist’s remarks about cannabis. Zoë Corbyn reports

Mergers fail to boost FE standards, says Ofsted

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pairing poor-performing colleges with higher education institutions is not improving provision significantly. John Morgan reports

Whither art: vanity is killing social sciences and the humanities

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Conference hears that scholarly narcissism is leading disciplines to ruin. Matthew Reisz writes

Doctorate doom? Don't forget the PhD's moment s of 'orgasmic' pleasure

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It should be a time of pleasure gained from feeling one's knowledge expand and the anticipation of a fulfilling academic career. But instead, most accounts of doctoral study are typified by a "passion for despair", with the PhD cast as a...

'Economies exercise' will result in 'significant' redundancies at Leeds

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Union says up to 700 posts may go in effort to save £35m a year. Melanie Newman writes

Taught postgrads speak their minds

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HEA survey and student forum find supervision to be a sore point. Rebecca Attwood reports

Mobility slows but EU wants many more to join Erasmus

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Push for 3 million students by 2012 as Commission aims to bolster programme. Phil Baty reports

Life itself, the universe and everything that's relevant

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Warwick considers including general education modules in curriculum. Hannah Fearn reports

Government ignores MPs on standards reform

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Government has rejected most of a cross-party group of MPs' recommendations on higher education.

News in brief

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Science select committee inquiries

20% say 'no' to student auditors

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fear of disrupting process is thought to lie at the root of the objection, writes Rebecca Attwood

MSP demands executive pay investigation

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A Labour MSP has called for an audit of senior staff's pay at Scottish universities after denouncing the rises seen in recent years as "truly staggering".

Cash focus a 'recipe for complacency'

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Academics give short shrift to call to concentrate funding on Russell Group elite. Zoe Corbyn reports

Dr? No: Glamorgan scientist falsely claimed PhD

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A prominent Welsh scientist falsely claimed in a grant application that he held a doctorate, it has emerged.

List of troubled institutions to remain secret

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A list of universities that were at risk of financial failure four years ago has been partially disclosed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

The wrong kind of STEM: UK needs fewer psychologists and more physicists

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Additional student places in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects will not address the shortage of STEM skills because candidates are studying the wrong degrees, the Confederation of British Industry has heard.

State your demands, Government and Tories tell students

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Universities warned to be more responsive or face the consequences. Hannah Fearn reports

Things fall apart, the sector may not hold: splintered future on cards

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pressures could lead to four-tier system, Liverpool Hope scholar predicts. Melanie Newman writes

Foreign students' shining example is recognised

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

They are sometimes seen as cash cows to bolster UK institutions' finances, but the wide-ranging contribution that overseas students make to campus life has been highlighted by the British Council.

From where I sit: Bureaucrats' worst nightmare

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When Zhu Qingshi accepted the presidency of the South China Science and Technology University (SCSTU) last month, one and a half years of searching finally came to an end. Notably, Professor Zhu became the first university president in China...

Original features

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, part of the University of London, is housed in a classic Art Deco building close to the British Museum.

Two heads are better than one ..

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Consultant says v-c role should be split to meet the recession's challenges. Hannah Fearn reports

Overseas briefing

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Australia

The week in higher education

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Meat juices, cabbage water and soy sauce: the ingredients for the perfect gravy have been identified by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The research, published on 23 October, also stipulates that, for the best meaty elixir, cooks should...

Laws of the academic jungle

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What’s it all about? The winner of the THE Lord Dearing Lifetime Achievement Award has distilled ten facts of university life to share

Government criticised over advert for diplomas

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Advertising Standards Authority upbraids department for misleading claims that qualifications are accepted by all universities

Global ambitions drive UK institutions

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

India and China top list of potential partners as universities race to expand, report says

‘Double fees and let banks provide loans’

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Report argues that move would increase sector’s reservoir of private funds. Melanie Newman reports

Website ban for academic bailed on harassment charges

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ex-Kingston lecturer faces six months’ jail if found guilty. Melanie Newman reports

V-c: focus research cash or 'mediocrity' awaits

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Russell Group head says 25-30 institutions should receive 90 per cent of funding. Zoë Corbyn reports

What not to wear in virtual circles

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Academics might party in Second Life, but they can't agree on attire, writes Rebecca Attwood

Chasing every penny exacts a high price

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Steve Smith says blind pursuit of cash could harm institutions' independence. Melanie Newman writes

Nobel laureates join fight against impact-based research funding

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Petition asks funding councils to scrap proposals to assess impact in REF. Melanie Newman reports

The world is at the top of the agenda across the UK

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Senior managers drive international strategies to equip institutions for global future, writes Phil Baty

Why offline? It's very personal

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Desire to protect status and student contact fuels resistance to e-learning. Rebecca Attwood writes

UCU has 'duty to confront' lackadaisical academics

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Union taken to task for not reprimanding scholars who fail to perform. Melanie Newman reports

From where I sit - Teaching is half the battle

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A friend of mine who decided to go back to university to do a postgraduate teaching degree in her mid-forties recently withdrew from the course after barely a semester. She didn't think the course's teaching and administration were good...

Original features

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When the University of Edinburgh's Grade A-listed Main Library, designed by Sir Basil Spence, was completed in 1967, it was the largest university library in Britain and one of the decade's outstanding new buildings in Scotland.

Overseas briefing

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Europe

Speak up to keep languages alive, review says

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The UK is in danger of becoming one of the most monolingual countries in the world, which could harm its performance in the global economy and its "intercultural competence" and make it less attractive as a research hub.

The week in higher education

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It was a confusing week for would-be students. On 15 October, The Independent reported: "Universities finally open their doors to the poor." But just four days later, The Daily Telegraph claimed: "Fewer poor children go to university despite...

Top prize lifts the whole of Teesside, not just university

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Awards reveal excellence in all areas of sector and payoffs far beyond campus, writes Hannah Fearn

Thin air and cocktail parties: Lammy and Willetts exchange blows

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Minister and shadows tangle in Commons debate on higher education. Melanie Newman writes

Student protest saves Sheffield biblical studies

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Plans to end undergraduate courses in biblical studies at the University of Sheffield have been shelved after the governing body ruled that students had not been fully consulted.

Ministers first, academics second

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Academics have reacted angrily to an internal research council document that says that the Government - not the academic community or the public - is the "primary audience" for its campaign to improve the economic and social impact of the...

Liverpool eyes global status with new institute

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Liverpool took a step further in its mission to position itself as a "global university" this week, launching a new Confucius Institute and confirming a network of five new private partner institutions around the world.

Psychosocial side of Israel-Palestine conflict explored

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Conference tries to end domination of issue by non-specialist UK academics. Matthew Reisz reports

News in brief

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Postgraduate study

The write stuff?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Academic authors to debate the pros and cons of creative writing courses. Hannah Fearn reports

Languages need a single voice to command attention, says review

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Scholars advised to unite to win vital support from institutions and Government. Melanie Newman reports

Cash carrot for academy to meet industrial needs

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lord Mandelson announces incentives to encourage rapid responses to ‘fill niche gaps in the skills base’. Phil Baty reports

Oxford students criticise university for spending millions on public affairs

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Student newspaper quotes students complaining of ‘deficiencies in basic facilities’

Postcode lottery exacerbates university participation rates

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Study shows that the gap between the haves and have-nots is widening

Rich beware: Robin Hood rises again

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Courses on beneficent outlaw flourish in hard times

Accolades flow for innovation and excellence

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Teesside rewarded with top prize in 2009 sector awards

'Agenda for change' aims to combat feedback myths

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lobby group calls for a 'fundamental rethink' of student assessment. Rebecca Attwood reports

SLC faces more flak as travel and consultancy expenditure is exposed

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Spending comes to light as students still wait for loans to be processed. Melanie Newman reports

No place for hip hop in art school

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Study detects bias against working-class and ethnic-minority students. Melanie Newman writes

The unexpected cost of low inflation: research councils will cut grants

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Researchers are to be hit in the pocket after the UK research councils announced that they will claw back about £10 million from around 3,000 existing grants.

UCU rejects pay offer and calls for further talks

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The University and College Union has rejected employers' 0.5 per cent pay offer for 2009-10.

Hefce leader dismisses fear of end of blue-skies work

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

But most academics now describe their research as applied or 'user-inspired'. Hannah Fearn writes

Rethink impact plans, think-tank tells Hefce

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hepi criticises the REF's 'untested' procedure and plans to cut subject panels. Zoë Corbyn writes

Greenwich and Leeds Met given 'limited confidence' ratings by QAA

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Watchdog criticises monitoring of standards at the two institutions. Melanie Newman reports

Philosophy - think about it, it's fun and it's for everyone

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Warwick academic set to promote the application of ethics in everyday life. Matthew Reisz reports

Super Russell and the quest for first principles

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It must have been a tough idea to sell to a publisher: a graphic novel about Bertrand Russell's "quest for the foundations of mathematics".

No resistance to the pen-pushers

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

'Supine' academy blamed for not fighting rise in 'disastrous' bureaucracy. Melanie Newman writes

News in brief

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mergers

The week in higher education

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It may be teen vampire fiction, but the Twilight books are apparently as valid a talking point in University of Oxford admission interviews as William Shakespeare's plays. Revealing some of the topics that could come under discussion on...

Winner praises Nobel-laureate factory's culture

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The 14th Nobel prize for a scientist based at a famous British laboratory has been hailed as proof of the benefits of cultivating a culture that fosters curiosity-driven research.

Original features

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Celebrating its centenary this month, the Grade II listed Main Building at Cardiff University is one of the city's major landmarks.

Recession may force cuts in library jobs and services

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Scholars are being warned to brace themselves for reduced access to new books, says Hannah Fearn

Merger 'off the cards' as head sets out her stall

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Queen Margaret University will remain independent, Petra Wend tells Hannah Fearn

'Hopeless tide' of red tape threatens the future

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The difficulties of securing grant funding as a young researcher are well documented.

Overseas briefing

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Canada

America's 'melt' is swamped by an undergraduate deluge

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fears of mass dropouts prove unfounded as institutions struggle with record intakes. Jon Marcus reports

From where I sit: An exercise in mass courtship

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When you're engaged in teaching classes or immersed in research, you tend to forget that higher education is big business. That attitude is much harder to sustain when you are standing on the floor of a vast trade-show venue, facing a surging...

US broods while Canada warns of new world order

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings have made waves across the globe. In America, the figures have fed into a narrative of national decline, while its northern neighbour is not taking success for granted. Phil Baty reports

Scientists compromised by commercial links

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Concerns are mounting that scientific and technological research funded by business could be undermining universities’ openness and independence. Zoë Corbyn reports

‘Too much information’ – Facebook users may be revealing more than they think

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Privacy issues raised as lists of friends analysed to indicate sexual orientation. Jon Marcus reports

QAA berates Greenwich over academic standards

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Watchdog demands that ‘misleading’ information and ‘inconsistencies’ are addressed.

The world today: 09 October 2009

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A round-up of higher education news from across the globe

From where I sit: Bye-bye, American high

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The era of US dominance in higher education, like the era of the expanding American middle class, seems to be over. Its official death knell might have been sounded when Deborah Solomon's interview with Mark Yudof, president of the University...

UK boosts standing but Asian countries 'snap at our heels'

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

US dominance slips, UK improves position but China and Korea close the gap, writes Phil Baty

World today: 8 October 2009

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Israel

The sleeping giant is rising to challenge global order

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

India's increasing productivity may lead to a 'new geography' of research worldwide. Phil Baty reports

Publisher drops claim of plagiarism

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Academic is thought to have threatened legal action over accusations, writes Zoë Corbyn

Conservatives may scrap potential-impact terms

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Shadow secretary rejects 'clunky business' of pre-defined research outputs. Melanie Newman writes

Four in ten top scholars educated privately

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sutton Trust highlights domination of sector and calls for change. Rebecca Attwood reports

QAA head's parting shot at MPs' 'Spanish Inquisition'

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Outgoing chief tells Rebecca Attwood about rude committees and the need for autonomy

From the bottom up: everyday experiences of excellence

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Academics from top-ranked universities describe what makes their institution a world-beater

Rankings 09: Asia advances

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

America's superpower status is slipping as other countries' efforts to join the global elite begin to pay dividends. Phil Baty reports

Rankings 09: Talking points

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The World University Rankings are compiled using a mixture of quantitative indicators and informed opinion

Rankings 09: The winning spirit

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Harry Lewis reflects on how Harvard's unique ethos, constructive confusion and unreconciled tensions ensure its continuing success

Rankings 09: Areas of expertise

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Universities in East Asia are showing strength even in the humanities, a subject in which they traditionally have fared poorly

Rankings 09: Beacons of excellence

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

UK Universities are highly regarded around the world. They must not allow complacency to set in and endanger their enviable position, says David Lammy

Rankings 09: Measures matter

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Rankings are here to stay - the challenge is to make them more accurate and useful, argue Jamil Salmi and Roberta Malee Bassett

Five-year grants? Try 12 months

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Physicists lament as financial woes see STFC temporarily cut funding lengths. Zoë Corbyn writes

News in brief

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Wales

Completion data error 'was just a misunderstanding'

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

V-c facing £3.5m clawback insists Wolverhampton correctly reported figures, writes Melanie Newman

Original features

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although the University of Portsmouth has had a single, purpose-built library since 1976, which was extended in 1988, changing technology and huge expansion in student numbers have left it unsuitable for present-day needs.

It could be you, but getting an offer is merely a lottery

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Universities should say merit plays no part in getting a place, professor argues. Melanie Newman reports

Lifelong learners can work out at gym for the mind

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Baroness Deech, the former head of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, once likened studying for a university degree to going to the gym: you pay your money, but you have to put in the work to get fit.

Britons place little impotence on good spelling

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The claim that British students are sloppier in their use of English than their international counterparts provoked a lively response from online readers of Times Higher Education.

The week in higher education

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

He has demonstrated a fondness for luxury in the past - not least on summer holidays in Corfu - but now it has emerged that Lord Mandelson also has very expensive taste in watches. The First Secretary, responsible for higher education, was...

Overseas briefing

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

United States

Students' rosy outlook blamed as two thirds shun university careers advice

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hindsight may be a wonderful thing, but for the Class of 2009, more forethought would have stood them in better stead post-graduation, according to new research.

Scots' fears over banding shake-up

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Science and the arts benefit but IT and education miss out in proposed system, writes Hannah Fearn

The world today: 07/10/09

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Higher education news from around the globe

Government lines up money for six new university towns, but 17 areas lose out

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Delight as Somerset, Crawley, Milton Keynes, Swindon, Thurrock and the Wirral are chosen to receive funding for campuses

Call for overhaul of research funding to help Europe keep pace with China and India

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Striving for excellence in universities to achieve a new renaissance is the only choice, says report to European Commission. Zoë Corbyn reports

Tory plans for ‘emergency fund’

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Early repayment of student loans mooted to finance university expansion. Hannah Fearn reports

The impotence of good English: it’s a piratical issue

Sun, 4 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Imperial scholar finds that in terms of spelling and grammar, foreign students know best. Rebecca Attwood reports

SFC announces teaching-finance overhaul

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Council plans to slash funding bands, raising the possibility of cuts in some subjects. Hannah Fearn reports

UK urged to pursue ‘diversity’ by cherrypicking US system

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cambridge v-c believes selective policy adoption would strengthen UK higher education. By Melanie Newman

China ousts UK in academic research ranking

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

UK loses second place in publication output volume, but share of citations increases

'Radical change' is needed to reassure public on standards

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hefce report places communication at heart of proposals to build trust. Rebecca Attwood writes

New definition of ‘legal battle’

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fights break out as Brunel law students queue overnight to avoid unpopular supervisors in first-come, first-served system. Melanie Newman reports

The Xbox factor: gaming's role in future assessment

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Computer games offer 'authentic' test of creativity, says Gloucestershire v-c. Melanie Newman reports

The mirth-making candidate? Peep Show star's REF critique the right stuff for councils

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

He has made his name as a cutting-edge comedian in hit television shows such as Channel 4's Peep Show.

A bar too far? Drunkenness off duty won't do

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It may not constitute a grave threat to academic freedom, but the freedom of academics to get drunk in their own time is being curtailed at Cardiff University.

Probe leaves butterfly paper's fate up in the air

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Top scholar may have broken PNAS rules when advocating unorthodox study. Zoë Corbyn reports

Finances of e-school are not making the grade

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Four UK institutions receive tiny return on millions invested in U21Global. Melanie Newman writes

Man with two brains' vision for life under Cameron

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Teaching is top of David Willetts' agenda for a Tory-ruled academy. Melanie Newman reports

V-c calls for united front to fend off funding axe

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Warning that internal divisions are weakening the sector's response to cuts. Melanie Newman writes

Crisis, what crisis? The 1970s get a bad press

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is a stock image of the 1970s as the lowest point in British postwar history. Widespread strikes, rubbish piling up on the streets and a bankrupt Labour Government forced to seek huge loans from the International Monetary Fund are...

Civic engagement is no 'Cinderella' activity and must become a priority

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Scholar says community work should be part of teaching and research. Hannah Fearn reports

Original features

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Part of the largest university accommodation project in the UK, the eco-residences at Lancaster University's County and Grizedale Colleges provide 800 rooms for students.

Lecturers receive bar-code scanners to take register

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Staff complain of being given time-consuming 'housekeeping' duties. Melanie Newman reports

Aberdeen overhaul aims to increase breadth of study

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Curriculum aspires to produce the flexible students demanded by industry. Hannah Fearn reports

Nobel cause: Bangladesh and scotland to reap the benefits of team-up

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Glasgow Caledonian University is establishing a health and social equality research department in Scotland and a centre for nursing in Bangladesh in partnership with Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate.

From where I sit - History men's impact on events

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

That scientists and economists influence government is well known, but what about historians' effect on public policy?

News in brief

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Employment tribunal

The week in higher education

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The policy of charging lower top-up fees than almost every other university has cost Leeds Metropolitan University £10 million in lost earnings. Speaking on 24 September, Geoff Hitchins, chief executive of Leeds Met, said the flagship "low-charge,...

Finance worries kill off medical school merger

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Uncertainties over future funding have made a plan to merge two London higher education institutions "too risky", it has been claimed.

California steaming

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leicester feels benefits of Times Higher accolade

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is more than just a pat on the back. Since it was named Times Higher Education's University of the Year 2008, the University of Leicester has seen significant growth in interest from prospective staff and students.

Overseas briefing

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Spain

Contamination unlikely to have caused Manchester cancer cases

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Independent inquiry finds that illnesses among Rutherford Building staff were probably coincidence. Melanie Newman reports

Law scholars object to minister’s ‘selfish’ charge

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justice Secretary says universities are putting their interests first by offering too many law places. Hannah Fearn reports

Sheffield staff “astonished” at being asked to clean up after themselves

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The University and College Union has criticised plans to vacuum and wipe offices just once every few weeks

Gloucestershire to shut London outpost

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Move comes less than a year after a multimillion-pound refit. Melanie Newman reports

For the last time, ‘Edward III’ is not a sequel!

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Study shows that Hollywood’s version of events lingers longer in the mind than historians’ painstaking work. Jon Marcus reports

Once more unto the breach…

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Retired v-c of London South Bank to take the reins at UEL on an interim basis. Melanie Newman reports

It's evolution, not revolution for REF

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Continuities with RAE, but impact to equal one quarter of assessment scores. Zoë Corbyn reports

Workload: it's not heavier, but it is more burdensome

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Study finds hours have not risen for years, but the administrative load has. Zoë Corbyn reports

Brits tipped for Nobel glory

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Analysis by Thomson Reuters puts physicists in line for accolade, writes Zoë Corbyn

'Table of tables' offers sector clearer picture

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Combined ranking provides more comprehensive view of institutions' progress. Hannah Fearn reports

Sharpen your presidential address with rhetoric MA

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new course hopes to transform and revive an area often seen as outdated. Matthew Reisz reports

Hepi: voucher-style funding is not the answer

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A "voucher" system for funding higher education would cause more problems than it would solve, a report published this week by the Higher Education Policy Institute says.

Sex, drugs and snobs: ITV piles on the clichés

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Evil professors, outrageous initiation rites and stupendously snobbish students: these are not the images Oxbridge wants to cultivate, but such stereotypes abound in Trinity, a new ITV2 drama set at the fictional Bridgeford University.

Bonnie Scots: funding hiked by 3.6 per cent

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Scottish universities have welcomed an unexpected boost in funding for higher education in the draft budget for the next academic year.

Sector split by CBI's vision of higher fees and less aid

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Report says student support should be slashed to maintain standards. Hannah Fearn reports

Chinese online fancy the UK, but food's a worry

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Chinese students using online social networks to discuss studying abroad put the UK at the head of the pack - but worry about where to buy Chinese food when they get here.

Poor RAE results lead to job cuts

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Stirling plans overhaul of its hiring strategy as research funding falls. Melanie Newman reports

Overseas briefing

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

United States

Saudi Arabia begins putting minds to challenges of future

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As classes start at Western-style research institute, questions hang over UK partners, writes Zoë Corbyn

From where I sit: Tedious politics, derelict academy

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have seen many election campaigns, but the one taking place in Germany right now is by far the most boring. It is easy to see why: 62.2 million Germans will cast their votes on 27 September, and their new Chancellor will be the old one:...

Lib Dems' fees stance in limbo

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

'No decision' to mothball abolition plans despite leader's comments. Melanie Newman reports

The week in higher education

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Bunk beds, night lectures, late loans. Welcome to university life in 2009." The difficulties facing this year's student intake were painfully clear last week when the student-loan system fell into chaos. A backlog in payments has affected...

News in brief

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Public engagement

Origin of species? How about origin of property?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Universities could face expensive legal action and embarrassing ethical questions if they don't formulate rules on how to manage their cultural property.

Drayson pledge on science coverage

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Scientists 'misrepresented' in media encouraged to contact minister for help. Zoë Corbyn reports

Original features

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The 16-storey Muirhead Tower, named after the University of Birmingham's first professor of philosophy, has become one of its iconic buildings.

Controversial US course shows there's a fine line between stupidity and cleverness

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is not something a university would normally want to be associated with, but students in the US are queuing to sign up for a course on stupidity.

Terence Kealey: a response to criticism

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In our issue of 17 September Terence Kealey was commissioned to write on ‘Lust’ for our feature on the seven deadly sins of academia. Following...

RAE sequel looks strangely familiar

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

REF consultation shows new assessment model does not represent a radical departure from its predecessor. Zoë Corbyn reports

Bone professor faces GMC probe

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lead author falsely claimed ‘full access’ to data in study funded and co-authored by Procter & Gamble. Phil Baty reports

Becoming a teacher is ‘too easy’, says think-tank

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Demos report argues that the one-year PGCE is too short and has unacceptably low entry criteria. Melanie Newman reports

Cut student support and raise fees to preserve quality, says CBI

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Task force’s call for ‘uncomfortable’ choices is condemned by the NUS and the UCU. Hannah Fearn reports

It’s the stupidity, stupid

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A course on ‘the most powerful determinant of human destiny’ strikes a nerve with the American media. Jon Marcus reports

Standards chief criticises MPs over ‘complacency’ claims

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

But IUSS member replies that attacks on the Students and Universities report are ‘spurious nonsense’. Hannah Fearn reports

Shock horrors or sound science?

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After defending science reporting against Goldacre’s ‘unremitting focus’ on missteps, Drayson promises to look into tales of misrepresentation. Zoë Corbyn reports

Unequal opportunities in final RAE

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Female and black staff disadvantaged as Hefce strives for REF improvements. Zoë Corbyn reports

Mind your manners, not the phone, please

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Students' use of mobiles tops the list of uncivil teaching disruptions, writes Rebecca Attwood

I'm a celebrity academic ... in the blogosphere

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

British universities have been encouraged to embrace the concept of the "celebrity academic" and follow in the footsteps of their "shamelessly" self-promoting peers in North America.

Big time: welcome to the age of 'mass access' worldwide

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

OECD findings pose major political questions for higher education across the globe, writes Phil Baty

Rules are revised after big promise proves empty

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Without checks on donor, university accepted a pledge of £2.5 million. Melanie Newman reports

Formal review to consider four key areas of postgraduate study

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vitae conference also told about the possibility of Roberts funding winding up. Zoë Corbyn reports

Government accused of ignoring need for learning beyond work

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A two-year inquiry finds education opportunities for older people are shrinking, says Hannah Fearn

Males more optimistic, but to their detriment

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Male students are more confident than their female counterparts and expect to do better academically - but they are also more likely to drop out or defer their studies, according to research.

Image is everything, Lammy tells v-cs

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Minister says that public's view of sector could determine funding levels, writes Melanie Newman

Auditors clear former v-c and wife's expenses

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leeds Metropolitan University will clarify its policies on staff expenses after an independent investigation found that senior managers had failed to provide receipts for items bought on university purchase cards.

Healthy Developments

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Support for researchers' professional development is at an all-time high, two studies presented at the Vitae conference last week suggest.

News in brief

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Exam howlers

From where I sit: Reformation, but at what cost?

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The start of the Dutch academic year is an intriguing spectacle. Even the University of Twente, set up in 1961, takes the opportunity for its professors to parade through Enschede's town centre in their full Golden Age pomp.

The week in higher education

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The head of the Student Loans Company has been forced to apologise amid anger over delays that have left tens of thousands of students without loans. Up to 170,000 students are reported to be awaiting the outcome of their application. Ralph...

Marshall plan ties funds to mission

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

1994 Group head proposes universities approach Hefce directly for cash, writes Melanie Newman

Glamour, not strategy, drives students abroad

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

British students attracted to the idea of studying overseas are a privileged bunch who are looking for excitement, glamour and adventure, a new study suggests.

Schools say mea culpa as they cash in on MBAs

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Applications rise as institutions vow to play their part in resolving the crisis. Hannah Fearn reports

Overseas briefing

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Australia

Original features

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Edinburgh's Waddington Building, which officially opened last week to house its Centre for Systems Biology, offers a flexible environment for experimental and theoretical researchers.

Worthy traveller: publication that reshaped the landscape turns silver

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Wasafiri, a magazine that opened up literary studies to fresh voices, is 25. Matthew Reisz reports

'Support' for CNZS but no U-turn on its closure

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The college at the centre of an escalating row over plans to close its Centre for New Zealand Studies (CNZS) has pledged to continue supporting its work in some form - but stopped short of reversing its decision to wind the centre down.

Sector’s funding quangos under scrutiny

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mandelson announces review to cut ‘overlapping bureaucracies and duplicated programmes’.

‘Mickey-Mouse’ degrees are lucrative, too

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

League tables show usual suspects and post-92 vocational graduates fare well in the job market. Hannah Fearn reports

“Bigwig” ushered “nonsense” paper into top journal, say scientists

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An article claiming caterpillars and butterflies evolved separately has attracted widespread criticism, writes Zoë Corbyn

Leeds Met expenses probe 'exonerates' Lee

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

KPMG finds no evidence of wrongdoing, but discovers cases of non-compliant practice among management. Melanie Newman reports

Reading plans restructure

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Institution may create three overarching faculties to concentrate strengths and cut costs. Hannah Fearn reports

Lammy demands ‘further and faster’ progress towards economic impact

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Higher Education Minister also tells UUK conference that sector must bring in more private cash. Phil Baty reports

Students get marks just for turning up

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Universities accused of "bribing" undergraduates. Rebecca Attwood reports

Paedophilia research riles and titillates the academy

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Winchester academic finds no consensus on controversial study, writes Melanie Newman

Major errors prompt questions over Google Book Search's scholarly value

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Google Book Search's mistakes provoke questions about its scholarly value. Matthew Reisz reports

Drayson/Goldacre debate: Can the press pass the test of scientific merit?

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When Times Higher Education reported the Science Minister's argument that UK science journalists were the "best in the world", many of our readers took exception.

'You want jobsworths? Then pay us what the job's worth'

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Liverpool Hope's nine-to-five plans prompt debate about academics' working lives, writes Ciaran Jones

Cash and quality debate faces UUK

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Concerns over standards and funding to dominate 2009 conference. Melanie Newman reports

Impact policy needs 'more evidence'

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Campaign says Treasury must appoint science adviser to articulate strategies, writes Zoë Corbyn

'Irrationally generous' NHS payoff ruling should forewarn universities

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lawyers counsel that large severance payments may be legally invalid, writes Melanie Newman

The week in higher education

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Giant sunshades, forests of artificial trees and other space-age technologies mooted as potential solutions to a "climate catastrophe" all have serious drawbacks, according to the Royal Society. A report into "geoengineering" technologies...

Overseas briefing

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

International

The green university at the heart of a living lab

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Masdar Institute aims to take the lead in the fight against climate change. Hannah Fearn writes

From where I sit: Losing the power of concentration

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There's been a kerfuffle in Australia lately over literacy levels, as old statistics are trotted out yet again to make sensationalist headlines.

News in brief

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Corruption

Union fights for campus crèches

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Unison prepares campaign to reverse planned closures of nurseries. Hannah Fearn reports

Original features

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Sunderland's CitySpace, which opens next week, was designed by architects FaulknerBrowns to act as the focal point for all non-academic aspects of campus life: sport, socialising and events.

Librarians desperate for e-books as demand outstrips supply, Jisc finds

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Study also shows that provision does not affect sales of printed texts. Rebecca Attwood reports

Lights, camera, Salford: v-c set for MediaCity challenge

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Hall is excited by the university's role in the 'media hub' of the North. Rebecca Attwood writes

Tutors resolute despite lifelong death knell

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Earth science tutors at the University of Bristol have said they will continue to teach lifelong learning courses - in spite of the university's decision to close these programmes because of reduced public funding.

Far-fetched formulae make science a 'joke'

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The trend for newspapers to print serious-looking mathematical formulae for everything from the perfect joke to the perfect football penalty, or even whether Britney Spears' "boobline is too low", has been criticised at the British Science...

Watergate under the bridge for Class of 2013

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Are the cultural references you make in class met with blank stares from students?

Don’t expect Roberts cash to last, warns RCUK

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Universities told they may have to fund doctoral training themselves. Zoë Corbyn reports

Peer reviewers satisfied with system

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

But Sense About Science survey finds that two thirds of those polled think it is failing to detect plagiarism. David Schley reports

Campaign decries redundancy plan’s ‘impossible’ choice

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Severance options at Surrey amounted to ‘sackings’ claims letter signed by almost 200 scholars. Melanie Newman reports

UK urged to increase investment in higher education

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Comparative figures from OECD report show UK lagging behind other developed nations. Phil Baty reports

Conference boycott urged over ‘plagiarist’ chair

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Appeal to academics to show disapproval of proven research misconduct by Croatian professor. Zoë Corbyn reports

Richard who?

Sun, 6 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a bid to bridge the generation gap between new students and academics, an American professor devised a list of cultural reference points on incoming students. Jon Marcus reports

Twitter classes for aspiring journalists

Sat, 5 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new course will teach media students how to break news via social networking sites, reports Jon Marcus in Chicago

Manchester neuroscientist resigns

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Annmarie Surprenant, the scholar accused of marking irregularities, stands down. Melanie Newman reports

Birkbeck’s Kiwi flagship sinks

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

University says Centre for New Zealand Studies is unsustainable, despite £100,000 donation from NZ Government last year. Melanie Newman reports

Peer-review system threat as research grants nosedive

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

RCUK chair is 'awfully concerned' about all-time low success rate for grants. Zoë Corbyn reports

Governor hammers 'megalomaniac' v-c

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brunel council's 'stuffed donkeys' embroiled in latest governance row, writes Melanie Newman

Institutions slap down those who speak up, argues campaigning scholar

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Scholars who embrace the role of the "public academic" are not only insufficiently rewarded for their efforts, they are often punished for them, too.

Barr says it's time for fees to vary

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Admit differences between universities and charge accordingly, paper says. Rebecca Attwood reports

Language of power is focus in legal action over sackings

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Professors who taught dying tongue say university 'fabricated' claims. Melanie Newman reports

Wanted: motivated v-c with 'compelling record'

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The faint-hearted need not apply, but for the right candidate it should represent as exciting and challenging an opportunity as any in the sector: London Metropolitan University is looking for its next vice-chancellor.

Shrinking violets need not apply

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Conference recommends v-cs toughen up and get used to talking money, writes Hannah Fearn

The week in higher education

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fewer grants means fight for prize is tougher

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pressure on elite researchers grows as the number of awards declines. Zoë Corbyn reports

'Easy' degree is no credit to nations, says academic

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Degrees on topics akin to "advanced Frisbee and line dancing" are damaging economies by giving graduates of the "American Idol generation" a false sense of achievement without leading to meaningful employment, a New Zealand academic has claimed.

Overseas briefing

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

United States

From where I sit: Drought, saving and spending

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How bad is the drought in India? The evidence of a crisis in the countryside - farmers forced to sell their cattle, shortages of water and fodder, failure of crops - has been vividly described by P. Sainath, the respected rural affairs editor...

Dismal Amazon ratings belie success of print on demand

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Libraries cater for small audiences but are giving a valuable service, writes Matthew Reisz

Students 'magnify effect of term-time paid jobs'

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Students may be exaggerating the negative effects of term-time paid employment in order to avoid involvement in other activities, researchers at Edge Hill University suggest.

Lecturer treated in shambolic way

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tribunal says management were unreasonable and probation periods too long, writes Melanie Newman

News in brief

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Funding warning

Original features

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Grove House, a Grade II listed building that forms part of Roehampton University's Froebel College, stands on the site of Roehampton Great House.

Roberts cash helps research and researchers, Vitae report says

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Analysis reveals positive impact of money amid calls for clarity about the future. Zoë Corbyn reports

Pakistan's v-cs enjoy lessons even if not all are applicable

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An international exchange scheme helps university leaders face their challenges. Hannah Fearn writes

Sacked Muslim scholar to sue Dutch university

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Decision to fire Tariq Ramadan for his work with Iranian-funded TV network was ‘political’, he claims. Melanie Newman reports

Union plans academic boycott of London Met

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

UCU threatens to ‘grey-list’ the institution unless it backs down on job cuts. Melanie Newman reports

Quids out

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Universities are reporting a major decline in donations, with the US worse hit than the UK

League tables should be replaced, says v-c

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Chris Brink calls for quality profiling as Mandelson ponders spidergrams, writes Melanie Newman

Best Wank and Gaza: this year’s top exam howlers

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Rebecca Attwood looks at the student bloopers that reduced their tutors to tears

Western dominance of education under threat

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The UK is retaining its share of the international student market, but for how long? Phil Baty reports

Those who can, get a PhD; those who can't, simply teach anyway

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

THE readers debate the thorny issue of minimum requirement for academics. Ciaran Jones listens in

Superheroes too self-absorbed to lead in current climate

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Flamboyant, arrogant vice-chancellors who are initially perceived as "heroic" or "visionary" may end up damaging their universities in the long term.

Short and tweet: modern philosophy and Twitter

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's challenging, but not impossible to form ideas that work Tweet-length, reports Matthew Reisz

Hundreds of Sheffield staff opt for severance

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More than 300 staff at the University of Sheffield have volunteered to quit their jobs and are to leave the institution by the end of November.

Paper binned after backlash over 'feathering nests' claim

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Executives' document criticises 'talking shops' and 'avoiding responsibility'. Zoë Corbyn reports

Use your brain, don't hold it in

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Exercising self-control depletes students' mental power, says a new study. Hannah Fearn reports

Original features

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Standing at the entrance to the Queensgate Campus, the University of Huddersfield's new creative arts building opened last year and has already established itself as a landmark on the ring road around the town.

From the sublime to the sustainable, and back again

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Some have odd titles, but many debates at the RGS conference are deadly serious, writes Matthew Reisz

Hull drops plans to build a Malaysian faculty

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Plans to develop a "boutique campus" in Malaysia as part of a major new development in the south of the country have been shelved by the University of Hull.

News in brief

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Misconduct charges

Overseas briefing

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

United States

From where I sit - Between a rock and a hard place

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Where I sit is getting awkward these days. I find myself caught in the middle of an increasingly acrimonious debate between faculty and administrators as financial pressures are creating a perfect storm around the allocation of teaching...

Half of all clearing places snapped up within four days

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

University places offered through clearing have filled in record time amid the "biggest ever" squeeze on university applications.

The week in higher education

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Credit: Nick NewmanThe A-level results...

Universities should not be viewed as a cure-all for every social policy or economic goal

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Professor argues that academics must make sure they stick to core activities rather than being forced to be all things to all men

Boost emotional skills to help reduce drop-out rates, say academics

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Universities urged to develop programmes to help young adults make transition to higher education, writes Melanie Newman