- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Order a Prospectus
- Faculties & Departments
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
By telephone
During office hours
(Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00)
+44 (0)1234 400 400
Outside office hours
(Campus Watch)
+44 (0)1582 74 39 89
By email
admission@beds.ac.uk (admissions)
international@beds.ac.uk (international)
sid@beds.ac.uk (student support)
help@beds.ac.uk (registration)
By post
University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK, LU1 3JU
Five institutions inspected by the quality watchdog over their partnerships with providers in Singapore have been advised to take action to ensure their written agreements are “fit for purpose”.
Further education colleges will be able to offer their own foundation degrees for the first time in a landmark step towards institutions obtaining full degree-awarding powers.
Lancaster University has appointed a senior manager at the University of Warwick as its next vice-chancellor.
Smaller specialist colleges have welcomed proposals from the government that would allow institutions with 1,000 higher education students to gain university title.
Hesa data show worst performers on access will be best placed to benefit, writes John Morgan
A 2 per cent drop in undergraduates is expected in the first year of higher fees. Simon Baker reports
Academics warn of threat to economy as extent of EPSRC cuts is revealed. Paul Jump reports
US is the costliest of 10 countries surveyed, with Australia and UK close behind. John Morgan writes
US academic's bespoke model of Sir Steve Smith is 'a lot thinner', subject observes. John Gill reports
The new vice-chancellor at a university emerging from financial woes has asked for a "warts and all" account from staff about their experiences and vision for the future.
A third of the subpanels in the 2014 research excellence framework intend to use citation information.
London South Bank among final beneficiaries as £200m scheme closes, writes David Matthews
No urge to merge with Liverpool, insists Lancaster's v-c, but union sounds warning. John Morgan reports
Higher education is the worst at protecting against fraud of all publicly funded sectors, with the annual cost potentially exceeding £1 billion, a new report suggests.
Fears are growing that new visa rules could expose UK universities to a sharp downturn in demand from Indian students next year, after one university reported a large drop in numbers.
Elite deals pursued in defiance of national parity will reap 'pain', union warns. John Morgan reports
Institutional self-interest could hit infrastructure as central funds shrink. David Matthews reports
Report advises transformation of management systems, faculty and curricula. Jack Grove writes
Universities' arrangements to uphold academic standards are "robust and effective", the Quality Assurance Agency has said.
Pakistan poses challenging problems for academics beyond politics and religion, writes John Morgan
Scholars fight to halt effort to streamline sector and make it more accountable. Jack Grove reports
The University of Western Australia's Arts Building is a solemn 1930s stone structure, built beside the Swan River estuary but lacking the panache of other campus edifices with their hints of De Chirico. Inside the three floors are composed...
The number of Scottish applicants accepted on results day by Scottish universities and colleges has fallen by around 2 per cent on last year.
Despite annual reports that the A-level pass rate is rising, students expecting their results on 18 August have expressed a lack of confidence in attaining the grades they require.
University of Abertay Dundee
Kingston University
The notorious Berlin Olympics of 1936 were accompanied by an International Sports Pedagogic Congress.
United States
The sector’s biggest pension fund gave its chief executive a £50,000 bonus in a year when lecturers went on strike over cuts to their benefits, it has emerged.
Sweeping reforms to copyright law are set to open the door for greater access to research papers.
The principal of the University of the West of Scotland has been appointed as the new convener of Universities Scotland.
Some universities are considering ways to “buy” top achieving students, it has been claimed, as they prepare for the new competitive market in 2012.
By Scott Jaschik, for Inside Higher Ed
Fifty-five academics have been awarded fellowships worth £10,000 by the Higher Education Academy.
The higher education participation gap between the most deprived parts of Scotland and the rest of the country has shrunk for the fifth year in a row.
The UK needs an independent regulator to oversee research integrity, a committee of MPs has concluded.
A union has warned of “massive” job loses in Northern Ireland’s universities unless politicians work out how to avoid a 30 per cent cut in the devolved administration’s higher education budget.
Elite offers outstripping UK-wide deal could be tied to 'productivity', union warns. John Morgan reports
Sin language and Lehman's terms deployed in this year's crop of exam howlers. Sarah Cunnane writes
BPP University College plans to double its student-to-staff ratio as it expands across the country.
Investment in innovation viewed as Europe's route to sustainable growth and jobs. Jack Grove reports
Board member resigns over the matter and dozens sign a petition in protest. Simon Baker reports
A Malaysian university's mission offers a way out of poverty for thousands. David Matthews reports
An ill-disciplined bunch? Academics...
Mature students looking to re-skill will lose out in focus on first-timers. Simon Baker reports
The rise of journal impact factors has provoked many inarticulate rants from researchers and editors about the folly of trying to measure research quality numerically.
The Northern Ireland Executive has been urged by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service and the Student Loans Company (SLC) to clarify its position on tuition fees for 2012-13 as a matter of urgency.
Plymouth advised to tighten up procedures before ending correspondence courses. Jack Grove writes
MSc student rejects 'inadequate' offer and prepares to seek further compensation. Paul Jump reports
The Science and Technology Facilities Council is hoping that a formal consultation on the constitution of its subject-specific advisory panels will help to defuse tensions with academics.
Education scholars must showcase work or face obscurity, says Bera head. Matthew Reisz writes
Teaching diarists wrap up the year and look ahead to a break, if not a rest. Sarah Cunnane reports
The Science and Technology Facilities Council has agreed to reassess its membership to make sure the views of academics are adequately represented.
Visa changes and academic-year shifts may help boost overseas interest. Michael Fitzpatrick reports
This year is an archaeological milestone of sorts. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the government department involved in the preservation of antiquities and monuments in India, will celebrate its 150th anniversary.
University of Aberdeen
Australia
These are among the more unusual items held by the John Hay Library at Brown University on Rhode Island.
Appointments
David Willetts has set out a three-point “to do” list for the coming months, making it a priority to convince academics in the arts and humanities “how much we love them”.
The University of Abertay Dundee has reconfirmed the controversial retirement of its suspended principal Bernard King, and said that all legal claims between the two parties have been withdrawn.
The government is making “optimistic” assumptions about the effect of its student visa policy and must do more to base its plans on evidence, a group of MPs has warned.
A vote by the University of Cambridge’s governing “parliament” over whether to back a motion of no confidence in universities minister David Willetts has ended in a dead heat.
By Scott Jaschik, for Inside Higher Ed
The “huge risks” that are being taken with the future of the higher education sector have been highlighted in a critical review by the president of the British Academy.
Two Welsh universities are to launch a £2 million venture capital fund to invest in local businesses and commercialise research.
The proportion of the population without any educational qualifications is as high as one in three in some parliamentary constituencies, an analysis has shown.
Rising costs may herald a decline in uptake of higher degrees by home students. John Morgan reports
Programmes must appeal to students, not the vanity of academics, says PR head. David Matthews writes
Applicants for grants from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council will have to make the case for the national importance as well as the international excellence of their research, the organisation has said.
'Surprising' Hefce data may leave some research intensives' 'cores' exposed. Simon Baker reports
Large scholarships that put cash in students' pockets while they are studying should be offered by universities in preference to fee waivers, the government's advocate for access to education has recommended.
Regional differences in backing for rises may hurt post-92s serving communities, writes Simon Baker
Blaming recession for graduates' poor jobs record, UEL stands by its fees decision. Jack Grove reports
University may not always be the best option for those from poorer backgrounds. Jack Grove reports
Fleet of foot vocational institutions steal a march on traditional universities. Jon Marcus reports
The University of East London has parted company with an academic found guilty of research misconduct at two previous universities.
Study-and-work model revived for accountancy trainees to improve access. Simon Baker reports
Discipline's doyens launch Classics defence against Royal Holloway plans. Jack Grove writes
The vice-chancellor of London Metropolitan University has warned that the institution is "at risk" if it fails to recruit about 2,000 students in clearing, following a warning from England's funding chief that there will be no university...
Free Harvard resource aims to reduce errors in reporting of research. Jon Marcus reports
Many of us are able to choose our partner, our friends and, sometimes, our colleagues. That is not often the case with our students, who do not have the same freedom to choose their classmates or teachers.
Educationalist calls for a 'genuine' revival of Classics teaching, reports Matthew Reisz
A study of a form of gay class tourism has raised some unusual ethical issues, writes Matthew Reisz
University of Oxford academics should ignore media criticism and be proud to work in an "elite institution", a former BBC chief has said.
Australia
During the past Ice Age, this large sabre-toothed cat (Smilodon californicus) ventured into the La Brea pits near Los Angeles, where tar still bubbles to the surface from underground hydro-carbon deposits, in order to feed on trapped...
Research councils
University of Sheffield
Distance learning specialist the Open University will undercut every higher education institution in England in 2012 by charging fees of £5,000 a year for degrees from September 2012, it has been announced.
A committee of MPs has criticised the way in which the government cut the Education Maintenance Allowance, which supported poor 16-19 year olds in education.
By Dan Berrett, for Inside Higher Ed
The higher education sector in the UK is undergoing “a strategic shift” in the way it thinks about internationalisation, according to a report published today.
The son of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour has been jailed for 16 months for a rampage at a student fees protest.
Around two-thirds of graduates finishing university last year found jobs within six months of leaving, a slight improvement on the year before.
The University of East London has parted company with a researcher following revelations that he was found guilty of research misconduct at two previous universities.
Offa data raise fears that universities offering access bursaries will suffer, writes Simon Baker
The idea that universities are about to be plunged into crisis by the decision to open up one in four full-time undergraduate places to full competition is "daft", according to the head of the English funding council.
Seventeen English universities face having to win back at least 1,000 full-time undergraduate places as a result of the government’s proposals to create competition for top-achieving students in 2012-13.
University attests to 'full scrutiny' of endowment from News International. John Morgan reports
Strong scholarship is needed to acquire the title, but what then? Matthew Reisz writes
University Alliance claims focusing funding on large units may stifle research base. Paul Jump reports
Sector must win back students put off by fees and visa rules, new UKCISA head tells John Morgan
Academics who have taken maternity or sick leave will require fewer submissions, writes Paul Jump
College advertises new palaeography post despite scrapping the original position, writes John Morgan
Academic exchanges back on the agenda as Obama relaxes visa laws. Sarah Cunnane reports
Universities should gather information on the religious backgrounds of their staff and consider "investigation into the intersections between the curriculum, teaching and religion or belief", according to a report that is under fire from...
Private higher education firms may be unable to fulfil the "vision" set out by David Willetts, the universities minister, of forcing competition on universities because new student visa rules could cause many of them to go bust.
The University of Abertay Dundee has lost a pro vice-chancellor and a fifth member of its court during two weeks of turmoil after it announced the retirement of its suspended principal.
Cuts and political opposition conspire to thwart Obama's college plan. Jon Marcus reports
In New Zealand, a unique process where all universities must collectively approve all new degree programmes shows that collegiality can thrive, even in a competitive education environment.
The European Research Council should be reorganised and given more autonomy to end the sense of a "ménage à trois" involving its governing and executive branches and the European Commission.
Report highlights required changes to prospectus and online statements. David Matthews reports
Aimhigher boss calls for university commitment as programme nears end. Jack Grove reports
Universities must re-engage with society about their role in 21st-century Britain as the government's White Paper has failed to visualise the future of higher education, a vice-chancellor has said.
China
These images of a child receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and from its Cromwell House convalescent home in North London, form part of the Historic Hospitals Admission Records Project at Kingston University.
University access
University of Brighton
Plans to merge Welsh universities to cut the total number of institutions from 10 to six have been backed by the education minister Leighton Andrews.
By Dan Berrett, for Inside Higher Ed
Tuition fees at English universities will average £8,393 in 2012, the Office for Fair Access confirmed today, significantly higher than the government’s estimate.
Higher education staff have been given a “final offer” of a £150 pay rise for the next academic year, provoking an angry reaction from the sector’s unions.
Universities and colleges in Wales are to charge average annual tuition fees of £8,800 after the funding council rubber stamped their plans to improve access.
A subject association has called for an independent inquiry into the suspension of a University of Nottingham academic for criticising the university’s role in the arrest of an administrator and a student under the terrorism act.
Lord Sainsbury will be part of a new task force launched to investigate ways to turn more university research into viable businesses.
A group of academics and students has launched a drive for an “alternative” higher education White Paper in response to what they describe as the “sweeping, ill-considered reforms” set out in the government’s document.
Academics at the University of Leeds have passed a motion of no confidence in David Willetts.
A fifth member of the University of Abertay Dundee's governing court has resigned following the suspension of the institution's principal in February.
Five high-flying schools sent more students to Oxbridge in a three-year period than 2,000 other UK schools and colleges combined, a report by the Sutton Trust has revealed.
Leading v-cs welcome competition as critics warn of 'sharply differentiated sector'. John Morgan writes
New market's incentives may reduce expensive STEM provision, leaders warn. John Morgan writes
Plans to use satisfaction surveys to trigger reviews have raised eyebrows, writes Simon Baker
New government website lists comparative data, but careful interpretation is needed, writes Jon Marcus
STFC commits to explore options to ameliorate long-term effects of reductions. Paul Jump reports
Scholar echoes Cambridge Assessment's call for A-level intervention. Paul Jump reports
Institution rejects 'malicious' allegations, but accuser is puzzled. Paul Jump reports
Simon Baker reports on the dangers of unregulated selling practices among Europe's private institutions
The premier of China, Wen Jiabao, has been awarded the King Charles II Medal by Britain's Royal Society for "one of the most ambitious national research investment programmes the world has ever seen".
Terrorism is threatening not only individuals in Pakistan but also their cultural heritage, by making life impossible for those trying to develop its rich archaeological resources.
Simon Baker reports on a high-profile review of low levels of Aboriginal entry to university study
For-profit institution voices doubts that Hefce will use proposed powers fairly. Simon Baker reports
Proposals for universities to provide much more detailed information about course content, academic staff and student views could lead to a massive surge in complaints that will put pressure on the sector's oversight bodies, it has been...
The government has yet to take "the crucial step" in setting the value of public-sector pensions covering up to 200,000 staff in former polytechnics, according to an academic who advised a government-commissioned review of pensions.
Digital archives must balance outreach, financial viability and scholarship, Matthew Reisz hears
Central St Martins is preparing both itself and its students for the future, its head tells Matthew Reisz
It is the "whining season": a time of year when academics give up their evenings, weekends and any hope of restful free time to mark papers - only to find their efforts undervalued by managers and students alike.
Sweden
Medical training
Kingston University
These lantern slides are among the treasures of the little-known Alfred Denny Museum at the University of Sheffield's department of animal and plant sciences.
One of the only private providers with taught degree-awarding powers has announced it is to offer its full-time undergraduate degrees for a maximum of £6,000 from 2012-13.
An internship scheme funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England has managed to place around one in three graduates in permanent or long-term jobs, according to a new report.
David Willetts has rejected accusations that he wants to introduce a US-style model of higher education in a response to criticisms from a University of Oxford academic.
Plans to create a 'super university' in Wales by merging three institutions have been dealt a blow after the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff said it was no longer in discussions about the idea.
By Scott Jaschik, for Inside Higher Ed
Education giant Pearson has signed a partnership with Royal Holloway, University of London which will see the college validating the company’s new business degree.
A dispute has broken out at the University of Abertay Dundee after its suspended principal denied that he had retired.
By Scott Jaschik, for Inside Higher Ed
The principal of Royal Holloway, University of London, has been accused of attempting to stifle public debate about the future of the college’s Classics department.
The number of new graduates finding employment has risen for the first time since the beginning of the credit crunch, official figures show.
Members of the University and College Union were among an estimated 10,000 striking workers who marched through central London in protest at public sector pension cuts.
Experts fear race to the bottom and a squeezed middle. John Morgan and Simon Baker report
Overhaul will turn funding council from grant-giving quango into 'classic regulator', writes Simon Baker
Majority expect to emerge stronger, but a short tail fear reforms' negative impact, writes Simon Baker
Exeter posts a jump as the ancients vie for top honours again this year. Sarah Cunnane reports
LSE professor favours Publish or Perish over peer review for evaluation exercise. Paul Jump reports
Scheme aims to bring 100 PhD students to UK to influence region's leadership. Paul Jump writes
The inspection of universities by the standards watchdog should move towards a "risk-based" approach that reduces red tape for "well-regarded" institutions, the government's White Paper on higher education proposes.
White Paper seeks to ease restrictions on what can be called a 'university'. Simon Baker reports
The University and College Union is set to link up with public sector unions in a national strike over pensions - but one vice-chancellor expects to count the number of strikers "on one hand".
Leeds Metropolitan University is pursuing its widening participation agenda by calling on the services of a former horse whisperer who offers "equine-assisted training" to students and staff.
Brazil is set to strike up closer links with the UK through student scholarships and research partnerships.
When a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education stated last month that the South University of Science and Technology of China should be "run according to the law", it put the fledgling institution and its controversial principal, Zhu Qingshi,...
University of the West Indies' head says it must lead by example to tackle social ills. John Morgan reports
Standards overhaul suggests a move from guidance to obligation. Simon Baker reports
Widening participation
This walking stick once belonged to Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951), one of the greatest and most influential philosophers of the 20th century. The handkerchief was used to cover his face after his death. Both were given to the University...
Sheffield/London College of Fashion
United States
Scottish universities will be allowed to set tuition fees at £9,000 a year for students from the rest of the UK, bringing them into line with their English counterparts.
A quarter of all student places are to be open to full competition in 2012-13, in a government bid to force higher education institutions to vie for the brightest and best applicants at one end of the sector, and to compete on price at the...
For-profit providers are to be given full access to the student loans system on condition that they agree to follow the same rules on standards, quality and fair access as publicly funded institutions, under proposals in the government’s...
Politicians, vice-chancellors and lobby groups have all given their initial responses to the publication of today’s White Paper on higher education. Here are a selection:
University admissions experts have expressed doubts about plans in today’s higher education White Paper to remove student number controls for high-achieving students.
The purpose of higher education needs to be more than preparing students for jobs if we are to avoid a future where “people know their place and stay there,” according to an outgoing vice-chancellor.
The average graduate starting salary is expected to increase for the first time in two years, a report has predicted – but graduates face more competition for jobs.
Senior academics have carried out their threat to resign from the Arts and Humanities Research Council's peer review college in a dispute over "Big Society" research – and are now calling on colleagues to join them.
The threat of up to 200 compulsory redundancies at Middlesex University may lead to a ballot for industrial action, a union has warned.
Michael Farthing, vice-chancellor of the University of Sussex, has been announced as the new chair of the 1994 Group.
For-profit higher education providers could “really strike a chord” with students worried about the value for money of traditional £9,000-a-year degrees with “ridiculous” long vacations, according to an influential education policy expert.
More than 40 senior academics have said they will resign from the Arts and Humanities Research Council's peer review college on 27 June if the council does not take "clear steps" to remove references to the Big Society from its delivery plan.
US system seen to offer a more continuous scale, say breakaway group. Simon Baker reports
Among international elite, C9 League outshines UK's Russell Group in some areas, Paul Jump finds
The Haldane principle is an unhelpful myth that "bedevils" discussions of research policy, an academic has claimed.
Fears of sevenfold increase in upfront fees if NHS stops paying for tuition. Simon Baker reports
Landmark investigations expose faults but raise questions over limited powers. Simon Baker writes
Reach would-be students via made-in-China sites, UK institutions are advised. Sarah Cunnane writes
Are students being short-changed by a narrow approach to learning? Matthew Reisz reports
Despite calls to ban them, America's frat houses continue to court controversy. Jon Marcus reports
Promoting education at local institutions could help to cut costs, Andy Westwood tells John Gill
Jon Marcus reports from Vancouver on the campus project that's taking sustainability to the next level
In the last days of May, the Australian government came to an unwontedly sensible conclusion in regard to its recently completed Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) exercise. It dropped the splitting of journals into four categories...
British business is losing out because of the nation's foreign language failings - yet academics are struggling to convince their universities to do anything about it.
The enduring perception of an office as a status symbol has contributed to the higher education sector lagging behind nearly all others in the efficient use of space.
The expert opinion of more than 17,500 academics from 137 countries will be used to inform the 2011-12 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it was confirmed this week.
EUA study takes aim at increasingly influential university rankings. John Morgan reports
Academics could be given cash to devise A-level courses as examiners call for the higher education sector to take a more active role in shaping sub-degree qualifications.
•The University of Cambridge got more than it bargained for in recruiting a new chancellor. The university put forward Lord Sainsbury, the former science minister and chairman of Sainsbury's, as its candidate to replace the Duke of Edinburgh,...
Archive digitisation
University of London
Malaysia
This is one of more than 400 glass jars containing human brains and tumours on display at the Cushing Center in the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library at Yale University. They were donated by Harvey Cushing (1869-1939), now regarded as the...
Dozens of protesters turned out to protest against job cuts at London Metropolitan University, with chaplaincy posts the latest to come under threat.
The UK’s only for-profit university college is in talks about running the "back-office" functions of publicly funded universities.
The Picasso masterpiece gifted to the University of Sydney by a mysterious donor has raised over £13 million for the institution's research after being sold at auction.
A university’s process for the validation of foreign partners has “serious shortcomings” and must be tackled as a “matter of urgency”, a report from the standards watchdog has found.
A large-scale survey has revealed a wide discrepancy between graduate earnings and what students expect to be paid after they finish university.
Academics and support staff at London Metropolitan University are to strike next week over job cuts and redundancy terms – but the vice-chancellor has criticised the action for coinciding with a Left-organised protest.
Powerful public universities are manipulating the “desperation of people whose university systems [have been] completely demolished” to make a “fortune” from overseas branch campuses, a senior university leader has claimed.
A university’s process for closing courses was “not fit for purpose” and the restructure of one of its colleges had a “detrimental impact” on students as a result, an investigation has found.
Higher education’s best leaders, managers and administrators have been honoured at an annual awards ceremony, with Birkbeck, University of London taking the top prize.
An independent taskforce headed by the founder of a popular personal finance website has been set up to tackle the “myths and misunderstandings” of the new system of student fees and loans due to come into force in September 2012.
Government considers a policy mix to drive down costs to the taxpayer. John Morgan reports
Just one in seven full-time undergraduate courses and one in 50 part-time programmes will be able to present complete information for prospective students as part of the new standard datasets that universities must publish from next year.
A journal's decision to ditch a paper questioning a law of physics has proved costly. Paul Jump reports
A survey of more than 500 professors has found that eight out of 10 believe that for-profit institutions should not have access to state subsidies such as taxpayer-funded student loans.
AAUP must stop navel-gazing and form alliances to protect staff, Gary Rhoades tells Jon Marcus
Times Higher Education has been awarded two of the top accolades at this year’s PPA Awards, taking the title of magazine of the year in its category.
The European Commission's head of higher education has warned that university rankings are "homogenising" institutions across the Continent as a system was launched that aims to counter the research "reputation race".
Anonymous donation of prize Picasso will yield vast sum for Sydney centre. Matthew Reisz writes
Coalition follows PR advice over fees and gets caught in a language trap. Simon Baker reports
As complaints rise, watchdog publishes cases of non-compliance by institutions. Simon Baker writes
...we just have to explain to the public what it means. Nick Petford tells all to Paul Jump
The social impact of universities over and above their direct economic contribution to the UK is worth £1.31 billion a year, a report published as part of Universities Week says.
Research on past rural attitudes to homosexuality informs new film project. Matthew Reisz reports
Efforts to smooth path to new funding regime 'at risk', chief executive says. Simon Baker reports
Rallies, vigils and strikes greet government efforts to 'halve' tuition costs. John Morgan reports
A scandal is being reported in the German media about Deutsche Bank providing a large sum of money to finance professors in Berlin for "research purposes" - but with the bank having a say in what is researched, published and by whom.
Matthew Reisz and Diana Garrisi on the lettori's long-running struggle for equality and respect
Australia
These very different nautically themed objects both come from the collections of the University of Sheffield.
University of East London
Science and engineering
Welsh universities have had their initial plans for higher tuition fees in 2012-13 rejected by the country’s funding council in a move that will be closely watched in England.
By Allie Grasgreen, for Inside Higher Ed
A strike by lecturers in newer universities is to be joined by thousands of schoolteachers, as unions join forces to oppose cuts to pensions.
The University of Cambridge has set up its own small grants scheme for research in the arts, humanities and social sciences following the decision by two bodies to end similar programmes at the national level.
Medical researchers have welcomed the increased emphasis on research following the government’s rethink on its proposed reorganisation of the NHS.
The number of student complaints referred to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator shot up by a third last year, according to figures released today.
The UK should look at the way other countries are “professionalising” teaching in higher education, mindful of the fact that "not everyone takes [existing] courses seriously".
The number of student visas issued over the next five years is to be cut by 260,000, according to the Home Office.
Steve Smith has been knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours after steering Universities UK through one of the higher education sector’s most turbulent periods.
The Treasury has ended the anomaly of being the only government department to lack a chief scientific adviser.
And more institutions will soon follow its lead in offering 'affordable' charges, v-c tells John Morgan
UK risks 'almost exclusively' educating foreign students, arts university chief tells Simon Baker
A huge row erupted this week over plans for a new private college that will charge £18,000 a year for one-to-one Oxbridge-style tutorials and lectures from "celebrity professors".
Group behind USS overhaul applies for further £100,000 award. John Morgan reports
The idea of an academic who cannot get enough of their students and wants to see them over the breakfast table might be expected to provoke laughter or set the alarm bells ringing.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews has written to vice-chancellors urging them to consider derecognising the University and College Union if it "refuses to address claims of institutional racism".
Royal Society role for the internet's favourite chemistry professor. Matthew Reisz writes
Private-sector leader explains why India remains a potent but elusive prize for the West
Universities face an uncertain future in the wake of the earthquake, reports Michael Fitzpatrick
US lecturer highlights the politics and pros and cons of working in China. Sarah Cunnane reports
I have a sneaking suspicion that we university lecturers are so good at incorporating new media into our work that we may do ourselves out of a job.
Conference hears that both competition and collaboration will grow as global trade in higher education booms. Sarah Cunnane reports from Vancouver
A wide-ranging analysis that attempts to measure and rank aspects of national higher education systems suggests that the UK academy is one of the most "open" in the world and has among the best quality assurance, but is also one of the least...
A £5 million-a-year partnership between India and the UK is to help the world's second most populous country in its bid to treble the number of university places to 40 million.
Hertfordshire v-c advises academy not to get distracted by the extras. Sarah Cunnane writes
These amulets form part of a collection held at the University of Michigan's Taubman Health Sciences Library.
Ethical donations
University of Warwick
Australia
The backlash against plans for a new £18,000-a-year college for the humanities intensified when protesters set off a flare during a talk by the institution’s founding master.
By Kevin Kiley, for Inside Higher Ed
Academics at the University of Oxford have voted through a motion of “no confidence” in David Willetts, the universities and science minister.
An influential cross-party committee of MPs has warned that the government could face a funding gap of “several hundred million pounds” as a result of its policy on tuition fees and raised the prospect of student places being cut to address...
A new private university college is to be launched, specialising in the arts and humanities and charging tuition fees of £18,000 a year.
Thinking of befriending your students on a social-media site? You may want to think again. While it may be a good way to meet students “on their terms”, a lawyer specialising in the use of social media has said that it can also be a mistake.
Universities have been urged to use financial worries as an opportunity to reassess their internationalisation strategies in the spirit of “never letting a good crisis go to waste”.
Hundreds of the University of Sheffield’s lowest-paid workers are on strike today in a dispute over pension cuts, while union officials at the University of Salford claim that a multimillion-pound “white elephant” development is costing...
Durham University has been urged by a senior official at Cancer Research UK to return funding it received from British American Tobacco.
For-profit 'impairment' causes concern, but firm's chief hails 'shrewd move'. Simon Baker writes
An international group of more than 60 academics has accused a controversial evolutionary psychologist of refusing to engage in scientific dialogue, highlighting long-standing criticism of his work in an attempt to protect their discipline...
Questions have been raised over how the decision to merge the School of Pharmacy with University College London was reached, as a bitter rift between senior managers and some staff continues to overshadow the move.
Delegates vote for a summer of discontent over pay and pensions. John Morgan reports
German university investigates allegations of research misconduct. Paul Jump reports
Manchester Metropolitan University has said that it will "take all means to defend itself" over allegations of low standards on an exam after appearing to agree with a student that the test was "very similar" to a practice paper taken a...
Academic and musician stresses the need for improvisation and fun. Matthew Reisz reports
Uncertainty is the status quo for most early career researchers, for whom job security is generally a forlorn hope. But that will change for 50 postdoctoral researchers being sought by the University of Birmingham, which has launched a global...
Devastating earthquake has not dimmed university spirit, says rector. Diana Garrisi reports
Sweeping reforms of French higher education were prompted in part by its performance in world university rankings, the country's higher education minister has suggested.
This year, the graduate job market in Japan is the worst on record. That's the nature of records, of course: they keep being broken. But since the records only began in 1994, it's not that unusual for them to be shattered, especially since...
Momentum gathers behind efforts to reduce or ban online access during lectures. Jon Marcus reports
A diverse range of motions at the University and College Union congress covered worries over student-to-staff ratios, vice-chancellors standing "snout-to-snout in the trough" against their employees, and a bid to annul the general election...
As the new union president takes office, he tells John Morgan about his priorities for the future
Bucks New University
Business engagement
These are among the 800 objects and about 1,200 patterns which, along with tools, photographs and postcards, make up the Knitting Collections and Knitting Reference Library at the University of Southampton.
United States
The prospects for expanding international higher education opportunities in North America “may seem pretty grim”, but there has never been a more important time to promote them – “for our society and the goal of peace around the world”.
A campaign for a nationwide vote of “no confidence” in the government’s higher education reforms has been launched by a group of academics and students at the University of Oxford.
The former vice-chancellor of the University of London, Sir Graeme Davies, has taken over as director for fair access after Sir Martin Harris was forced to step down to undergo treatment for cancer.
By Scott Jaschik, for Inside Higher Ed
Research Councils UK and the Higher Education Funding Council for England have agreed to work together to advance the transition to open-access publishing of research.
Higher education employers have offered staff a £100 pay rise for the 2011-12 academic year.
Potential release of SLC information may prove a godsend to the coalition. Simon Baker reports
The general secretary of the University and College Union has pledged to continue to press private colleges on issues such as quality of provision and working conditions after claiming that the union had received "legal threats" for speaking...
Scholar says data analysis flags up risks of moving toward US-style sector, writes John Morgan
Study advises that governors regularly assess sustainability in the round. Simon Baker writes
The Political Studies Association has written to the universities and science minister to protest against the government's role in ending small grants programmes.
Former journalist on politics subpanel will look for impact, not 'unreadable' articles, he tells Paul Jump
When mass-market newspapers in India run headlines such as "UK varsities go bankrupt", alarm bells sound for vice-chancellors.
Institution redirects £3K lobby group subscription to support 'core activities'. Paul Jump reports
Scholar 'disrupts hierarchy' and combines theory and practice live on air. Matthew Reisz listens in
London Met may miss out on millions as students are turned away. John Morgan reports
Some universities will see their third-stream funding rise by 50 per cent but others will miss out altogether after a decision to press ahead with a formula that concentrates an annual pot of £150 million on the most "effective performers".
But rule designed to reflect diversity has failed in its primary task, Jon Marcus reports
The Republic of Ireland has had a bad run of late. Castigated as one of the "Pigs" (along with Portugal, Greece and Spain), the tell-tale signs of an overheated economy have long since left the Dublin skyline. Our construction bubble has burst.
Danish university implements reforms in bid to join European top table. Hannah Fearn reports
Loss of Housman Room would deal grievous blow to interdisciplinary work. Hannah Fearn reports
University College London plans to outsource all its cleaning and security services, but a union claims the "potentially illegal" move would harm the institution's lowest-paid staff and the quality of provision.
NUS says students would 'baulk' at automated attendance monitoring. John Morgan reports
Head also reaffirms commitment to institution's 'broad-based' heritage. John Morgan reports
This Tippa model typewriter, silver fountain pen inscribed with the letter J, carved wooden box with record-player needles, brass knuckleduster and pipes made by Allen & Wright were all found in the desk of the English novelist John Fowles...
Nottingham Trent University
United States
'Exam howlers' competition
The chairman of the board of governors at London Metropolitan University has responded to a complaint from a students’ union officer by advising the vice-chancellor to “kill her with information and kindness” – and accidentally copied the...
The provision by universities of “strategically important and vulnerable” subjects such as mathematics, science and modern languages would have suffered if the funding council had not intervened with extra support, a report has concluded.
The Commons Science and Technology Committee has questioned the decision to locate the new UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation in central London.
Two universities have failed to comply with decisions made by the student complaints watchdog, in the first such instances, a cross-party group of MPs has heard.
By Steve Kolowich, for Inside Higher Ed
Fears about the future of postgraduate study in the UK have been raised by a survey which suggests that many current students would not embark on postgraduate study if they had to pay undergraduate tuition fees of £9,000 a year.
The University of Liverpool has announced plans to invest £600 million in its facilities, with £250 million of that sum going towards new student accommodation.
European Union funding for research and innovation should be more focused on green growth, according to a Department for Business, Innovation and Skills report.
Lord Sainsbury of Turville, the businessman and former science minister, has been nominated by the University of Cambridge to succeed the Duke of Edinburgh as chancellor after the royal stands down at the end of June.
The University of Birmingham sent senior administrators to two US institutions for a “transatlantic summit” as part of its preparations for the UK’s more market-oriented funding regime.
A number of universities fear that up to a third of overseas postgraduate students may fail to take up their places this autumn due to changes to visa rules, it has been claimed.
'Knee-jerk' reactions to minister's musings endanger sector, v-cs claim. Simon Baker writes
Stuck in the 'valley of death'? There's always a place at Silicon Valley. Matthew Reisz reports
MPs find council out of touch with researchers, with science suffering as a result, writes Paul Jump
UCU to ballot over 'seriously disruptive action' as employers get their way. John Morgan reports
Going to university has become a "middle-class shibboleth" that reinforces social divisions and prevents the poor from accessing higher education to improve their life chances.
Official says UKBA is investigating reduced-price places for foreign students. Sarah Cunnane reports
Women told to be more assertive when scaling the barriers of sexism, writes Matthew Reisz
Diana Garrisi looks at issues troubling lecturers in the Share project's latest batch of daily diaries
One Planet course to introduce students to 'big issues' of resource depletion. Hannah Fearn writes
Hundreds of academics, writers and other campaigners from across the world have signed a "manifesto" calling on the coalition government and UK universities to reverse policies that they say are leading to the commercialisation of higher...
Besides costs, applicants are swayed by a surprising range of factors, poll finds. Sarah Cunnane reports
Academics claim that big corporate giver is allowed to vet professors, reports John Morgan
A newly released study suggests that the huge increase in Chinese research output is starting to be matched by a similar rise in the quality of its basic science.
Saudi Arabia has big plans for higher education. The kingdom is trying to build an academic system that recognises excellence at all levels, from research universities to vocational institutions.
Journals are rightly seen as the "marketing arm of the pharmaceutical industry", according to the editor-in-chief of the British Medical Journal.
Post-election focus will be on management and funding gap with England. Hannah Fearn reports
A vice-chancellor is considering legal action against the UK Border Agency over the damage she said her university has suffered because of its "disproportionate" action.
The role of academics as expert witnesses has come under scrutiny after an Australian politician called for a professor to be sacked over his role in a high-profile murder trial.
Council backs School of Pharmacy's union with UCL despite 'vociferous' opposition, writes Simon Baker
Public trust in science
Japan
University of Manchester
The linear écraseur chain - developed in Paris in 1850 for amputating limbs and tumours, and for castration - works by the gradual tightening of the chain loop, crushing tissue without causing bleeding.
The UK’s £2.4 billion overseas student market could yet take a hit from government visa restrictions, according to a private firm that provides foundation courses.
The international activities of UK universities have created a “highly knowledge-intensive export industry” and are a prime example of innovation in the public sector – but government funding cuts put that under threat.
By Kevin Kiley, for Inside Higher Ed
A joint mission to Brazil is taking place this week, the first step of a groundbreaking partnership between the universities of Birmingham and Nottingham.
About 190 support-staff jobs are at risk at De Montfort University, prompting warnings that students will shun institutions seen as having “cheap and cheerful” support services.
A controversial merger between two University of London colleges is to take place after the governing body of the School of Pharmacy approved a plan to become part of University College London from the beginning of 2012.
London Metropolitan University is to cut nearly 100 administration jobs and close two libraries in the latest blows at the institution.
Surpluses must be invested in vocational subjects to ward off for-profits, study says. Simon Baker writes
Inquiry told of rise in referees' 'counter-productive' demands for extra alterations. Paul Jump reports
The alternative to A level is being underestimated, school heads claim. Simon Baker reports
Academics have been accused of failing to make use of new technology to improve research because they are "selfish" and bogged down in the peer review system.
Scholar believes university is taking proceedings against him for his critical book, writes Paul Jump
Students object to 'heavy-handed' security guards brought in to quell protest, writes John Morgan
A new government advertising campaign about higher tuition fees is failing to explain a "key message" of the reforms to students, the official in charge of the admissions system has told a cross-party group of MPs.
Unions warn that complex contracts with private firms will lead to job losses, writes John Morgan
Only about a third of postgraduates who are employed by their university as teachers feel that they receive appropriate supervision and feedback.
David Willetts has defended proposals being considered by the coalition government to allow universities to recruit unlimited numbers of home undergraduates who are able to fund their tuition fees upfront.
This basket decorated with seals was made of baleen, rushes and walrus ivory by Alaskan Inuit in the early 20th century.
Report finds that a focus on content does not address students' needs. Matthew Reisz writes
Crisis has taught one v-c to prize civic engagement above academic reputation, Hannah Fearn hears
As MBA graduate career prospects recover, the student profile is shifting. Matthew Reisz reports
Paul Jump reports on a new way to spot strong and weak centres for research performance
Teaching and learning
Humanities' value is not calculable in media buzz and 'impact', forum hears. Matthew Reisz reports
United States
Novel Scandinavian strategy to tackle cheating is 'no soft option'. Sarah Cunnane reports
Concern for academics and students in Belarus came to a head at a recent meeting of the Council of Europe's steering committee for higher education and research.
If you look at a map showing the results of last week's Canadian federal election, you will see a tiny dot of red on the north shore of Lake Ontario, surrounded by a sea of unrelieved Tory blue. Yes, Kingston and the Islands, home to Queen's...
The academic board of the London School of Economics has voted to set tuition fees at £8,000 in 2012.
Higher education employers have won their battle to cut benefits in the sector’s main pension scheme, raising the prospect of further industrial action.
Glasgow Caledonian University has had its licence to sponsor foreign students reinstated by the UK Border Agency after a three-week investigation.
David Willetts has been forced to speak in the House of Commons to defend proposals that universities should be allowed to recruit unlimited numbers of home students who fund their tuition fees without recourse to government loans.
Political ideology, scientific arrogance and the media’s search for a good story are hindering attempts to explain scientific findings, an academic claims. Matthew Reisz reports
Apply» Faculties & Departments» Faculty of Education, Sport & Tourism» Partnerships» National education news
