“Sociology, a leading journal of the British Sociological Association, has asked four sociologists – Frank Furedi, John Brewer, John Holmwood, and Michael Bailey – to review Stefan Collini’s book, What are universities for? …” (more, downloads)
[Campaign for the Public University, 22 May]
“A key international advisory group for UK higher education has warned that U-Multirank – the European Union’s EU multi-million euro alternative to commercial international rankings – may harm rather than benefit the sector …” (more)
[David Jobbins, University World News, 22 May]
“Almost one out of every three first-year students at UK universities says their course provides poor value for money, a study has suggested. While most students are happy with their course, dissatisfaction has grown since fees rose …” (more)
[BBC News, 21 May]
“There have been a number of one-sided and ill-informed diatribes on higher education policy in the national press in recent months. Although often well written, their positions are indefensible …” (more)
[Tom Bailey, wonkhe, 21 May]
“One of China’s top universities is in talks to open a campus at the former site of the BBC in London in the latest push to extend Chinese influence across the globe …” (more)
[Malcolm Moore, Telegraph, 19 May]
“Irish students who studied in the UK and who have failed to repay more than €4.3m in student loans are to be tracked down by private investigators hired by the British government, the Sunday Independent can reveal …” (more)
[Daniel McConnell, Independent, 19 May]
“Universities minister David Willetts has defended the student finance system against criticisms that it is unsustainable and will not bring in the amount of money required to fund the sector long term …” (more)
[Chris Parr, Times Higher Education, 17 May]
“‘Fly-in, fly-out’ academics are a source of frustration for Chinese students taking UK degrees in their own country, a new report says. Around 38,000 students in China were studying for qualifications taught by a total of 70 British higher education institutions last year …” (more)
[Jack Grove, Times Higher Education, 16 May]
“… These two books are essential reading for everyone involved in or concerned about the future of English higher education. Andrew McGettigan’s is the book he wished he had when he found himself as confused as everyone else in 2010 as Middlesex University sacrificed its philosophy department for a Far Eastern expansion he now takes as a prime case of overseas outsourcing …” (more)
[Patrick Ainley, CDBU, 16 May]
“They’re signing up as we speak for a two-year degree course in heavy metal music (believed to be the first of its kind), which begins in September in a college in Nottingham. Two years seems a bit excessive …” (more)
[Brian Boyd, Irish Times, 17 May]
“The Wellcome Trust and the Higher Education Funding Council for England are among the bodies calling for the use of the journal impact factor in funding, appointment and promotion decisions to be scrapped …” (more)
[Elizabeth Gibney, Times Higher Education, 16 May]
“British scholars continue to rely largely on traditional channels of communication, including peer-reviewed journals and monographs, despite a growing emphasis on the use of social media and blogs for obtaining or disseminating scholarly information …” (more)
[Aisha Labi, Chronicle of Higher Education, 16 May]
“There’s a growing view that if you attended a state school you’ll be given an easy ride into a top university. Outraged by suggestions of positive discrimination in favour of less privileged students, one private school head has suggested schools boycott universities which adopt the practice …” (more)
[Sophie Padgett, Guardian, 16 May]
“The mis-selling of higher education is one of the least remarked-upon scandals of our time. But anyone under 40 should be familiar with the concept. You’re told, at school, that a degree will make you far better-off. Politicians even put a price on it …” (more)
[Fraser Nelson, Spectator, 16 May]
“What is The Conversation? A new journalism project featuring content from the sharpest academic minds. The Conversation UK is launching as a pilot site, and we welcome your feedback …” (more)
[The Conversation, 16 May]
“A department of Imperial College London has withdrawn the offer of an internship placement being sold by auction after the move received heavy criticism …” (more)
[Elizabeth Gibney and John Morgan, Times Higher Education, 15 May]
“… At stake is whether or not the German university sector should be transformed into a three-class system – the good, the very good and the elite. This is likely to attract ambitious academics from English-speaking countries, as Germany’s plan also includes more courses taught, and research conducted, in English …” (more)
[Peter Mayr, Guardian Professional, 15 May]
“Reducing red tape around use of the word university will only exacerbate the problem of bogus universities and colleges …” (more)
[Jayne Rowley, Guardian Professional, 15 May]
“There is ‘no sign’ that students paying up to £9,000 in tuition fees in 2012-13 are receiving more for their money from universities, according to a survey of contact hours, workload and satisfaction … ” (more)
[David Matthews, Times Higher Education, 15 May]
“This is very odd indeed. Westminster, one of the most expensive public schools in the UK, is holding a fund-raising auction. In this auction, you can buy an internship at Imperial College’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering, on the promise that this will look great on your CV …” (more)
[Ben Goldacre, Bad Science, 14 May]
