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UCU release report on the “gig-economy” in universities

UCU release report on the “gig-economy” in universities

A UCU report exposes the use of “gig-economy contracts” by British universities, with the University of Manchester having 80% of research staff on fixed-term contracts
King’s Speech: Government axes ‘low-quality degrees’

King’s Speech: Government axes ‘low-quality degrees’

In his first address as monarch, King Charles III announces drastic changes to the education sector
Covid-19 Inquiry: A spectacular demonstration on what not to do

Covid-19 Inquiry: A spectacular demonstration on what not to do

The ongoing COVID-19 inquiry demonstrates that all the skills you learn at school and university are quickly forgotten once you walk into Westminster
New AI assignment guidance from the University of Manchester

New AI assignment guidance from the University of Manchester

With AI usage rising, here are the new University guidelines on how and when to use it
The University of Manchester celebrates new ‘Special Relationship Partnerships’ with 3 top North American universities

The University of Manchester celebrates new ‘Special Relationship Partnerships’ with 3 top North American universities

New ‘Special Relationship Partnership’ with American institutions – who are they and what does this mean?
Universities to help disadvantaged students in to high paying graduate jobs

Universities to help disadvantaged students in to high paying graduate jobs

Universities set targets to help disadvantaged students, monitored up to five years after graduation
Poorer students less likely to attend prestigious universities

Poorer students less likely to attend prestigious universities

Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds tend to attend universities less prestigious than their richer counterparts, even if they have achieved similar grades
Cheating rises in UK universities following growth of essay mills

Cheating rises in UK universities following growth of essay mills

The figures suggest a growth in the number of students paying others to write their essays
Parliamentary report finds evidence of Chinese meddling in UK universities

Parliamentary report finds evidence of Chinese meddling in UK universities

The Foreign Affairs Committee criticised the government for not addressing clear signs of Chinese interference, that has gone largely unchecked
UCU members back industrial action

UCU members back industrial action

Disputes over pay and pensions mean strikes could be possible as soon as mid-November
UCU Ballot results in no strike, as turnout falls below threshold again

UCU Ballot results in no strike, as turnout falls below threshold again

For the second time in four months, the required 50% threshold to cause strike action was not reached
20 Universities responsible for bulk increase in unconditional offers

20 Universities responsible for bulk increase in unconditional offers

New data from UCAS shows that over 7% of all UK applications in 2018 were unconditional
Rayner: Labour would end marketisation of higher education

Rayner: Labour would end marketisation of higher education

During a speech at the University and College Union (UCU) conference, Angela Rayner set out a series of policy steps that would allow for further intervention regarding how universities are run
Government plans aim to crack down on ethnic disparity in universities

Government plans aim to crack down on ethnic disparity in universities

Universities could lose their positions on league tables if they refuse to do more to tackle ethnic disparity
Holocaust denial and far-right attitudes on the rise across campuses

Holocaust denial and far-right attitudes on the rise across campuses

In a new revelation, it has been found that cases of antisemitic abuse almost tripled between 2015 and 2017
Less than half of university tuition fee is spent on teaching

Less than half of university tuition fee is spent on teaching

Just 40-45% of the annual tuition fee of £9,250 is spent on teaching, with the rest going to resources such as libraries and technology support.
Young people and ethnic minorities positive about UK Universities

Young people and ethnic minorities positive about UK Universities

Universities UK found that 70% of people agree that the UK has some of the best universities in the world
Government announces plans to reduce ‘grade inflation’

Government announces plans to reduce ‘grade inflation’

The Universities Minister has said that the soaring numbers of students graduating with first and upper second class degrees in the UK are ‘threatening’ their value
The ultimate red herring: free speech on campus

The ultimate red herring: free speech on campus

President of the Manchester Debating Union Jacklin Kwan on the question of free speech and safe spaces on campuses, arguing that their goals are the same and it’s just the semantics that sparks conflict
Refund students for lost teaching, says Universities Minister

Refund students for lost teaching, says Universities Minister

The University of Manchester has said that it cannot compensate students