Postgrad code call

A strengthened code of conduct for institutions enforced by the single quality agency is likely to be among the recommendations from the Harris review of postgraduate education.

The review, led by Martin Harris, vice chancellor of Manchester University, is expected to call for the measure when it reports to the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals at the end of next month. Professor Harris will present preliminary findings to the HEFCE conference in early April. The code of practice proposal reflects concern that the information provided for potential research students is sometimes inadequate.

It is also expected to say that any future growth in postgraduate taught courses, a rapid area of growth at present, should be privately funded. Funded numbers on taught courses have grown by 11 per cent over the last two years, against a seven per cent increase in undergraduate numbers. The committee is understood to be concerned that this is inflicting damage on the undergraduate unit of resource additional to that created by efficiency gains and outright funding cuts.