Students

Higher education is not compulsory, and in an environment of rising costs and scepticism on both sides of the Atlantic, growing numbers are becoming increasingly vocal about the other options. Jon Marcus reports

‘Change of tone’ will not arrest falling student numbers, critics argue. David Matthew reports

Coalition reveals ‘disturbing’ shortfall. David Matthews reports

NUS says decision shows ‘market is at heart of system’

Hepi director predicts more cuts over higher student loan costs

British Academy issues warning over future of language study in UK

Part-time students enjoy a high level of job stability, with four out of five working throughout their studies and still in employment two years after graduation, a new report says.

Students should receive careers advice and support at the start of their studies, rather than towards the end of their time at university, the chief executive of the National Union of Students has argued.

Michael Gove is wrong, says Chris Hackley: a return to ‘traditional’ A levels will narrow access and do nothing to raise standards

Salary boost from master’s degree rises while profile of students narrows, says Sutton Trust report

Costs of failure increase for first years

The sector must not let claims that application rates vindicate fees policy go unchallenged, says Liam Burns

‘Neurotic’ sector plays ‘zero-sum game’ despite cap on numbers

University students owe an average of £1,409 of debt outside their state loans for tuition fees and living costs, a new study has found.

The chairs of five parliamentary committees have written to the prime minister urging him to remove overseas university students from the net migrant target, highlighting “unprecedented” consensus between MPs and peers on the move.

Diverse candidates contest top spot in union leadership elections. Jack Grove reports

The number of people applying to university has risen by 3.5 per cent, but has failed to bounce back to pre-£9,000 tuition fee levels, new figures show.

Reluctance to contest marks or ask for help may be factors in attainment gap. Jack Grove writes

Mark Harper shares with John Morgan some good and bad news for the sector on immigration policy

Mark Harper shares with John Morgan some good and bad news for the sector on immigration policy

Oft-criticised scholarship scheme’s riches will now follow the poor, BIS states. Jack Grove reports

Essay-writing firm denies inconsistency in its director penning satirical novel. Paul Jump reports

Lecturers’ live-to-camera marking of student work proves to be a low-budget hit, reports Chris Parr

Post-study employment changes and a shrinking ‘expat premium’ prompt second thoughts about value of overseas study. Joanna Sugden reports from New Delhi

Oft-criticised scholarship scheme’s riches will now follow the poor, BIS states. Jack Grove reports

Matthew Reisz reports on the bursaries helping ex-thespians to pursue higher education goals

‘Probably the most significant medieval historian’ rounds on absentee students. Paul Jump writes

The UK higher education sector has concluded that an insurance scheme to guarantee international students a fees refund or alternative places should their course or university close down is “essential”.

Selective universities could be granted extra student numbers to allow them to admit disadvantaged applicants with potential but without the highest grades.

Three-tier teaching bursaries for certain subjects may not work, says educator. John Elmes reports

We must leave no stone unturned in making the Oxbridge admissions process as fair and comprehensive as possible, says Miles Hewstone

Theresa May, the home secretary, has been accused by a vice-chancellor of acting “like a Dalek” and of “casting a dark cloud over British higher education” in her refusal to change course on student visas.

More than 150 posts to go as London Met is forced to tighten its belt. David Matthews reports

Sandy Hook shootings likely to fuel debate over carrying weapons on campus. Jon Marcus reports

UCU study suggests flaws in student-to-staff ratios may mask true class sizes. Jack Grove reports

Taxpayer-backed funding for students at private colleges rose by 138 per cent to £100 million last year, with a private equity-owned institution that did not meet all quality standards accounting for more than a fifth of that total.

David Matthews on growing signs of cross-party accord as BIS recasts education as an export

A Tory MP has warned that there is opposition on his party’s front bench to Les Ebdon, following criticism of his comments on the “snobbery” surrounding university education.

NUS survey shows higher rates of work, worry and withdrawal among worse-off. Chris Parr reports

Gandhi is the inspiration for a rail-based college. Joanna Sugden reports from New Delhi

The value of a traditional, campus-based degree is being eroded by rising confidence in online courses, a US survey has revealed.

Personal experience can drive scholars to push the boundaries in their chosen field, writes Jon Marcus

A national strategy on improving university access is set to be published by next autumn.

NUS march ends amid boos, grumbling and confusion in sodden outfield. John Morgan reports

No traditional partner needed for new foundation degree-level qualification. David Matthews writes