Uses and abuses of user research 3

Following up on the report on the lack of funding for research in higher education ("HE research is ideas rich but cash poor", December 16), there is also a lack of opportunities for systematic research training in higher education. We are addressing this at Bath University through a portfolio of postgraduate programmes including the doctorate of business administration in higher education management and a masters-level qualification. These programmes offer an opportunity to study a range of issues over a reasonable amount of time that are of direct relevance to the sector.

But while employers often pay the tuition costs, little funding is available to support other participants, particularly those who come from developing and transitional countries, where there is a great need for capacity building in higher education.

Rajani Naidoo
Director of studies
Bath University