Politics

School of Humanities bolsters Tsinghua’s ascent to global elite, Carolynne Wheeler hears in Beijing

With radical changes causing discontent across Europe, Susan Bassnett wonders if UK scholars are justified in feeling so aggrieved about their lot

Universities with lower entry requirements could be at greatest risk of losing students and millions of pounds in income under the new funding regime, data suggest.

New loan-funding system may leave council unable to prevent over-recruitment, writes John Morgan

The Quality Assurance Agency will be bailed out by the taxpayer if it is sued by a private college that fails an inspection, it has emerged.

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.

NAO and PAC study of student loans should look at public oversight, experts argue. John Morgan writes

Austerity has brought tragedy to Greece and the UK. Martin McQuillan reflects on the narrative and ideology of ‘fiscal discipline’ and what it means for both nations and their academies

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.

David Willetts points to the price paid by Ivy League for donor cash. David Matthews writes

MPs told that universities can’t always take their IP straight to the bank. Elizabeth Gibney reports

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

Behind closed doors, elite institutions were highly critical of White Paper reforms, finds John Morgan

Fawzi Ibrahim implores the UCU to work collectively to save itself from political turmoil and financial meltdown

Nick Petford tells a festive tale of the ivory-tower dwellers convinced that the sky is falling in on their world

Holyrood seeks power over admissions, governance and, via the SFC, courses. David Matthews reports

Access, engagement and rankings too: ex-minister turned v-c sees bright future. John Morgan writes

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.

St Mary’s fails to transform into university following QAA critique of hypnosis course. Jack Grove writes

GuildHE chief reassures sector as Willetts hails removal of size restrictions. John Morgan reports

Claims that overseas and private ventures may have added to financial woes. John Morgan reports

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

Jack Grove speaks to the former president of Ireland who will lead an EU inquiry into higher education

Sir John O’Reilly will soon become the sector’s most powerful civil servant. He talks to Elizabeth Gibney

Legal expert identifies ‘unclear’ structure of landmark in coalition policy. John Morgan reports

A dean’s legal battle has wider implications for Tunisia’s universities. Matthew Reisz writes