Higher Education Network

Latest articles

Ignore scare-mongering: independent Scotland will attract top researchers

Fears that Scotland will lose leading academic researchers in the event of a Yes vote do not stand up to scrutiny
Five top tips for new department heads – and they’re not what you expect

If you think you know what being a head of department entails, think again. These days, it’s about making connections and being an ambassador
University reforms are no laughing matter – students need our support

Australian government displays a shockingly dismissive attitude towards students’ concerns, says our anonymous academic
Liam Byrne: ‘we need to put higher education at centre stage of policy’

From new technical universities to a postgraduate loan, Claire Shaw talks to shadow universities minister about Labour’s plan for the sector
More higher education blogposts

Michael Farthing: 'I celebrate our active student body'

The vice-chancellor of Sussex University shares his views on student protests, how he got the university's accounts back in the black and why he's committed to interdisciplinary research
David Latchman: 'our students don't come to take it easy, but to learn'

The master of Birkbeck on mature learners, his full-time research hobby and the university's appeal for academics
Janet Beer: 'higher education is not a progressive environment to work in'

John Crace hears from the vice-chancellor of Oxford Brookes University about tokenism, tap on the shoulder promotions, poaching wars, and avoiding the words 'modern' and 'new'

Finishing your PhD thesis: 15 top tips from those in the know

Trying to complete a PhD thesis in time for the October deadline? We share some advice on getting over that final hurdle
University research: if you believe in openness, stand up for it

Publishing openly provides greater exposure, boosts prospects and can lead to more citations, says Erin McKiernan
The key to a successful PhD thesis? Write in your own voice

We need to step out beyond the safety of footnotes and the words of big-name scholars to reach a level of academic independence

Universities focus too much on measuring activity, not quality

This meaningless pursuit of 'quality' is transforming academics into part-time administrators
Academics Anonymous: an open letter to university 'leaders'

Stop mistaking change for progress, and start trusting the people who work for you
Why advertise research jobs if you've already picked your winner?

There's no point in advertising a research job if a good internal candidate has already been lined up, says our anonymous academic
Academics Anonymous: 'Why are you doing a PhD at your age?'

I'm concerned that my age will render my PhD worthless, at least as a passport to an academic career
Unlike Australian universities, UK universities are hierarchical and sexist

Australian universities are more collaborative and open-minded than their UK counterparts, says our anonymous academic

Should academics adapt their teaching for international students? – live chat

Sponsored Q&A: From curriculum design to a 'catchup' year for overseas students, join our online discussion on 25 July from 12-2pm BST
Has the expansion of higher education helped to widen access? – live chat

Join our online discussion Thursday 17 July, 9-11am BST, to discuss the impact of fees, the removal of caps on student numbers and the future of widening access
Live Q&A: how does the Guardian University Guide 2015 work?

We're giving readers the chance to discuss our league tables with the person who compiled them

Why do a PhD at your age?

bewildered123

I think there is one factor that tends to be an obstacle to older candidates, because they have had longer to put down roots, and that's geographical mobility. If you aren't at least nationally and preferably internationally mobile, then it's going to be a struggle, however good you are
How to get graduates abroad to pay back their loans

RaeEdM

As a graduate with a loan living abroad, I suggest the first move would be for the Student Loans Company (SLC) to answer emails. I have been trying to pay back my loan since April 2005

Jane Challinor, Nottingham Trent University

I actually look forward to the weekly e-newsletter - and I can't say that about many things of this kind! It is really informative and keeps me up to date with what is going on in the sector. I particularly like the links to other articles, blogs etc - it has extended my networks and I have recommended it to my colleagues.
Louise Drake, Southampton Solent University

The higher Education network is a 'one stop shop' for important information related to Higher Education. I know what is provided in the weekly newsletter will be worth me reading and will be the most up to date. The Guardian articles are often the most well rounded in terms of views and opinions and genuinely the most interesting reading.

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