Napier in turmoil over PR degree

Relations between student leaders and management at Napier University are at an all-time low, with students claiming they have been marginalised and ignored over concerns about courses.

Student president Hubert Grealish has accused management of ignoring warnings given since last October about a communications degree that has now lost accreditation from the Institute of Public Relations.

Photography, film and TV students have separately complained about lack of academic support, which they say left them feeling "exceptionally undervalued and mistreated".

Mr Grealish said students feared Napier's reputation was being tarnished among employers, in the wake of reported criticism, which was later denied, from the major financial services company Standard Life.

But principal John Mavor said 95 per cent of graduates found work or went on to further study within six months of graduating - one of the highest such figures in the country.

The annual student satisfaction survey had revealed the highest ever satisfaction rating, with more than 80 per cent of students saying they would recommend Napier to a friend.

Mr Grealish said he was sidelined when he raised student concerns about the loss of an IPR-qualified lecturer, which would jeopardise accreditation.

Napier says it has been negotiating with the IPR since last year and expects to apply for reaccreditation before the next academic year.