THE podcast: 5 September 2013 issue review

Download the podcastZero-hour contracts, “old boys’ clubs”, our new Alma Mater Index and academics who change career paths are all up for discussion in this week’s Times Higher Education issue review...

THE podcast: Quintin McKellar interview

Download the podcastUniversity of Hertfordshire vice-chancellor Quintin McKellar met with Times Higher Education reporter Chris Parr on 16 August 2013, the day after A-level results day. They discuss...

5 September 2013

Scenic routes - The research diversions that lead academics down new career paths

The week in higher education

Universities are always trying to show that they provide a unique “student experience”. When students pay up to £730 a month for a room without a view save for a brick wall, mission accomplished. A...

Leader - Zero-sum game

The growth in zero-hours contracts threatens the reputation of our universities and the morale of their staff

Essex ‘lighthouse’: not very illuminating

Essex’s efforts to stand out in marketplace confuse English speakers. John Morgan reports

Swansea target is four 3* papers: those who can’t, teach

Staff complain over ‘arbitrary’ research yardstick and teaching-only threat. Paul Jump reports

All of our jobs and fancy living, do come in, your face is fitting, old boy

Informal networks still play vital role in securing top posts, research shows. David Matthews writes

Cancer specialists get all clear on misconduct

Akira Orimo and Michael Lisanti absolved from suspicion of research irregularities

Subject to demand: winners and losers in student applications, 2007-12

Demand for subjects such as English and history has fallen while applications to more job-oriented degree courses have climbed, an analysis by HSBC suggests.The number of applications to vocational...

Late reporting costs sector millions

But FoI request shows huge variations within RCUK over the extent of sanctions. Richard Fern reports

ABB+ pool may dry up, warns Ucas head

Fewer 18-year-olds and rise in BTECs could expose highly selective institutions. David Matthews writes

Laurie Taylor

David Gewanter remembers Seamus Heaney’s poetry and pedagogy

David Gewanter remembers the time he spent studying under the late Seamus Heaney, an inspiring poet - and inspirational teacher

NSA spirit? Ron Iphofen on monitoring university staff emails

Ron Iphofen considers the policies, realities and ethical implications of monitoring university employees’ emails