A safeguarding scheme born from a student’s death
Almost 80 UK universities are signing up to a safeguarding scheme created by the mother of Emily Drouet, who died by suicide at the University of Aberdeen after an abusive relationship. Schemes like this set out what staff must do when a student discloses abuse — the gap that the duty of care debate has circled all year. Relationship problems covers where to get help.
Part-time student finance applications open
Applications for part-time undergraduate student finance for 2026/27 are now open. Part-time funding depends on study intensity, and it is the route most people use when returning to study alongside work — the arrangement the Lifelong Learning Entitlement is supposed to make simpler from January. Student finance explained covers eligibility.
Over half of students are not attending lectures
Students at Glasgow explain why more than half now miss lectures: recordings, timetables built around paid work, commutes that cost more than the session is worth, and content that duplicates the reading. Attendance is monitored at most universities and can affect visa compliance for international students, which is the part worth knowing before skipping. Lectures and seminars covers what teaching is for.
Five universities pool their professional skills training
Newcastle and Northumbria are leading a five-university scheme, with Sunderland, Teesside and York, to help students build professional skills. Collaborations like this usually mean students at any partner can access the others’ workshops and employer events — which is worth checking if your own careers service is thin.