Mature research students, and the assumptions that exclude them
Two researchers argue that doctoral programmes are built for a full-time student in their twenties with no dependants, and that mature research students — the majority in some disciplines — meet a system designed around someone else. Funding, supervision patterns and progression deadlines all assume a life most candidates do not have. Is a masters worth it covers the step before.
Universities and the defence investment plan
Two authors argue universities are essential to Britain’s defence, reflecting on the Defence Investment Plan and the new Defence Universities Alliance. It is the context for this year’s stories about Saudi contracts, arms investments and campus protest — defence money is arriving in universities at the point where students are most organised against it.