51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

These lantern slides are among the treasures of the little-known Alfred Denny Museum at the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Sheffield's department of animal and plant sciences.

Simon Baker reports on the dangers of unregulated selling practices among Europe's private institutions

The premier of China, Wen Jiabao, has been awarded the King Charles II Medal by Britain's Royal Society for "one of the most ambitious national research investment programmes the world has ever seen".

Simon Baker reports on a high-profile review of low levels of Aboriginal entry to university study

Leading v-cs welcome competition as critics warn of 'sharply differentiated sector'. John Morgan writes

New government website lists comparative data, but careful interpretation is needed, writes Jon Marcus

New market's incentives may reduce expensive STEM provision, leaders warn. John Morgan writes

Plans to use satisfaction surveys to trigger reviews have raised eyebrows, writes Simon Baker

For-profit institution voices doubts that Hefce will use proposed powers fairly. Simon Baker reports

Proposals for universities to provide much more detailed information about course content, academic staff and student views could lead to a massive surge in complaints that will put pressure on the sector's oversight bodies, it has been suggested.

The government has yet to take "the crucial step" in setting the value of public-sector pensions covering up to 200,000 staff in former polytechnics, according to an academic who advised a government-commissioned review of pensions.

STFC commits to explore options to ameliorate long-term effects of reductions. Paul Jump reports

Scholar echoes Cambridge Assessment's call for A-level intervention. Paul Jump reports

Digital archives must balance outreach, financial viability and scholarship, Matthew Reisz hears

Institution rejects 'malicious' allegations, but accuser is puzzled. Paul Jump reports

One of the only private providers with taught degree-awarding powers has announced it is to offer its full-time undergraduate degrees for a maximum of ?6,000 from 2012-13.

An internship scheme funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England has managed to place around one in three graduates in permanent or long-term jobs, according to a new report.

David Willetts has rejected accusations that he wants to introduce a US-style model of higher education in a response to criticisms from a 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Oxford academic.

By Scott Jaschik, for

Plans to create a 'super university' in Wales by merging three institutions have been dealt a blow after the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Wales Institute, Cardiff said it was no longer in discussions about the idea.

Education giant Pearson has signed a partnership with Royal Holloway, 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of London which will see the college validating the company¡¯s new business degree.

A dispute has broken out at the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Abertay Dundee after its suspended principal denied that he had retired.

By Scott Jaschik, for

The principal of Royal Holloway, 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of London, has been accused of attempting to stifle public debate about the future of the college¡¯s Classics department.

The number of new graduates finding employment has risen for the first time since the beginning of the credit crunch, official figures show.

This walking stick once belonged to Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951), one of the greatest and most influential philosophers of the 20th century. The handkerchief was used to cover his face after his death. Both were given to the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Helsinki by Elisabeth von Wright.

Scheme aims to bring 100 PhD students to UK to influence region's leadership. Paul Jump writes

51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of the West Indies' head says it must lead by example to tackle social ills. John Morgan reports

Brazil is set to strike up closer links with the UK through student scholarships and research partnerships.

Standards overhaul suggests a move from guidance to obligation. Simon Baker reports

LSE professor favours Publish or Perish over peer review for evaluation exercise. Paul Jump reports

Experts fear race to the bottom and a squeezed middle. John Morgan and Simon Baker report

Overhaul will turn funding council from grant-giving quango into 'classic regulator', writes Simon Baker

Exeter posts a jump as the ancients vie for top honours again this year. Sarah Cunnane reports

White Paper seeks to ease restrictions on what can be called a 'university'. Simon Baker reports

The 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ and College Union is set to link up with public sector unions in a national strike over pensions - but one vice-chancellor expects to count the number of strikers "on one hand".

Majority expect to emerge stronger, but a short tail fear reforms' negative impact, writes Simon Baker

Scottish universities will be allowed to set tuition fees at ?9,000 a year for students from the rest of the UK, bringing them into line with their English counterparts.

51¹ú²úÊÓƵ admissions experts have expressed doubts about plans in today¡¯s higher education White Paper to remove student number controls for high-achieving students.

Politicians, vice-chancellors and lobby groups have all given their initial responses to the publication of today¡¯s White Paper on higher education. Here are a selection:

A quarter of all student places are to be open to full competition in 2012-13, in a government bid to force higher education institutions to vie for the brightest and best applicants at one end of the sector, and to compete on price at the other.

For-profit providers are to be given full access to the student loans system on condition that they agree to follow the same rules on standards, quality and fair access as publicly funded institutions, under proposals in the government¡¯s higher education White Paper.