By Andrew Marszal. A handy guide to the Telegraph's new and improved University Course Finder – our unique tool for searching and comparing universities and courses. We've re-launched our University Course Finderthis year with loads of extra detail and informative statistics to help you make the vital decision of which degree option – if indeed any – is right for you. For example, with students placing more emphasis than ever on good value, we've added up-to-date facts on employment prospects, including average salary, success in jobseeking and even the most common employment sectors for students graduating from each course. We've also got extra detail on how much accommodation will cost you, whether you choose to rent privately or through your institution. Read more...

A reform of the German university sector could be 'disastrous' for UK research, says Peter Mayr, with huge implications for the sciences globally. The influential German Council for Humanities and Science (Wissenschaftsrat) is discussing a reform of the German university sector that, if implemented, would affect innovation systems in Europe and beyond. At stake is whether or not the German university sector should be transformed into a three-class system – the good, the very good and the elite. This is likely to attract ambitious academics from English-speaking countries, as Germany's plan also includes more courses taught, and research conducted, in English. It could have a huge effect on other national science systems, as German universities shop around for highly qualified academics, scientists and science managers who are unhappy with their working environments in countries where research and science budgets have been slashed over recent years. Read more...