The support that students receive from their university when they have experienced violence and sexual assault is a serious matter and a proper subject for journalistic inquiry. Unfortunately, your report (27 July) cites an example from several years ago to give a picture of our student counselling service that does not tally with the overwhelmingly positive feedback we get from students about the expertise, professionalism and genuine care that our clinical staff provide. More...

“Earn or learn” declares George Osborne (Report, 9 July). Why is it that learning isn’t recognised as work that needs to be paid for, rather than as a leisure activity? Can we expect that before too long apprentices also will be expected to take out loans to pay for their keep and recompense their employers? What’s the essential difference. More...

By David Willetts. For too long, too many have been left outside workplaces, homes and universities, noses pressed to the window. No longer will they be excluded from the opportunities older generations enjoyed. More...

By Claire Shaw. We speak to the academics behind four inspiring projects to see how big data is being used to develop and enhance research. More...

By John Canning. Evaluating universities for teaching will likely lead to a data driven culture where academics make decisions on the basis of whether it’s ‘good for the Tef’. More...

By Hannah Partos. It seems counterintuitive, but teaching English can be the best way to immerse yourself in another culture and learn its language. More...

By Cameron Neylon. Metrics play a growing role in managing research. But to understand their limitations, we need to draw on the humanities. More...

By Liam Taft. A student blogger speaks to sixth formers to find out if any of them can see the point of general studies. More...

By Louise Tickle. Lumbered with the legwork without a proper say, scientists from developing countries want more recognition from international collaborations. More...

By Crain Soudien. A university should help us understand what it means to be a human being, argues outgoing University of Cape Town deputy vice-chancellor Crain Soudien. More...