The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 1 February 2013.
UK study: State-school students get better degrees but earn less
According to a study published by the UK’s Bristol University, graduates who attended a state school are more likely to achieve the highest degree classes – but less likely to gain a high starting salary or be in a professional role. The figures show that 88% of state-school students gained a 2:1 degree or above, compared to 85% of private-school graduates. But the starting salaries of those from state school were on average UK£2,000 (US$3,160) lower, and they were significantly less likely to be in professional roles, Varsity reports. Gordon Chesterman, director of the University of Cambridge’s Careers Service, said students from a private school background often benefitted from better contacts, and were more able to complete unpaid internships.
Swedish universities launch academic ‘chatshow’
Two of Sweden’s top universities, Stockholm University and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), are collaborating on a new web TV project, which will host academic discussions using a ‘chatshow’ format. Called Crosstalks, the show features studio guests and live links to academics and other professionals worldwide, reports The Local. The first episode featured speakers from at least 26 countries, including filmmaker and photographer Mattias Klum, and Harvard Business School professor Josh Lerner.
Greek ‘streamlining’ scheme would reduce university places by a third
The Greek government has announced a plan to overhaul the country’s higher education system, which would mean closing a number of departments and institutions – and reducing the total number of university places by a third. The Athina scheme would close four universities and shut down departments running less popular courses, reports Ekathimerini. Education Minister Constantinos Arvanitopoulos said the aim was to link higher education more closely to potential areas of economic growth, and promised there would be no job losses for university staff.
More US universities using Tumblr
A growing number of US universities are running official Tumblr accounts as part of their use of social media to communicate with current and prospective students, Time reports. The microblogging site allows universities to share pictures of daily campus life, links to events – and, of course, pictures of cats doing funny things. It can also be used by prospective students to ask questions about admissions, anonymously if they choose. Grace Chapin, senior admissions counsellor at the University of Chicago, says, “It takes the edge off the college process when you know, ‘This is an academic place, but there will be people at this place that enjoy a good cat picture as much as I do.’”
France agrees charter on gender equality in higher education
The French government, along with representatives of the country’s universities, has published a set of guidelines designed to promote gender equality in the higher education system. The Charte pour l’Égalité Femmes-Hommes is not legally binding, but universities are encouraged to adopt its recommendations, reports University World News. It includes guidelines on the elimination of sexist language, promoting more equal gender representation across all subjects and levels, and access to relevant training and support.