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Teaching & research

Policy briefings and research on teaching and research in UK colleges and universities.

Future of Work in Post-16 Education

The Future of Work in Post-16 Education project will consider the threats and opportunities of the technology being used in the sector now and in the future, and how UCU should support members and branches to respond.

Teacher recruitment, training and retention inquiry

UCU evidence to the 2023 UK parliamentary education committee inquiry into teacher recruitment, training and retention

Initial teacher training (ITT) market review

The UK government have been consulting on changes to the initial teaching training system (ITE).

The automatic university - a review of datafication and automation in higher education

UCU report on the impact of automation on higher education.

Towards a National Education Service

In 2017 the Labour party proposed a new National Education Service to provide 'cradle-to-grave learning, free at the point of use'. UCU has been examining these proposals and setting out its own principles and priorities for the creation of a new, progressive education system.

Initial Teacher Education: response to consultation on strengthening QTS

In December 2017, the government launched a consultation on Strengthening Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Improving Career Development for Teachers.

Briefing on the Teaching Excellence Framework

UCU briefing on the Teaching Excellence Framework following the year 2 results.

BME doctoral students' perceptions of an academic career

Research by Dr Jason Arday to explore the experiences of BME doctoral students and the impact of these on their perceptions of the attractiveness of an academic career.

General election 2017

Ahead of the general election on 8 June, UCU produced its manifesto outlining a number of key areas for investment and reform in post-school education and invited political parties of all stripes to work with us in developing a vision for well-resourced and accessible lifelong learning across the UK.

The second REF

UCU will be responding to the consultation on the second REF. This briefing requests feedback on some of the main recommendations in the consultation document.

GCSE English and maths in further education

Sean Vernell from UCU's further education committee looks at the government's plans to make it compulsory for every 16-18-year-old in England to reach at least grade C in GCSE.

Accelerated courses and switching university or degree

UCU's response to the 2016 UK government consultation on accelerated courses and switching.

Higher Education and Research Bill

UCU briefings on the 2017 Higher Education and Research Bill

Higher education white paper 2016

Ahead of the Queen's speech on 18 May 2016, the government published a white paper setting out its plans for higher education in the coming years.

Tomorrow's academics

The importance of creating viable and attractive career paths for all types of academic and academic-related, professional roles.

Teaching excellence, social mobility & student choice

UCU responds to the BIS consultation on teaching excellence, social mobility and student choice.

2015 spending review and autumn statement

UCU briefing on the 2015 spending review announcements on 25 November 2015.

Beyond the employability agenda: a statement on teaching in FE

This statement sets out UCU's priorities and principles in relation to teaching in further education (FE) with the aim of strengthening the value and recognition of teaching in further education.

Seeing the bigger picture: The future of UK research and development

A UCU policy statement on research policy and funding.

Knowledge economy: fifteen big ideas for the next government

UCU's manifesto for the 2015 general election