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Plans to merge Welsh universities to cut the total number of institutions from 10 to six have been backed by the education minister Leighton Andrews.

By Dan Berrett, for

Higher education staff have been given a “final offer” of a £150 pay rise for the next academic year, provoking an angry reaction from the sector’s unions.

Tuition fees at English universities will average £8,393 in 2012, the Office for Fair Access confirmed today, significantly higher than the government’s estimate.

Universities and colleges in Wales are to charge average annual tuition fees of £8,800 after the funding council rubber stamped their plans to improve access.

A subject association has called for an independent inquiry into the suspension of a University of Nottingham academic for criticising the university’s role in the arrest of an administrator and a student under the terrorism act.

A group of academics and students has launched a drive for an “alternative” higher education White Paper in response to what they describe as the “sweeping, ill-considered reforms” set out in the government’s document.

Academics at the University of Leeds have passed a motion of no confidence in David Willetts.

Five high-flying schools sent more students to Oxbridge in a three-year period than 2,000 other UK schools and colleges combined, a report by the Sutton Trust has revealed.

These lantern slides are among the treasures of the little-known Alfred Denny Museum at the University 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

Central St Martins is preparing both itself and its students for the future, its head tells Matthew Reisz

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 University 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 University of Wales Institute, Cardiff said it was no longer in discussions about the idea.

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

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

By Scott Jaschik, for

The principal of Royal Holloway, University 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.

University 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

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

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

The University 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

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