Latest news with #university
The Guardian
4 hours ago
- Science
- The Guardian
Social climbing isn't about who you know after all, study finds
When it comes to social climbing, it's not who you know, or how many people you know, it's about knowing who knows whom, research suggests. Experts studying social connections made by first year university students say those who ended up with the most influence were not necessarily the most popular, but those who had a good idea, early on, about who belonged to which clique or community. 'Having friends helps, but social influence isn't just about who you know – it's also about what you know about the rest of your social network,' said Isabella Aslarus, first author of the study from Stanford University. Writing in the journal Science Advances, researchers in the US report how they asked 187 students to complete surveys about who they were friends with at six different points during their first year at university. The team used the results to map the connections between individuals, and how these changed with time. At two points, once shortly after the start of the academic year and once in the spring term, the researchers ranked students by how many friends they had and their social influence – with the latter determined by how well connected their friends were. The researchers also asked each participant if they knew whether given pairs of students were friends. The results reveal the number of friendships people reported changed little over time, however the friendships between individuals, and people's level of influence, shifted. 'Popularity does not really change over the course of the year,' said Dr Oriel FeldmanHall, co-author of the study from Brown University. 'What changes dramatically is the people who were the most influential early on were no longer the most influential by the end of the year.' This shifting network, the researchers add, became more stable as the academic year went on. FeldmanHall said it is not clear what made people influential early in the study, however the students who rose to become the most influential by the end were those who had early insights about how all their peers were connected. 'To become influential, you need to know who is friends with whom, and you need to have a bird's eye view of how people cluster into different social groups or cliques,' said Aslarus, adding individuals can use that knowledge to become more influential – for example by making new friendships or being an effective matchmaker. Aslarus added that it is only after becoming influential that people develop more detailed knowledge about individual friendships. 'Knowing about your network predicts becoming influential over time, more so than just having lots of friends,' she said. 'So, social knowledge seems to be a key first step toward becoming better-connected in your network.'
BBC News
13 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Edinburgh University staff on first of six strikes
University of Edinburgh staff have gone on strike in a dispute over proposed £140m budget one-day walkout is to be followed by five further days of strikes at the start of the new academic year in University and Colleges Union (UCU) said the strike was happening because the university's principal, Sir Peter Mathieson, had refused to rule out making compulsory this month, Sir Peter told Holyrood's education committee the cuts, which include a £90m reduction in the wage bill, were "in the best interests of the university". About 350 staff have accepted voluntary redundancy but unions fear compulsory redundancies will UCU members previously voted 84% in favour of industrial action. Strike dates are also set for 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 September. This coincides with the university's "welcome week" when students arrive for the new academic year.
News24
20 hours ago
- Business
- News24
‘It takes years to prepare candidates for academic leadership': Vacancies at SA universities
Vacancies at some universities include those of deputy vice-chancellors, deans of faculties, chief financial officers, registrars, heads of departments, heads of schools and directors. Etienne Dötsch/Picture alliance via Getty Images
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
University of Lancaster to cut jobs to save £30m from budget
A university is to cut jobs in a bid to save £30m in the wake of rising costs and a drop in international student numbers. The University of Lancaster said there were no plans to close any departments and it hoped to reduce staff by voluntary it said it could not rule out compulsory job City councillors said they had "grave concerns" about the job losses. The university employs the full-time equivalent of 1,300 academic staff and 1,700 professional services staff. Almost 40% of full-time research and teaching staff are non-British, and it recruits staff from over 60 countries and has students from 142 university has around 10,000 students from Great Britain and the EU, with another 3,000 from overseas.A university spokesperson said it "achieved significant savings on non-payroll and through a voluntary severance scheme this year". But the spokesperson added: "Unfortunately our financial projections show that payroll savings of about £30m are required over the next academic year to ensure our ongoing financial sustainability."The University Executive Board has proposed a plan to ensure its "future size and shape is sustainable, while also enabling the university to continue to thrive".This plan is being shared with staff and "recognised" trade spokesperson said it is not "planning to reduce payroll costs through the closure of academic departments". "Proposed savings have been identified to achieve strategic efficiencies which will be shared across all academic departments and professional services"."Our preference has always been to achieve these changes through voluntary means... we can't rule out the possibility of compulsory redundancies as a last resort," the spokesperson added. 'Important for area' The university said it was in a "better financial position than some other universities", which had "bought us time to work through strategic options" that would "ensure that research and the student experience is prioritised and protected".Councillors highlighting the potential impact on staff, students and the wider district's economy at council meeting on Wednesday. Green council leader Caroline Jackson said: "I guess we knew this might happen. I have great concerns about the loss of jobs."Labour Councillor Sandra Thornberry added: "We used to have a representative on the university council. But the city council lost its seat. "However, would the university re-accept a representative? The university is a major employer and how it works is very important for the area, for students, for staff, and local businesses."Ms Jackson said she would ask the city council's chief executive to pass on the request to the university. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
The best and worst degrees that could see you earn huge salary – with top job landing graduates nearly £70,000 a year
GOING to university costs an eye-watering £68,000, so it pays to pick a degree that will bank you a healthy paycheck. Here we take a look at the best and worst courses for earning a higher salary after graduation - and the difference in pay is a whopping £46,600. 2 While many students end up paying out £68,000, which is the total cost of studying. University costs have soared in recent years and the average student in England is now expected to graduate with a debt of £43,700. This sum includes maintenance and tuition loans. Most students will need to pay back their student loan over 30 years, after which point it is written off. This applies to graduates who are on a repayment scheme called Plan 5. Meanwhile, those who applied for a student loan after August 2023 will now need to pay it back over 40 years. These students are on the Plan 2 repayment scheme. Repaying such large debts can make it much harder to save for a house deposit or start a family. So, if you are weighing up your options after school or college, or even considering a career change, then our guide could help. Recruitment website Adzuna has crunched the numbers to reveal which degrees offer the best - and worst - value for money. The company analysed more than 100,000 CVs from job seekers between 2020 and 2025 to figure out how much they earned five years after graduation. Five of the degrees will lead to a job with a salary of more than £60,000 within five years - here's what you need to know. Which degrees lead to top-paying jobs? Unsurprisingly, students who study STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) are most likely to pocket the best pay checks. Students with Computer Science degrees are likely to earn the most out of anyone, and can expect to pocket an enormous £69,692 a year. That's £32,262 more than the average national salary, which is £37,430, according to the Office for National Statistics. 2 Figures provided by Adzuna Close behind were graduates with Biomedical Sciences degrees, who could earn around £67,792 a year. Meanwhile, students on Data Science degrees can expect to earn £64,412 a year. Financial Management graduates could pocket £63,662 a year. Hot on the heels are Business Analytics students, who can expect to earn £62,537 a year. Plus, Economics and Politics students can bag a pay check of £55,520 a year. How to find the right job for you Simon Fabb, CEO of shares his tips to help you find the right role. Get experience "Something I'd suggest every student do is start gaining relevant experience while they're still studying. "The job market is so oversaturated and having a degree on its own doesn't hold the same weight it used to, so have a look for internships, part-time work, freelance projects and volunteering opportunities to bolster your CV while reading for your degree. "Employers will want to see evidence of initiative and a real-world application of the skills you've been learning - especially is competitive sectors like tech or finance." Consider your location "Graduate salaries can vary hugely depending on where you're willing to work so have a think about location. "Large cities and major hubs, particularly London and parts of the South East, tend to offer significantly higher starting salaries than other regions. "Being flexible about location will gives you access to better-paid opportunities, especially in industries where demand is concentrated geographically." Look for remote jobs "In some sectors, remote roles are now common at entry level too, which opens up national and even international job markets." Work on your communication skills "Strong communication skills, confidence in interviews, adaptability, and a clear understanding of the role and company carry just as much weight. "If you can demonstrate that you understand the specific challenges and goals of a business you're much more likely to be offered higher starting package." Meanwhile, Accounting graduates have an average salary of £55,375 while those who study Big Data can earn an average of £54,075 a year. Engineers are also highly sought after, with two degrees in this subject leading to a high pay packet. Electronics and Communication Engineering students could walk away with £57,287 a year. Meanwhile, Industrial Engineers could earn slightly less, at £53,536 a year. Which degrees lead to the lowest paying jobs? There are certain degrees to swerve though if you're wanting a big bank balance. It may come as no surprise that those who studied the Arts will be the worst off. Graduates who studied Photography will earn the lowest salary of all students, with an average pay packet of £23,030 a year. That's £14,400 less than the national average. Several creative degrees will also lead to low-paying jobs. Among them is Textiles, which comes with an average salary of £23,837 after five years. Music and Fine Art graduates can also expect to earn less than their peers. A graduate with a music degree can expect to earn £23,903 a year, while Fine Art students can expect to pocket £24,020. I'm using my music degree to get into marketing MUSIC graduate Shakila Karim is using her degree to get a job in marketing. The 27-year-old graduated from ICMP with a Music Degree in 2019. Shakila had hoped to launch a successful music career and perform at venues across the UK, but the pandemic made this impossible. Instead, she worked at her local Tesco and gave music lessons to students online. When restrictions lifted she did several local performances, including at a charity gig in Bishop's Stortford. Shakila, from Hertfordshire, has now used her degree to get work experience in music marketing. She said: "I worked for a year at a radio plugger service, which pitched new music to heads of music, producers and DJs. "Now I've got marketing experience I'm trying to use it to find a full-time job in marketing. "I want to make sure my skills are transferable across all marketing industries and find a full-time marketing job." Several humanities degrees including Geography, Politics and History also made the list. A Geography graduate will earn an average salary of £23,445 a year, while Politics and History students will walk away with an average salary of £24,094. Meanwhile, graduates with specialist degrees also often earn low salaries. Criminology students earn a salary of £23,420 five years after graduation. Translation graduates can earn a salary of £23,498 while American studies students can expect to earn £23,924. Plus Zoology graduates can expect to earn £24,297 a year on average. How can I make myself stand out? When applying for a job, it's important to make sure you stand out. Tailor your CV and cover letter to the role you are after. Highlight your skills, experience and qualifications and make it clear that they match the job. Emphasise what makes you the right candidate for the role. In your cover letter and interview explain clearly why you are excited about the role, company and industry. You should also make it clear how your values align. You can find this information on the company's website and in the job description. If you do not have the right experience, then emphasise the skills you do have. Think teamwork, communication and problem-solving. You can also mention soft skills such as time management, communication and resilience. You can also highlight the ways that you have continued to learn and improve yourself. This could be through courses or workshops at university or hobbies. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@
