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Welcome to UKEducationGuide’s October Newsletter!
New online learning scholarship programme announced-addressing skill gaps
In UK Education Guide's monthly newsletters we have been focusing on global skill gaps- coding/big data analysis have been highlighted. We also highlight online learning opportunities on the site via the Universities profiled on the site and FutureLearn, the largest provider of MOOC’s (massive open online courses) in the UK.
So, there has been a very interesting new announcement from tech giants Google and Bertelsmann referencing both skills gaps and online learning.
The 2 companies are launching a scholarship programme that will fund 75,000 students this year. Google will support 60,000 scholarships in Web and Android Development, 40,000 of which will be reserved for those with no programming experience at all and 20,000 for junior developers with one-to-three years of experience. Bertelsmann will fund a further 15,000 places in the field of Data Science. The courses will be offered online via the Udacity learning platform.
Skills focus-the value of the’ T shaped professional’…
A new book, Robot Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial intelligence highlights that many people will change jobs at least 6 times in their career and graduates will have to be flexible thinkers who can adapt to new careers and new challenges. The book argues that the employee who has depth of knowledge in a particular expertise as well as the ability to work and communicate across disciplines-so a T shaped skill set- will be in a much better position to adapt to changes in the labour market.
How are UK universities making international students feel welcome?
At the start of a new academic year, the Guardian has taken a look at ‘best practice’ amongst UK universities and how they are welcoming international students. The article highlighted the fact that some universities are not now offering a separate, earlier fresher’s week for international students, but starting all students at the same time, to help better integrate all students from day 1.
The article also mentions a 'buddying' scheme at Kingston University and the University of Leeds' initiative to better integrate students in a Hall of residence with 50:50 split; domestic and international students. However, while there are plenty of great initiatives out there, measuring which ones work best is definitely something the HE sector needs to get better at...
Should vice chancellors of UK Universities earn more than the British Prime Minister?
Jo Johnson, the universities minister, has unveiled plans that will see institutions forced to demonstrate that Vice-Chancellor salaries over £150,000 represent value for money. The minister’s announcement comes amid growing concern about the largesse of universities where vice chancellors now typically enjoy six-figure packages with grace and favour homes and gold plated pensions. However, Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor of University of Liverpool has hit back saying the UK has to compete with Universities in the US and Australia that pay higher salaries than the UK to attract and retain the best qualified people. Also, she points out the top 1% of earners in the UK earn over £162,000 per year, more than the Prime Minister and argues that Vice-Chancellors should clearly be in the top 1%. However, the average VC pay level is now £280,000, so that's almost double the PM's pay-is that justifiable?
A complex debate and one that will continue as student debt mounts and UK student loan interest rates rise to 6.1%...
City Guide to Manchester
New city, new home… new places to visit.
Our latest city guide (below) features the wonderful, vibrant city of Manchester. Do also take a look at previous editions of the newsletter to see previous guides. Many young people will be starting studying in new locations and visiting family members will want to know where to go and what to see.
So far we have reviewed; London, Leicester, Liverpool, Bristol and now Manchester. The London guide, is also available in full here.
Thanks to Cathy, long time Manchester resident for compiling this Guide for us.
City Guide to Manchester
Manchester. Capital of the North. Voted UK’s most liveable city, beating London, Birmingham and Edinburgh to the coveted title. This great cosmopolitan city is in the top 5 university towns year after year and it’s easy to see why.
Manchester has a party scene to rival Ibiza; so many bars it would give New York a run for its money; a music heritage than includes greats Oasis, Stone Roses, Joy Division and The Happy Mondays; live music venues on every block. This is a city you will come to for study, then never leave. We certainly didn’t.
Places to Eat
Manchester’s diverse cultural landscape means that the cuisines of the world are on your doorstep.
Check out The Curry Mile in Rusholme for some of the best curries outside India. Our favourites: Shere Khan, Mughli, Spicy Hut.
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Chinatown is another great area worth trying. Favourites include: Siam Smiles Noodles Bar, Little Yang Sin, Ho’s Bakery.
Northern Quarter has great eateries. Favourites include: Slice, for real Roman pizza, This ‘n That and Blue Pig.
Out of town: Try Greens in West Didsbury. It’s a mecca for all vegetarians and co-owned by celebrity chef, Simon Rimmer.
Bars & Clubs
If you want to party, head to Oxford Road, Northern Quarter and Printworks areas and fun lovers will be spoilt for choice.
Our favourite bars: Big Hands, Sandbar, The Font, Revolution, Joshua Brooks
Our favourite clubs: Factory251, 5th Avenue, Versions, Gorilla
Out of town: head for Burton Road, West Didsbury where popular bars, Folk and The Drawing Room are sure to deliver a chillout vibe.
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