14th January 2009, 02:55 PM
Wouldn't be surprised that the depts that did relatively poorly in the latest RAE (results last month) suffer more than others. This is partly due to the new classification system this time. Depts that were 4,5 and 5* in old system are the only ones given a grade in new system which now ranges from 1-4. 1(old 4), 4(old 5*) I believe - any slipping down the rankings may mean an ungraded RAE. This is a major problem for at least one dept that used to be at the top of the game, not even that long ago 
I imagine to new applicants, if a dept is "ungraded" that looks pretty bad which may exacerbate things further. It is a shame because if I wanted a good all-round degree, perhaps with good field and other partly taught skills, a dept that concentrates on teaching excellence may be far better than a more research-oriented dept, but they well do less well in an RAE which is a significant part of deciding the funding resources of a dept...phew As far as I know the actual money is announced in March, just in time for the clearing to kick in, in the summer.
I've also heard from one extremely highly RAE rated dept that post-grad applicants Phd and Masters are down about 50% on last year, the truth of this may come out in next few months as the funding for these things hasn't been finally allocated yet.
On that note, if you wish to pursue a post-grad, the deadlines are fast approaching. QM Belfast have just announced a longer deadline by end of the month for a variety of environmental PG's. And Glasgow have other potential opportunities that I've heard, but funding is not yet clear, but apply anyway. If you can secure funding, going back to uni for a year may a stable income plus some training and union priced beverages!
Aw ra best
I imagine to new applicants, if a dept is "ungraded" that looks pretty bad which may exacerbate things further. It is a shame because if I wanted a good all-round degree, perhaps with good field and other partly taught skills, a dept that concentrates on teaching excellence may be far better than a more research-oriented dept, but they well do less well in an RAE which is a significant part of deciding the funding resources of a dept...phew
As far as I know the actual money is announced in March, just in time for the clearing to kick in, in the summer.I've also heard from one extremely highly RAE rated dept that post-grad applicants Phd and Masters are down about 50% on last year, the truth of this may come out in next few months as the funding for these things hasn't been finally allocated yet.
On that note, if you wish to pursue a post-grad, the deadlines are fast approaching. QM Belfast have just announced a longer deadline by end of the month for a variety of environmental PG's. And Glasgow have other potential opportunities that I've heard, but funding is not yet clear, but apply anyway. If you can secure funding, going back to uni for a year may a stable income plus some training and union priced beverages!
Aw ra best