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Universities and students have been experiencing "massive" ongoing problems with the admissions agency's online system during clearing, according to a vice-chancellor, who warned that institutions could be more likely to face fines for over-recruitment as a result.

The proportion of A levels awarded at the top grades has fallen as other figures show that almost 30,000 fewer students have so far been accepted on to courses compared with this time last year.

This bolon harp would traditionally have been used by the Malinke people of Mali and Guinea in hunting ceremonies and before battle.

Experts say grade inflation will persist even with universities involved in A levels. Jack Grove writes

The government appears to be preparing for a battle between selective universities and Les Ebdon, the new director of fair access, by giving him stronger legal backing in case he rejects, changes or enforces universities' access agreements.

Institutions count the cost of 'surprise' Hefce clarification. David Matthews reports

QAA highly critical of St Mary's University College's oversight of unique course. Jack Grove reports

An institution receiving "significant" bad press or a petition signed by around a third of its student body should be visited by quality inspectors, the University Alliance mission group has suggested.

Seven publicly funded higher education institutions are not eligible to use the standards watchdog's new "quality mark", it has emerged.

AUA chair says recruitment fines sign of government 'chasing its tail'. David Matthews reports

The government has reluctantly shelved its bill governing foreign education partners, reports Joanna Sugden from New Delhi

Birmingham benefits from huge rise in income from research council grants. Paul Jump reports

Education giant determined to establish its name 'much more strongly' in sector, John Morgan hears

A crucial referendum could decide the future of higher education in California. Jon Marcus reports

Turn the other cheek to look like a scientist, study of academics' photos finds. Matthew Reisz writes

Universities that rely heavily on clearing may have trouble filling their places as students become choosier about courses, researchers have claimed.

The top ten universities in the world have remained unchanged in the 2012 Shanghai Jiao Tong rankings, but for the first time China has more universities in the top 500 than the UK.

Education company Pearson has launched a college that will offer degrees through the FTSE 100 company's partnership with Royal Holloway, University of London.

By Libby A. Nelson for

The main body representing universities in the UK has sought to reassure students in the light of "doom-laden" forecasts about how admissions will pan out after this year's A-level results are released on Thursday.

Planning permission for a £1 billion development by the University of Cambridge has been granted.

Teenagers from poor families are half as likely to progress to higher education as those from richer ones, a new report shows.

England's funding council has commissioned educational research company i-graduate to research the information needs of taught postgraduates, who now make up around one fifth of all UK students.

About 15,000 young people may have been deterred from applying to university by the trebling of tuition fees, an independent taskforce has said.

This small flock of fibreglass sheep appeared overnight earlier this year on a building known as The Stripe at the University of Winchester.

Film shows 'wide-eyed' Soas football side meeting Middle Eastern realities. David Matthews reports

EU students' arrears figure provokes Tory ire as fears grow over repayment plans. John Morgan reports

Five Midlands universities have come together to form a regional bloc of institutions aimed at maximising research income.

Scholar offers entrepreneurs insights inspired by Wordsworth's poetry. Matthew Reisz reports

But HEA awards also point to rising focus on good teaching at older universities. Jack Grove reports

Cardiff University is to investigate multiple fresh allegations of research misconduct relating to papers produced in the laboratory of its dean of medicine.

A record £7 million donation to the University of Leicester will see the institution double its fundraising for the fourth year in a row since setting up a development office.

Council defends decision to withdraw a third of its PhD project studentships. Paul Jump reports

Paul Jump on scientist's undiluted zeal for probing alternative 'cures' despite lack of Exeter successor

Elizabeth Gibney on new loan restrictions affecting Americans attending renowned UK conservatoires

Southampton City Council has appointed a chief scientific adviser, claiming to be the first local authority to do so.

More Scottish students have been accepted on to places at universities in the country than this time a year ago, according to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

Almost a fifth of the athletes competing for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics are current or former students from five UK universities, an analysis has shown.

By Libby A. Nelson for

The University of Edinburgh’s department of chemistry has become only the second department to win the UK’s top accolade for addressing the under-representation of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.

The University of Salford aims to win £5 million of contracts to train workers in the UK and abroad through a new subsidiary company launched this week.

Another university has been pressured into withdrawing an advertisement for an unpaid role after critics labelled it exploitative and unethical.

British border bureaucracy thwarts Science Without Borders scheme. Elizabeth Gibney writes

Hospitality staff may see salary drop as Sheffield subsidiary pursues profits. Jack Grove reports

Victim of harassment claims that HR manager proposed a deal. David Matthews reports

But Lord Triesman has few kind words for v-cs and £9,000 fees, he tells David Matthews

In the US academy, engagement with the surrounding community and learning through service are 150-year-old ideals whose time has come again - but is the driving force altruism or self-interest?