Cut-price degrees

In response to federal funding cuts, the University of Western Sydney is considering a cut-price plan to allow students to complete degrees in two rather than three years. Under the plan, lectures would be replaced with videotapes, video-conferencing and CD-ROMs.

The proposal, released in a discussion paper by the UWS's Macarthur campus deputy vice-chancellor, David Barr, also includes plans to channel academics into either teaching or research work, rather than a mix of the two as at present.

The proposal would allow the 7000 students on campus to dodge an extra year of HECS charges. However, the National Tertiary Education and Industry Union estimates that the plan would require academics to work at least 33% harder and would allow them less time to prepare and research courses. In return, they would receive a pay rise of only 15% over three years.

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