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The Swinney slump doesn’t look like stopping – politicalbetting.com

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  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 16,405
    Carnyx said:

    Talking about Fife and trains, Mr Swinney has just been on the inaugural train from Waverley to Leven and Cameron Bridge - reversing a Beeching cut (but I believe with a spot of new building, so not on exactly the same line all the way?).

    *specially for @Sunil_Prasannan *

    Such a shame that line was shut. Can you imagine how much traffic you'd get on the line through the East Neuk to St Andrews now, especially in the summer?
  • DM_AndyDM_Andy Posts: 1,253
    @TheScreamingEagles Can we lift the photo limit just for @Leon so he has something to do all day?
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 14,012
    Leon said:

    Jesus tittyfucking Christ on a crouton what am I going to do in Moldova for EIGHT DAYS

    Report on the news from Transnistria. The FCDO advises against all travel there and you could be an up to date John Boot in Scoop

    The Speccie would be worth reading that week.
  • TazTaz Posts: 17,633

    Yes, not far away. In a small town whose name is pronounced by genuine locals with some letters missed out.
    I’m surprised nobody has (yet) referenced the small Norfolk town of Happisburgh. Pronounced Hazboro.
    So not as I'd pronounce it, with-hum
  • LeonLeon Posts: 59,820
    Chisinau might be the
    DM_Andy said:

    @TheScreamingEagles Can we lift the photo limit just for @Leon so he has something to do all day?

    There’s nothing to photograph

    I know this because a pro photographer friend of mine came here last year en route to Ukraine. He’s just reminded me of the WhatsApp message he sent me as he crossed the border from Romania


    ‘Less than a minute after crossing into Moldova, I witnessed three horses and carts and a goat on a lead. Every road junction had an effigy of Jesus and we immediately got stuck behind a tractor. The driver matched the deterioration of the roads by overtaking one-handed. A man threw stones at a chicken. Vodafone informed me I was in a Zone D worldwide destination. It felt like Z.’
  • DM_AndyDM_Andy Posts: 1,253
    kle4 said:

    In 1997 there were 249 not standing or defeated, and 225 in 2010 (I guess in 1997 more Tories put up a fight as far more were defeated there than in 2010). We're up to 131 definitely not coming back, and assume for sake of argument somehwere between the 76-132 defeats seen in 1997/2010, and that gets you to 200 or so newbies.

    With the SNP possibly facing a couple dozen losses, a whole new tranche of Labour MPs not super high on retreads, and loads of Tories losing, it could well be a record number in the modern era?
    You could be right, Suspect that 1997 might be higher than expected because of the 'chicken run' and 1945 would be very high with a 10 year gap since the previous election as well as the Labour landslide from a very low base in 1935. Will have to run the numbers some time.

  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 127,087
    Taz said:

    Are we expecting a verdict in the case of the Trumpdozer today ?

    Ask the jury!
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,422
    Taz said:

    Corbyn was on course for a landslide according to a good portion of twitter in 2019.
    Had Prime Minister Miliband not been negotiating independence with First Minister (soon to be Prime Minister) Salmond….
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 34,573
    Taz said:

    So not as I'd pronounce it, with-hum
    No, Wit-am. Or even Wit’m.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 59,820
    algarkirk said:

    Report on the news from Transnistria. The FCDO advises against all travel there and you could be an up to date John Boot in Scoop

    The Speccie would be worth reading that week.
    I believe transnistria is on my itinerary. Genuinely looking forward to THAT day
  • megasaurmegasaur Posts: 586
    Leon said:

    Jesus tittyfucking Christ on a crouton what am I going to do in Moldova for EIGHT DAYS

    Wineries and soviet architecture. The Victory Memorial and Eternal Flame will surely repay several visits
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 10,061
    Wes Streeting having a mare today. Tetchy, evasive, getting ratty with people.
    Were you up for Wes?? (Unfortunately probably retaining his seat and being one of parliaments nastiest villains)
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,422
    Scott_xP said:

    @OprosUK

    Westminster Voting Intention (Scotland):

    LAB: 36% (+3)
    SNP: 32% (-6)
    CON: 17% (+2)
    LDM: 9% (+1)

    via
    @Survation
    , 23-27 May

    (Changes with 20 Feb)

    It's been one week now since the PM confirmed a July election. Where do things stand in Scotland according to BBS-tracked polls? (vs 2019)

    Labour ~ 36.2% (+17.6)
    SNP ~ 30.6% (-14.4)
    Conservative ~ 15.8% (-9.3)
    Lib Dem ~ 8.4% (-1.1)
    Green ~ 2.8% (+1.8)
    Reform UK ~ 2.8% (+2.3)


    https://x.com/BallotBoxScot/status/1795790535698845924
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 121,674
    Scott_xP said:

    @OprosUK

    Westminster Voting Intention (Scotland):

    LAB: 36% (+3)
    SNP: 32% (-6)
    CON: 17% (+2)
    LDM: 9% (+1)

    via
    @Survation
    , 23-27 May

    (Changes with 20 Feb)

    Have you not read the thread header?
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 54,854

    Wes Streeting having a mare today. Tetchy, evasive, getting ratty with people.
    Were you up for Wes?? (Unfortunately probably retaining his seat and being one of parliaments nastiest villains)

    Is there still an Islamo-leftist campaign to unseat him?
  • LeonLeon Posts: 59,820
    megasaur said:

    Wineries and soviet architecture. The Victory Memorial and Eternal Flame will surely repay several visits
    lol. Also it’s raining.

    On my luxury flight here the guidebook told me that the population of Moldova used to be 3.5m about 10 years ago “but half the population have now left”

    Can that possibly be true?? That’s my opening paragraph if it is true. Genius fact

    “Come to Moldova, a country so great half the Moldovans have buggered off”
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 14,012
    Leon said:

    I believe transnistria is on my itinerary. Genuinely looking forward to THAT day
    Keep safe. And report back.
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 22,203
    Leon said:

    I believe transnistria is on my itinerary. Genuinely looking forward to THAT day
    I employed a plasterer from Transnistria once.
    He did a mediocre job and made sexually suggestive remarks to my wife.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 34,573

    Wes Streeting having a mare today. Tetchy, evasive, getting ratty with people.
    Were you up for Wes?? (Unfortunately probably retaining his seat and being one of parliaments nastiest villains)

    Watched him this morning. I don’t really take to him.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 59,820
    Extremely beautiful hooker in lobby
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 17,884
    Leon said:

    Jesus tittyfucking Christ on a crouton what am I going to do in Moldova for EIGHT DAYS

    You can do wine disgusting.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 31,325
    ...

    Starmer needs to take the “loss” and let Abbott stand (even if she then goes on to retire not long after the election).

    Sir FlipFlop?

    Starmer has had a shocking day. I am listening to LBC on a work trip to Crediton and back. There has been a lot of critical scrutiny of Starmer, Reeves, Streeting and Labour and absolutely no scrutiny on Sunak's Mickey Mouse degrees bollocks. Oh and an entire morning on Abbott.

    If this goes on for five and a half weeks Labour will be lucky to have 100 MPs.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 121,674

    I employed a plasterer from Transnistria once.
    He did a mediocre job and made sexually suggestive remarks to my wife.
    I cannot stand people who make innuendos like that.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 31,325
    Leon said:

    Jesus tittyfucking Christ on a crouton what am I going to do in Moldova for EIGHT DAYS

    You could post some photos on PB. Oh wait you can't.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 73,557

    I cannot stand people who make innuendos like that.
    Do you make it hard for them?
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 44,620
    Leon said:

    Chisinau might be the

    There’s nothing to photograph

    I know this because a pro photographer friend of mine came here last year en route to Ukraine. He’s just reminded me of the WhatsApp message he sent me as he crossed the border from Romania


    ‘Less than a minute after crossing into Moldova, I witnessed three horses and carts and a goat on a lead. Every road junction had an effigy of Jesus and we immediately got stuck behind a tractor. The driver matched the deterioration of the roads by overtaking one-handed. A man threw stones at a chicken. Vodafone informed me I was in a Zone D worldwide destination. It felt like Z.’
    Sounds like the Somerset Levels, right down to the road surfaces and the risk of overtaking. Last time but one I was there, we had to stop because it was someone with a herd of cattle rather than a goat, and the lady with the cattle sat on our car bonnet and had a long chat with my friend who is also local and looks like something from Cheddar Caves (quite literally in view of the recent DNA studies).
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 13,719
    CatMan said:

    Election today in South Africa. ANC to lose their majority?

    I note the ANC has long successfully won majorities under PR, disproving the claim that this never happens.

    One former ANC MP is standing in our election, in the constituency next door to me.
  • megasaurmegasaur Posts: 586
    Leon said:

    lol. Also it’s raining.

    On my luxury flight here the guidebook told me that the population of Moldova used to be 3.5m about 10 years ago “but half the population have now left”

    Can that possibly be true?? That’s my opening paragraph if it is true. Genius fact

    “Come to Moldova, a country so great half the Moldovans have buggered off”
    Nothing to do. No work. I was in Transylvania last year, the bit King Charles likes. It's like the Shire in LOTR but the only way to make a living is work in a factory 200 miles away and come home for weekends.
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,422

    Wes Streeting having a mare today. Tetchy, evasive, getting ratty with people.
    Were you up for Wes?? (Unfortunately probably retaining his seat and being one of parliaments nastiest villains)

    I think he did ok in LBC - given the very sticky wicket Starmer’s office has landed him in:

    https://x.com/LBC/status/1795769554498458023
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 18,630
    Leon said:

    Jesus tittyfucking Christ on a crouton what am I going to do in Moldova for EIGHT DAYS

    Repent?
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 34,573

    ...

    Sir FlipFlop?

    Starmer has had a shocking day. I am listening to LBC on a work trip to Crediton and back. There has been a lot of critical scrutiny of Starmer, Reeves, Streeting and Labour and absolutely no scrutiny on Sunak's Mickey Mouse degrees bollocks. Oh and an entire morning on Abbott.

    If this goes on for five and a half weeks Labour will be lucky to have 100 MPs.
    I wonder about those ‘mickey-mouse’ degrees. Anyone know what is meant? Or have examples?
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 98,594

    I wonder about those ‘mickey-mouse’ degrees. Anyone know what is meant? Or have examples?
    I expect they want the electorate to imagine which ones will go, rather than be specific.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 18,630

    First election leaflet just arrived. Labour. Looks as though they’re trying, too.

    My wife refuses to vote for anyone that cannot be bothered to at least leaflet us. In the police election in may no-one did...
    Taz said:

    So not as I'd pronounce it, with-hum
    And my favourite from N. Devon - Woolfardisworthy (Wolsery)
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 10,061

    I think he did ok in LBC - given the very sticky wicket Starmer’s office has landed him in:

    https://x.com/LBC/status/1795769554498458023
    I'll disagree and say that was a car crash but strokes for folks, other opinions exist
  • eekeek Posts: 29,739
    megasaur said:

    Nothing to do. No work. I was in Transylvania last year, the bit King Charles likes. It's like the Shire in LOTR but the only way to make a living is work in a factory 200 miles away and come home for weekends.
    Transylvania is in Romania, Moldova is worse.

    Over the weekend I met a Romanian who moved to Sofia, I didn't get the chance to ask the question but if I had it would have been WTF because Bulgaria isn't much better.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 10,061

    I wonder about those ‘mickey-mouse’ degrees. Anyone know what is meant? Or have examples?
    I doubt it, its classic 'euro sausage' 'straight bananas' campaigning
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 34,295
    Leon said:

    Jesus tittyfucking Christ on a crouton what am I going to do in Moldova for EIGHT DAYS

    Visit the area controlled by Russia.
  • ToryJimToryJim Posts: 4,192

    I wonder about those ‘mickey-mouse’ degrees. Anyone know what is meant? Or have examples?
    It’s a dog whistle to the pub bore types who come out with claptrap like “soon you will need a degree to be a dustman”. That’s why it’s so loosely defined.
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 13,719

    I wonder about those ‘mickey-mouse’ degrees. Anyone know what is meant? Or have examples?
    I mean, Mickey Mouse, he's had a very successful and high earning career...
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 44,620

    I wonder about those ‘mickey-mouse’ degrees. Anyone know what is meant? Or have examples?
    Classics at Oxford? Well, it's certainly not STEM.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 10,061

    I mean, Mickey Mouse, he's had a very successful and high earning career...
    The most successful anti semitic mouse in history
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 98,594
    You might get a hung jury Donald, relax!

    Always makes me think of the South Park episode which ended with a jaunty musical number
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXHZaDiBKsU
    Don't be on your phone
    While being President
    Put it down
    You might do something dumb
    And cause an accident

    Let's all agree
    Here today
    That if we're leader of the USA
    We'll put it down..
  • megasaurmegasaur Posts: 586
    eek said:

    Transylvania is in Romania, Moldova is worse.

    Over the weekend I met a Romanian who moved to Sofia, I didn't get the chance to ask the question but if I had it would have been WTF because Bulgaria isn't much better.
    Yes, I know that. Moldova was part of Romania till 1940 and I thought it was safe to extrapolate.

    Transylvania doesn't know it's in Romania, mind. Everyone speaks Hungarian.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 10,061
    ToryJim said:

    It’s a dog whistle to the pub bore types who come out with claptrap like “soon you will need a degree to be a dustman”. That’s why it’s so loosely defined.
    It's the campaign equivalent of screaming 'go out and get a real job' at passers by
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 54,224
    kle4 said:

    I expect they want the electorate to imagine which ones will go, rather than be specific.
    Anything from Trump University?
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 10,061

    Anything from Trump University?
    Or any of the Oxford colleges
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 54,854

    ...

    Sir FlipFlop?

    Starmer has had a shocking day. I am listening to LBC on a work trip to Crediton and back. There has been a lot of critical scrutiny of Starmer, Reeves, Streeting and Labour and absolutely no scrutiny on Sunak's Mickey Mouse degrees bollocks. Oh and an entire morning on Abbott.

    If this goes on for five and a half weeks Labour will be lucky to have 100 MPs.
    Sunak is relentless in stealing New Labour's clothes. From Gordon Brown's compulsory volunteering, to Charles Clarke's attack on Mickey Mouse degrees.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,359
    kle4 said:

    I expect they want the electorate to imagine which ones will go, rather than be specific.
    Apparently it will be decided by the regulator:

    The Conservatives are vowing to change the law to give the Office for Students the powers to effectively shut underperforming courses.

    Reasons to be deemed a struggling “Mickey Mouse” course could include a high dropout rate, a poor track record of securing jobs for graduates or, a new criteria, a comparatively low level of future earnings.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 18,630

    I wonder about those ‘mickey-mouse’ degrees. Anyone know what is meant? Or have examples?
    David Beckham studies? (I'm sure that was one a few years ago).
    Forensic science.*

    *Usually just a degree in analytical chemistry re-badged in the wake of CSI, Silent Witness, Bones etc.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 54,224
    eek said:

    Transylvania is in Romania, Moldova is worse.

    Over the weekend I met a Romanian who moved to Sofia, I didn't get the chance to ask the question but if I had it would have been WTF because Bulgaria isn't much better.
    Peru has economic refugees from Argentina and Venezuela.

    The Peruvians are - WTAF?
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 34,295
    edited May 2024
    While postmasters were being incorrectly accused of fraud, a gang from Bulgaria were stealing between £50 million and £200 million annually in benefits, seemingly without anyone noticing for a long time.

    https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/bulgarian-city-thrived-200m-uk-9312388
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 43,705
    Mickey Mouse or "rip off" degrees = those with high drop out rates or low earnings potential.

    Good article here: https://metro.co.uk/2023/12/02/creatives-speak-rishi-sunaks-rip-off-degrees-crackdown-19762992/

    "Although he has never given specific examples, the latest figures calculated by Oxford Learning College from last year suggested historical, philosophical and religious studies had the lowest employment rate.

    And design, creative and performing arts had the lowest median graduate salary of £20,000."


    Never heard of "Oxford Learning College", that said.
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 22,203
    edited May 2024
    Excellent essay on our current Cold War, the West’s essential unpreparedness for it, and what we can learn from analogous periods (the late 30s, the early 50s).

    https://tnsr.org/2024/05/confronting-another-axis-history-humility-and-wishful-thinking/
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 45,394
    megasaur said:

    Nothing to do. No work. I was in Transylvania last year, the bit King Charles likes. It's like the Shire in LOTR but the only way to make a living is work in a factory 200 miles away and come home for weekends.
    Many years back I went to a wedding in northeastern Romania, quite near the Moldovan border. After, we went on a coach trip to Transylvania. On the way, we stopped at a hillside pass and looked down on a village. The houses nearest the top of the valley had red roofs; as you looked further down the valley there were concrete monstrosities, and then, below them, a line of new red-roofed houses. The era of Communism visible in architecture.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 18,630
    RobD said:

    Apparently it will be decided by the regulator:

    The Conservatives are vowing to change the law to give the Office for Students the powers to effectively shut underperforming courses.

    Reasons to be deemed a struggling “Mickey Mouse” course could include a high dropout rate, a poor track record of securing jobs for graduates or, a new criteria, a comparatively low level of future earnings.
    To be honest Universities shut underperforming courses anyway. Some years ago, during the teenager slump (short term reduction in the number of 18 year olds) we had a very poor recruitment cycle, right at the time the the deputy VC was gunning for our department. Squeaky bum time. Got through it and are now back at healthy numbers, but Uni's don't tolerate courses that don't make financial sense.
  • megasaurmegasaur Posts: 586

    I cannot stand people who make innuendos like that.
    I like the new constituency Earley and Woodley. Much the best way to wake up in the morning.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 34,573
    Carnyx said:

    Classics at Oxford? Well, it's certainly not STEM.
    Apart from a recommendation from the Head of Eton, what A levels does one need to read Classics at Oxford.
    Asking for a friend.
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 22,203
    I did Politics and English Literature, and it dun me no harm.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 54,224

    Or any of the Oxford colleges
    Anything from Fenland Poly
  • DougSealDougSeal Posts: 12,746
    While Sunak is making the running with natty policy announcements is not the mood at the moment that the country wants a bit of a breather and not more of the hyperactivity of the last few years? The Tories have not been short on policies, it’s delivering them they need to persuade the electorate of.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 38,136
    @paulhutcheon

    BREAKING: Michael Matheson suspended from Holyrood for 27 days and has salary withdrawn over £11k data roaming scandal.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 44,620
    edited May 2024

    David Beckham studies? (I'm sure that was one a few years ago).
    Forensic science.*

    *Usually just a degree in analytical chemistry re-badged in the wake of CSI, Silent Witness, Bones etc.
    Bit unfair [edit] re Becks.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Mouse_degrees

    'In 2000, Staffordshire University received negative press coverage when a module on the sociological importance of football which had been designed for students taking sociology, sports science, or media studies was portrayed as a "degree in David Beckham Studies".[4] A professor for the department stressed that the course would not focus on Beckham, and that the module examines "the rise of football from its folk origins in the 17th century, to the power it's become and the central place it occupies in British culture, and indeed world culture, today".[4] In July 2015, UK Independence Party MEP Louise Bours referred to the module on Question Time, but as though it was a full degree course.[citation needed]'
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 54,224
    RobD said:

    Apparently it will be decided by the regulator:

    The Conservatives are vowing to change the law to give the Office for Students the powers to effectively shut underperforming courses.

    Reasons to be deemed a struggling “Mickey Mouse” course could include a high dropout rate, a poor track record of securing jobs for graduates or, a new criteria, a comparatively low level of future earnings.
    The end for the University Of Bums on Seats?
  • DougSealDougSeal Posts: 12,746
    RobD said:

    Apparently it will be decided by the regulator:

    The Conservatives are vowing to change the law to give the Office for Students the powers to effectively shut underperforming courses.

    Reasons to be deemed a struggling “Mickey Mouse” course could include a high dropout rate, a poor track record of securing jobs for graduates or, a new criteria, a comparatively low level of future earnings.
    So, teaching and nursing degrees for the chop?
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 14,012

    I wonder about those ‘mickey-mouse’ degrees. Anyone know what is meant? Or have examples?
    No idea, but in a sane world all undergraduate degrees would be of similar difficulty, a first class would be a sign of unusually stellar quality, and students would be chosen on potential and not because they are an income source for the institution. I don't think anyone thinks this is the case currently.

    The inadequate element in a degree can arise from: the nature or intrinsic unimportance of the subject matter; the quality of teaching and assessment; and the quality/potential of the students.

    Sort this, and the rest sorts itself, in some cases by closing itself down. But as long as a business model comes first all the objective and true considerations will come second.
  • TazTaz Posts: 17,633

    ...

    Sir FlipFlop?

    Starmer has had a shocking day. I am listening to LBC on a work trip to Crediton and back. There has been a lot of critical scrutiny of Starmer, Reeves, Streeting and Labour and absolutely no scrutiny on Sunak's Mickey Mouse degrees bollocks. Oh and an entire morning on Abbott.

    If this goes on for five and a half weeks Labour will be lucky to have 100 MPs.
    "CON GAIN - BOOTLE"
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 127,087
    Carnyx said:

    Classics at Oxford? Well, it's certainly not STEM.
    Which would be absurd given Classics at Oxford is one of the earliest and longest running degrees and has been going long before most UK universities were even founded.

    Apparently 'Drop-out rates, job progression and earnings potential will all be assessed to determine the worst courses and force them to close.' So those are the criteria for 'mickey mouse' degrees

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13469261/Tories-university-degrees-radical-plan-courses-money-apprenticeships.html
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 10,061
    https://x.com/YouGov/status/1795825530454900760?s=19

    More needed for the grey folk says everyone.

    Don't tell Horse
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 121,674

    NEW THREAD

  • TazTaz Posts: 17,633

    I did Politics and English Literature, and it dun me no harm.

    "I've got one art O'Level, it did nothing for me"
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 13,719
    TOPPING said:

    Mickey Mouse or "rip off" degrees = those with high drop out rates or low earnings potential.

    Good article here: https://metro.co.uk/2023/12/02/creatives-speak-rishi-sunaks-rip-off-degrees-crackdown-19762992/

    "Although he has never given specific examples, the latest figures calculated by Oxford Learning College from last year suggested historical, philosophical and religious studies had the lowest employment rate.

    And design, creative and performing arts had the lowest median graduate salary of £20,000."


    Never heard of "Oxford Learning College", that said.

    From a perspective of the nation's finances, it's the mean salary rather than the median salary that matters. If the performing arts have a very skewed earnings distribution, which seems plausible compared to many sectors, you'll get a median a lot lower than the mean.
  • DM_AndyDM_Andy Posts: 1,253
    Taz said:

    "CON GAIN - BOOTLE"
    Hasn't got a Conservative candidate yet - surely one for Casino_Royale to throw their hat into the ring for.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 34,573
    algarkirk said:

    No idea, but in a sane world all undergraduate degrees would be of similar difficulty, a first class would be a sign of unusually stellar quality, and students would be chosen on potential and not because they are an income source for the institution. I don't think anyone thinks this is the case currently.

    The inadequate element in a degree can arise from: the nature or intrinsic unimportance of the subject matter; the quality of teaching and assessment; and the quality/potential of the students.

    Sort this, and the rest sorts itself, in some cases by closing itself down. But as long as a business model comes first all the objective and true considerations will come second.
    In a sane world???
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 44,620
    HYUFD said:

    Which would be absurd given Classics at Oxford is one of the earliest and longest running degrees and has been going long before most UK universities were even founded.

    Apparently 'Drop-out rates, job progression and earnings potential will all be assessed to determine the worst courses and force them to close.' So those are the criteria for 'mickey mouse' degrees

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13469261/Tories-university-degrees-radical-plan-courses-money-apprenticeships.html
    *missing the point that Mr Sunak said "STEM" as a key criterion*

    *also absurd logic on your part : one could just as well argue for the Trivium and Quadrivium to replace the modern syllabus cos it was taught in the C15*
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 22,203

    https://x.com/YouGov/status/1795825530454900760?s=19

    More needed for the grey folk says everyone.

    Don't tell Horse

    We should have let Covid rip.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 73,557
    DougSeal said:

    So, teaching and nursing degrees for the chop?
    Teaching degrees have been more chopped than cabbage in a mincer anyway.

    The agricultural universities - Hartpury, Harper Adams, RAU - are all buggered now though.
  • TazTaz Posts: 17,633
    DM_Andy said:

    Hasn't got a Conservative candidate yet - surely one for Casino_Royale to throw their hat into the ring for.
    Maybe that is why Iain Dale has left LBC. To fight Bootle.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 44,620
    DougSeal said:

    So, teaching and nursing degrees for the chop?
    Nursing is OK because medical. And M in STEM means medical. But nurses don't need degrees or something so not OK. Teaching - only OK if STE in STEM. Or something.

    Don't ask me to interpret ... I'm too logical and sane to understand Mr Sunak and the Tories.
  • AlsoLeiAlsoLei Posts: 1,522
    TOPPING said:

    Mickey Mouse or "rip off" degrees = those with high drop out rates or low earnings potential.

    Good article here: https://metro.co.uk/2023/12/02/creatives-speak-rishi-sunaks-rip-off-degrees-crackdown-19762992/

    "Although he has never given specific examples, the latest figures calculated by Oxford Learning College from last year suggested historical, philosophical and religious studies had the lowest employment rate.

    And design, creative and performing arts had the lowest median graduate salary of £20,000."


    Never heard of "Oxford Learning College", that said.

    The stats for employment (and post-graduation earnings) are always skewed by people who go on to do masters / further study, of course. I would imagine drop-out rates also favour less-challenging courses.

    It seems almost inevitable that the sort of courses that your average Tory-voter would regard as being "mickey mouse" will end up being ranked amongst the best according to the metrics that Sunak has proposed.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 18,630

    We should have let Covid rip.
    300,000 dead suggests that we pretty much did...
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,422

    I'll disagree and say that was a car crash but strokes for folks, other opinions exist
    I think Kay Burley “oh, it was a joke” was more of a car crash….whichever, he wasn’t talking about the NHS…
  • El_CapitanoEl_Capitano Posts: 4,244
    Leon said:

    Jesus tittyfucking Christ on a crouton what am I going to do in Moldova for EIGHT DAYS

    1. Meet this girl on Sunday
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 34,295

    I object to the use of 'likely' in 'This likely resulted in the occupants who were airborne to fall back down.'

    'Probably' would have been better but neither was necessary in this instance.
    An Americanism which is rather annoying. 😊 It should be "This is likely to have resulted in..."
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,920


    Having said that - JLP's methods and headline numbers might be wrong but that shouldn't impact their trend.

    I don't think that follows logically.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 127,087
    edited May 2024
    ydoethur said:

    Teaching degrees have been more chopped than cabbage in a mincer anyway.

    The agricultural universities - Hartpury, Harper Adams, RAU - are all buggered now though.
    Hardly, they have a very high record of graduates getting students into jobs, agriculture, even if mainly on family farms. Plus if the Tories lose the rural farming vote even their safest seats could be lost
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 127,087
    Carnyx said:

    *missing the point that Mr Sunak said "STEM" as a key criterion*

    *also absurd logic on your part : one could just as well argue for the Trivium and Quadrivium to replace the modern syllabus cos it was taught in the C15*
    No, he said students should study Maths until 18 not that he would ban all non STEM degrees as that would include banning his old former PPE course
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 56,022
    Taz said:

    File under "who gives a shit"
    Voters who don’t think someone should be lose their job for appearing on a podcast of someone whom others find objectionable. They give a sh!t.

    Jess Philips, the queen of cancel culture, and an example of the attitude a Labour government will have towards freedom of speech.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 73,557
    HYUFD said:

    Hardly, they have a very high record of graduates getting students into jobs, agriculture, even if mainly on family farms. Plus if the Tories lose the rural farming vote even their safest seats could be lost
    I was thinking of how unremunerative it is!
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 127,087
    ydoethur said:

    I was thinking of how unremunerative it is!
    Depends on what your crop or livestock is. Plus family farms tend to have a family farmhouse with no mortgage or rent needed and often several other properties let out to tenants, whether private or businesses
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 73,557
    HYUFD said:

    Depends on what your crop or livestock is. Plus family farms tend to have a family farmhouse with no mortgage or rent needed and often several other properties let out to tenants, whether private or businesses
    There are three ways a man may ruin himself - wine, women and farming. My father chose the most boring of the three.

    Pope John XXIII.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 127,087
    ydoethur said:

    There are three ways a man may ruin himself - wine, women and farming. My father chose the most boring of the three.

    Pope John XXIII.
    Though if nobody farmed we would all starve
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 73,557
    HYUFD said:

    Though if nobody farmed we would all starve
    Thereby proving that there are some things worth more than money and this is a silly policy?
This discussion has been closed.