Month: January 2018
UKC UKIP ‘Crusades’ Social Cancelled Over Union Threat
An Email in the last week revealed that the University of Kent UKIP society were ordered with disciplinary measures and a threat of disillusionment from Union, after promoting a social celebrating the First Crusades back in December. On November 22, society leader Joe Simons received an email from Kent Student Union warning that any attempt to go ahead with their upcoming event, a pub crawl commemorating the 922nd anniversary of the First Crusade on November 24, would lead to a disciplinary procedure, potentially ending in the dissolution of the society. The event was deemed inappropriate by the Union, which…
Two Year Degrees to Save Students £25K of Debt
Students across the UK will be offered “accelerated” two-year degree courses by 2019, under new plans set out by the Government. The degree would be taught in the same manner that it is taught normally, but taught over a shorter space of time, with students expected attend university for 45 weeks across the academic year, rather than 30 weeks, which is what is currently being offered by universities. The change will also be taught at a slightly lower cost of £11,000 a year, saving the average student just over £5,000 in tuition fees. The Department for Education has said…
I&A: Why Erasmus could be in danger of dying post-Brexit?
In December 2017, it was confirmed that the UK will continue to take part in the Erasmus student exchange programme until at least the end of 2020. But what exactly is Erasmus? What does the future hold for the scheme in a post-Brexit Britain? And how might it affect the University of Kent? Issue The Erasmus+ Programme is the European Union’s flagship mobility programme enabling participants to study, work, volunteer, teach and train abroad. The scheme sees students study in another European country for between three and 12 months as part of their degree. In the 30 years since…
Latte Levy: A narrow-minded solution to ‘War on waste’?
Photo by bbc.co.uk The ‘war on waste’ has a new target in its sights: coffee cups. 2.5 billion of them are thrown away every year, prompting MPs to call for the introduction of a new 25p tax to help deal with the environmental impact. Although it is possible to recycle disposable cups, the cost and difficulty of doing so, combined with a lack of facilities, mean most simply end up in landfill. However, it’s unfair to pass the cost of rectifying this onto coffee-drinkers. With the prospect of a complete ban on disposable cups by 2023 if the situation…
Review: Black Mirror Season 4
With six brand new episodes, Charlie Brooker’s satirical and discerning examination of our use of technology has returned with an electric 4th season. With each new avenue explored, the show has blossomed brilliantly, both in concept and in reach. In its move from Channel 4 to Netflix, the show has experienced some changes, but has resulted in this development from a curious and obscure British miniseries to a highly anticipated set of mini-films with international collaboration. After a two day binge-watch (because with Black Mirror, you need breaks) it is clear that Brooker and co still have the ability…