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Alex Coupe

@accoupe.bsky.social
349 followers 666 following 51 posts

Lecturer in theatre and performance. Currently working on Ireland and the English literary imagination from post-war to Brexit. @ucu.org.uk rep. ‘Views own'. he/him

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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Interesting shift in messaging from UUK here. They're now calling for an increase in direct state funding for HE, rather than placing the burden on students through fees rises. Astonishingly they're beginning to realise what the government does not: the fees system is killing HE.
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
“We believe in universities not just as a vehicle for investment in the so-called knowledge economy, but as parts of a wider social infrastructure, opened up to communities with an expansive conception of education as a common good.” tribunemag.co.uk/2026/09/brit...
tribunemag.co.uk
British Academia is Dying. It’s Time for a National Industrial Response
Workers in higher education are fighting atomised struggles to save their jobs. A rank-and-file strategy is needed to unite them.
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Daniel C. Blight @danielcblight.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
***URGENT PLEASE SHARE*** University of Brighton management have announced today that they ‘give notice of termination of all collective agreements’. This is a fundamental erasure of workers' rights. Management have announced the termination of all contractual documents, which includes:
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Matt Seybold @mattseybold.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
“The contraction of used book stock & the inflation of used book prices is happening simultaneous with the reduction of library collections, the defunding of physical archives, & the enshittification of digital archives, & all are at least partially caused by pressures from frontier developers.”
open.substack.com
Guillotining Books Is Not Quite Guillotining Humanities Scholars. Not Quite.
Booksellers are benefitting from AI developers destructively scanning print books, but the activity is not victimless.
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Benjamin Riley @benjaminjriley.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Both the Economist and others suggest this study demonstrates that AI can help students. So I contacted the lead researcher to figure out how many. Answer: Out of ~26,000 kids, a total of 20. And five months after starting to use AI, only four continued to spend 65 minutes on homework. Four.
Graph of student exam scores correlated to homework completion time for to groups, students using AI and those that did not. There is a slight spike for studens using AI who also maintained extensive homework completion time. As described in post, the number of students falling into this bucket was 20 out of 26,000.
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Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
‘In science, the study found that pupils who used AI “almost every day” were significantly less able to summarise or draft texts that they had read than those who “almost never” used it — although the effect was less harmful for those who used it “to help me learn”.’ www.ft.com/content/0b38...
Students who use Al almost every day score lower in science reading tests
Mean score, by frequency of Al use, for summarising science texts students read for schoolwork
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Irish University Review @irishunireview.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
In 1932, Irish writer, revolutionary & political activist Peadar O’Donnell took a libel case against the editor of the Irish Rosary for claims he had visited communist Russia. Niall Carson argues in the latest IUR that this case illuminates transnational connections between Ireland, Britain & Russia
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
This is not new. It already happens, but most commentary on HE ignores the privatised and generally exploitative end of the “market”. They are able to access student loans despite providing the bare minimum of academic support. I know of a “provider” in Liverpool that doesn’t have a library.
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Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
This was 23% of total income, up from 5% in the mid-1990s. But this increase had only delayed/mitigated a broader funding crisis. Commons Library commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
International students in UK higher education
International student numbers increased rapidly to a peak in 2022/23, before falling in the following two years. Why did this happen? What is government policy on the issue and what are the financial ...
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Clare Downham @downham.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Very proud to see both a former and current doctoral researchers I have worked with as co-authors of this open access paper "The Cass Review and Gender Ahistoricism" bulletin.appliedtransstudies.org/article/5/1-... #cass #trans #lgbt #history #skystorians #livuni
bulletin.appliedtransstudies.org
The Cass Review and Gender Ahistoricism - Bulletin of Applied Transgender Studies
This article provides a critical appraisal of the Cass Review from a heritage position through the lenses of archaeology, heresiology, myth, and literature. The paper introduces the framework of gende...
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The British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
What can we learn from data about the current trends in university staffing in the humanities, social sciences and arts subjects? 🧵 Read on for key insights or see the full analysis: www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/policy-and-r...
A group of academic staff members, sitting on chairs and reading documents.
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Some context on the below: www.universityrankandfile.org.uk/campaigns/di...
universityrankandfile.org.uk
University Rank-and-File - Dispute explainer
The context At least 20,000 jobs cut across the sector, a number that does not even include non-renewal of fixed-term contracts At least 100 UK universities have live restructuring and redundancy prog...
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Leasowe, Wirral
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
“Soon enough, there will be no memory of the university as it was – just as there is already no memory of free higher education among today’s students, who find the idea scarcely imaginable.” newleftreview.org/sidecar/post...
newleftreview.org
Lorna Finlayson, Irreversible — Sidecar
On Britain’s universities.
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Martin Doyle @martindoyle.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Never not at it www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
UK security services helped devise act that gave amnesty over Troubles killings
Revelation that policing and state agency figures were in secret policymaking group angers victims’ groups
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Deirdre Flynn @deirdreflynn.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Lecturer in English Literature The Open University – English & Creative Writing Full time Permanent www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DRQ222/l...
jobs.ac.uk
Lecturer in English Literature at The Open University
Start your UK & international job search for academic jobs, research jobs, science jobs and managerial jobs in leading universities and top...
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Irish Studies@LivUni @irishinstitute.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Join our friends @sotauol.bsky.social for a book launch + roundtable on "Feminist theatre in a time of crisis", incl "The Gender Politics of Contemporary Performance in N. Ireland" by @accoupe.bsky.social 🗓️3pm, 6 May 2026 🧭SOTA Library + online www.liverpool.ac.uk/new-and-inte... #IrishStudies
liverpool.ac.uk
Feminist theatre in a time of crisis: book launch and roundtable | Centre for New and International Writing | University of Liverpool
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Laura McAtackney @lauramca.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Job Alert: Lecturer in Archaeology, University of Highlands & Islands, Orkney. WOW! myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/ork...
myjobscotland.gov.uk
Lecturer, Archaeology - ORK10266 | Orkney Islands Council | myjobscotland
View details and apply for this lecturing role in with Orkney Islands Council on myjobscotland
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A Mere Solicitor @ameresolicitor.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
R (Sussex) v OfS and FDU (2026) 1. The judgement: www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/u...
judiciary.uk
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Department of English at the University of Liverpool @livunienglish.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Dr Sophie Oliver is curating an exhibition on modernist Gertrude Stein, opening this summer at the Harry Ransom Centre: www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/... In the meantime, the Times discusses Deborah Levy's new novel on Stein, alongside Oliver's upcoming exhibition. www.the-tls.com/literature/f...
the-tls.com
Out of sheer intention
In Paris, in the grey, rainy November of 2024, an author is struggling to write an essay on Gertrude Stein. Neither the time nor the weather is
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
The problem is with funding and a govmnt that favours the managed decline of HE & squeezing students over alternative models. This is exactly why exhausted rank and file members of @ucu.org.uk passed a motion in 2025 to open a dispute directly with Labour’s Secretary of State.
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Department of English at the University of Liverpool @livunienglish.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Dr Hannah Greenstreet's new play, Four Letter Words, premieres this week at the @liveveryplay.bsky.social 16th-18th April. A coming-of-age story set in the world of queer online kink, it explores finding connection and belonging during lockdown. Book now! everymanplayhouse.com/event/four-l...
everymanplayhouse.com
Four Letter Words - Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres
A coming-of-age story set in the world of queer online kink, Four Letter Words explores the thrill and vulnerability of finding connection in a time of isolation.
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
I’ll be discussing feminist theatre with the stellar playwright Abbie Spallen, theatre writer Holly Williams, and my esteemed colleague Hannah Greenstreet. Attend in the flesh or in cyberspace.
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Mezquita-Cathedral Cordoba Detail of cherubs Entrance to Jewish Quarter of Cordoba Roman theatre mask
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Department of English at the University of Liverpool @livunienglish.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Dr Alex Coupe is leading a roundtable discussion on the Everyman's adaptation of Hilary Mantel's The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher. It's free and no booking required! Join him on 14th May, 5:30-7pm @ the Everyman Playhouse. More info here: everymanplayhouse.com/event/the-as...
everymanplayhouse.com
The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher - Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres
Two people. One window. One gun.
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Christabel Scaife @christabelscaife.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
I’m thrilled to announce our new book series Pioneering Peace: New Paradigms in Peace and Conflict Studies, published in collaboration with @ulsteruniincore.bsky.social and edited by @brandonhamber.bsky.social. Please spread the word! www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/topic/book-s...
liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
A talented bunch, our PhDs.
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Natalia Cecire @ncecire.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Yesterday I was at a great talk by Sita Balani. She and many others (e.g. @quinnslobodian.com) are doing great work on the "zones" of contemporary capital, in which universities are now eagerly taking part. It's explicit UKHE strategy, for example. read.dukeupress.edu/south-atlant...
read.dukeupress.edu
Voided Patterning: Thinking Racial and Spatial Division in the Zone | South Atlantic Quarterly | Duke University Press
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Irish Literary Times @irishlittimes.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Don’t miss National Theatre Live’s 2025 production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, starring Ncuti Gatwa and Sharon D. Clarke — free to stream worldwide on YouTube from March 12–18, 2026. www.youtube.com/watch?v=obX-...
youtube.com
The Importance Of Being Earnest (Full Show) | Take Your Seats | National Theatre at Home
YouTube video by National Theatre
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Association for Scottish Literature @asls.org.uk · 12/03/2026
JOB ALERT Lecturer in Scottish Literature @standrewsenglish.bsky.social seeks a scholar with a growing international research reputation within Scottish Literature ca. 1760–present. Deadline for application: 16 April www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...
vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk
Lecturer in Scottish Literature - AC2680
Lecturer in Scottish Literature - AC2680, School of English Salary: £47,389 - £58,226 per annum Start Date: 01 August 2026 , <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We wish to appoint a Lecturer in Sco...
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
A very good day for Napoleon’s nose
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
9,600 redundancies at just 24 universities. Imagine what the picture is for the sector as a whole. This is the other half of the student loan scandal picture, which has been national news lately. Nothing at all from the government on a key sector effectively in freefall…
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ISTR @irishtheatreres.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
The first ISTR webinar of the year is this Sunday 1st March at 6pm, discussing the topic 'Is it time to bring back the Irish Theatre Awards?' Our panel – Esosa Ighodaro, Anne Clarke and Luke Casserly – will be in conversation with Dr Miriam Haughton. Free registration: tinyurl.com/ynnpc6he
tickettailor.com
Select tickets – ISTR Webinar - 'Is It Time to Bring Back the Irish Theatre Awards?' – Zoom
ISTR Webinar - 'Is It Time to Bring Back the Irish Theatre Awards?' – Zoom, Sun 1 Mar 2026 - Webinar hosted by the Irish Society For Theatre Research
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John Self @john-self.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
After a trial over the last few years, Ireland has launched a permanent scheme giving a basic income of €325 a week for artists. 2,000 will be eligible, and successful recipients will be chosen at random from applicants, who must be "professional artists" (definition tbc).
bbc.co.uk
Ireland announces scheme to provide basic income for artists
The Basic Income for Artists (BIA) project is believed to be the first permanent one of its kind in the world.
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Anna Kornbluh @annakornbluh.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
"we cannot begin to talk about freedom and justice in any culture if we are not talking about mass based literacy movements." bell hooks 1997 we cannot begin to talk about freedom+justice in any culture now if we are not talking about mass de-literacy cognitive-incapacitating industries.
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Pavel @spavel.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Union workers solved the trolley problem, you're welcome
IWW IU 520 (Railroad Workers) PRESENTS:

TROLLEY PROBLEM SOLUTION

"Slip the switch" by flipping it while the trolley's front wheels have passed through, but before the back wheels do. This will cause a controlled derailment bringing the trolley to a safe halt.
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Paddy Brennan @paddy-brennan.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
I'm excited to be presenting on the late, great Edna O'Brien in her adopted home city later this month. Also looking forward to hearing from @mikelyn.bsky.social on Pádraic Ó Conaire
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Methuen Drama @methuendrama.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
🎧 weekend listening 🎧 Waiting for Godot, Slow Horses and why all TV actors should work on stage - listen to an exclusive interview with Lucian Msamati about his new book 'The Godot Diaries' via the WhatsOnStage podcast ⬇️ bit.ly/4r5dGdw
bit.ly
Waiting for Godot, Slow Horses and why all TV actors should work on stage
An exclusive interview with Lucian Msamati about his new book
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Deirdre Flynn @deirdreflynn.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Lecturer in English and Writing Studies University of Waikato Permanent Writing and literature of the English speaking world with a focus on Māori and Pacific writing and literature. www.timeshighereducation.com/unijobs/list...
timeshighereducation.com
Lecturer in English and Writing Studies - Hamilton, New Zealand job with UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO | 406506
Te Kura Toi School of Arts is seeking a full-time Lecturer in English and Writing Studies.
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
One of several scholarships for Palestinian students available at the University of Liverpool. This one is for the MRes in Irish Studies. Please share to relevant circles. www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/fees-a...
liverpool.ac.uk
University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarship in Irish Studies | Study | University of Liverpool
Learn about our University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarship in Irish Studies.
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Julia Laite @julialaite.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Wonderful news from Birkbeck's School of Historical Studies. We're hiring not one but TWO open-ended, full-time roles: Medieval Studies, and History of Art! cis7.bbk.ac.uk/home.html#fi...
cis7.bbk.ac.uk
Current Vacancies - Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck
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British Association for Irish Studies (BAIS) @bairishstudies.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
A reminder that our Postgraduate Essay and Bursary prizes are now open for applications! Deadline for submissions 17 March 2026 See the BAIS website for details on how to enter and eligibility: irishstudies.co.uk/prizes-and-f...
irishstudies.co.uk
Prizes and Funding
BAIS Book Prize The 2026 BAIS Book Prize is now open. We invite submissions of single-author monographs published in 2025. All areas of Irish Studies across a range of disciplines are welcome.…
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Irish Studies@LivUni @irishinstitute.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
📢Lectureship in Politics and Public Administration Shared with @livunipol.bsky.social 3-year fixed-term £47,389 - £59,966 pa Help teach + develop the new MA in Public Administration and Policy, teach UG + PG students + carry out high-quality research ℹ️ tinyurl.com/3fcyrn24 #academicsky
tinyurl.com
Job Specification
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Yair Wallach @yairwallach.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
The Tory dismantling of high education structures inevitably meant the decimation of local universities and campuses, sooner or later. The Labour government decided to continue Tory policies, so it happens on their watch.
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Women’s History Association of Ireland @whaireland.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Our Annual MacCurtain/Cullen prize is now open for entries. The competition is open to current or recent BA or MA/MPhil students. closing date for entries is 1 March 2026. womenshistoryassociation.com/grants-prizes/
womenshistoryassociation.com
Grants & Prizes
The MacCurtain/Cullen Essay Prize in Irishwomen’s History The Women’s History Association of Ireland awards an annual MacCurtain/Cullen Prize in Irishwomen’s History in recognition of the outstandi…
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Jay Roszman @jayroszman.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
A 3 year JRF at Magdalene and Notre Dame in Irish Studies – sounds like a pretty great opportunity for someone.
jobs.ac.uk
‘Parnell’ Stipendiary Research Fellowship in Irish Studies Competition at University of Cambridge
Looking for a new job opportunity in academia? Check out this job opening for a ‘Parnell’ Stipendiary Research Fellowship in Irish Studies Competition on jobs.ac.uk!
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Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
I’ve seen little panic about the thousands of jobs being lost in HE thanks to the broken and unfair funding system. One “blue Labour”MP (from Liverpool!) even wrote in the Daily Mail that half of Universities should be allowed to fail…
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ISTR @irishtheatreres.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
ISTR Conference CFP reminder - proposals are due by Saturday 31 January TU Dublin Grangegorman, 4-5 June Full details via our website: istr.ie/istr-confere...
istr.ie
ISTR Conference 2026 - Irish Society for Theatre Research
ISTR 2026 Conference | Stages of Knowledge: Site, Struggle, and Transformation | 4-5 June in TU Dublin's Grangegorman Campus
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Dr Matt Lodder @mattlodder.com · 13/01/2026
Incredible article which points out that it often collectively costs more to apply for scarce research funding than the funds awarded to the successful proposals. What an absurd system we've built in the service of efficiency and competition. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
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