Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Interesting 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. 010
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.ukBritish Academia is Dying. It’s Time for a National Industrial ResponseWorkers in higher education are fighting atomised struggles to save their jobs. A rank-and-file strategy is needed to unite them. 000
Reposted by Alex CoupeDaniel 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: 13598709
Reposted by Alex CoupeMatt 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.comGuillotining 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. 38942
Reposted by Alex CoupeBenjamin Riley @benjaminjriley.bsky.social · 20/08/2026Both 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. 16676269
Reposted by Alex CoupeHetan 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... 48634
Reposted by Alex CoupeIrish University Review @irishunireview.bsky.social · 11/05/2026In 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 363
Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 11/08/2026This 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. 110
Reposted by Alex CoupeSunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 09/08/2026This 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.ukInternational students in UK higher educationInternational 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 ... 0123
Reposted by Alex CoupeClare Downham @downham.bsky.social · 16/07/2026Very 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 #livunibulletin.appliedtransstudies.orgThe Cass Review and Gender Ahistoricism - Bulletin of Applied Transgender StudiesThis 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... 062
Reposted by Alex CoupeThe British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social · 15/07/2026What 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... 13424
Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 30/06/2026Some context on the below: www.universityrankandfile.org.uk/campaigns/di...universityrankandfile.org.ukUniversity Rank-and-File - Dispute explainerThe 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... 110
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.orgLorna Finlayson, Irreversible — SidecarOn Britain’s universities. 110
Reposted by Alex CoupeMartin Doyle @martindoyle.bsky.social · 26/05/2026Never not at it www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...theguardian.comUK security services helped devise act that gave amnesty over Troubles killingsRevelation that policing and state agency figures were in secret policymaking group angers victims’ groups 12814
Reposted by Alex CoupeDeirdre Flynn @deirdreflynn.bsky.social · 23/05/2026Lecturer in English Literature The Open University – English & Creative Writing Full time Permanent www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DRQ222/l...jobs.ac.ukLecturer in English Literature at The Open UniversityStart your UK & international job search for academic jobs, research jobs, science jobs and managerial jobs in leading universities and top... 011
Reposted by Alex CoupeIrish Studies@LivUni @irishinstitute.bsky.social · 05/05/2026Join 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... #IrishStudiesliverpool.ac.uk Feminist theatre in a time of crisis: book launch and roundtable | Centre for New and International Writing | University of Liverpool 013
Reposted by Alex CoupeLaura McAtackney @lauramca.bsky.social · 30/04/2026Job Alert: Lecturer in Archaeology, University of Highlands & Islands, Orkney. WOW! myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/ork...myjobscotland.gov.ukLecturer, Archaeology - ORK10266 | Orkney Islands Council | myjobscotlandView details and apply for this lecturing role in with Orkney Islands Council on myjobscotland 02724
Reposted by Alex CoupeA Mere Solicitor @ameresolicitor.bsky.social · 29/04/2026R (Sussex) v OfS and FDU (2026) 1. The judgement: www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/u...judiciary.uk 524989
Reposted by Alex CoupeDepartment of English at the University of Liverpool @livunienglish.bsky.social · 24/04/2026Dr 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.comOut of sheer intentionIn 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 052
Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 17/04/2026The 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. 110
Reposted by Alex CoupeDepartment of English at the University of Liverpool @livunienglish.bsky.social · 13/04/2026Dr 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.comFour Letter Words - Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse TheatresA 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. 001
Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 10/04/2026I’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. 000
Reposted by Alex CoupeDepartment of English at the University of Liverpool @livunienglish.bsky.social · 18/03/2026Dr 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.comThe Assassination of Margaret Thatcher - Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse TheatresTwo people. One window. One gun. 021
Reposted by Alex CoupeChristabel Scaife @christabelscaife.bsky.social · 19/03/2026I’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 033
Reposted by Alex CoupeNatalia Cecire @ncecire.bsky.social · 14/03/2026Yesterday 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.eduVoided Patterning: Thinking Racial and Spatial Division in the Zone | South Atlantic Quarterly | Duke University Press 23110
Reposted by Alex CoupeIrish Literary Times @irishlittimes.bsky.social · 12/03/2026Don’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.comThe Importance Of Being Earnest (Full Show) | Take Your Seats | National Theatre at HomeYouTube video by National Theatre 11710
Reposted by Alex CoupeAssociation for Scottish Literature @asls.org.uk · 12/03/2026JOB 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.ukLecturer in Scottish Literature - AC2680Lecturer 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... 01916
Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 25/02/20269,600 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… 411073
Reposted by Alex CoupeISTR @irishtheatreres.bsky.social · 24/02/2026The 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/ynnpc6hetickettailor.comSelect tickets – ISTR Webinar - 'Is It Time to Bring Back the Irish Theatre Awards?' – ZoomISTR 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 011
Reposted by Alex CoupeJohn Self @john-self.bsky.social · 11/02/2026After 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.ukIreland announces scheme to provide basic income for artistsThe Basic Income for Artists (BIA) project is believed to be the first permanent one of its kind in the world. 832752628
Reposted by Alex CoupeAnna 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. 211555
Reposted by Alex CoupePavel @spavel.bsky.social · 31/01/2026Union workers solved the trolley problem, you're welcome 3984762438
Reposted by Alex CoupePaddy Brennan @paddy-brennan.bsky.social · 06/02/2026I'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 063
Reposted by Alex CoupeMethuen 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.lyWaiting for Godot, Slow Horses and why all TV actors should work on stageAn exclusive interview with Lucian Msamati about his new book 012
Reposted by Alex CoupeDeirdre Flynn @deirdreflynn.bsky.social · 06/02/2026Lecturer 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.comLecturer in English and Writing Studies - Hamilton, New Zealand job with UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO | 406506Te Kura Toi School of Arts is seeking a full-time Lecturer in English and Writing Studies. 001
Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 04/02/2026One 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. 11931
Reposted by Alex CoupeJulia Laite @julialaite.bsky.social · 29/01/2026Wonderful 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.ukCurrent Vacancies - Birkbeck, University of LondonBirkbeck 18656
Reposted by Alex CoupeBritish 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.ukPrizes and FundingBAIS 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.… 059
Reposted by Alex CoupeIrish 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 #academicskytinyurl.comJob Specification 017
Reposted by Alex CoupeYair Wallach @yairwallach.bsky.social · 27/01/2026The 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. 0192
Reposted by Alex CoupeWomen’s History Association of Ireland @whaireland.bsky.social · 26/01/2026Our 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.comGrants & PrizesThe 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… 0812
Reposted by Alex CoupeJay Roszman @jayroszman.bsky.social · 24/01/2026A 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 CambridgeLooking 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! 11114
Alex Coupe @accoupe.bsky.social · 21/01/2026I’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… 000
Reposted by Alex CoupeISTR @irishtheatreres.bsky.social · 14/01/2026ISTR 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.ieISTR Conference 2026 - Irish Society for Theatre ResearchISTR 2026 Conference | Stages of Knowledge: Site, Struggle, and Transformation | 4-5 June in TU Dublin's Grangegorman Campus 001
Reposted by Alex CoupeDr Matt Lodder @mattlodder.com · 13/01/2026Incredible 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... 1126596