Kirsty Finn
@kirsty-finn-mcr.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in Education (Sociology) at MIE UoM. My views not my employers, obviously. Part of the ESRC Transforming Working Lives ‘L-earning’ project, researching education, work, gender, social class.
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
New @creativepec.bsky.social report! “Who Stays and Who Leaves? Mapping Arts, Culture and Heritage Careers” pec.ac.uk/state_of_the...
Who Stays and Who Leaves? Mapping Arts, Culture and Heritage Careers - Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre
Read the latest State of the Nations research report from University of Sheffield on mapping arts, culture and heritage careers.
pec.ac.uk
November 19, 2025 at 11:09 AM
New @creativepec.bsky.social report! “Who Stays and Who Leaves? Mapping Arts, Culture and Heritage Careers” pec.ac.uk/state_of_the...
“Student accommodation has become an infrastructure asset class … Students borrow from government to pay rent to pension funds, while the equity their parents might once have used to help them onto the property ladder is siphoned into maintaining returns for retirees.”
Well worth a read.
Well worth a read.
NEW on Wonkhe: Jim Dickinson exposes the disconnect between student housing needs and the systems meant to meet them, explaining how fragmented policymaking and market-driven development fuel the crisis in university towns buff.ly/LpLyOTD
October 30, 2025 at 11:23 AM
“Student accommodation has become an infrastructure asset class … Students borrow from government to pay rent to pension funds, while the equity their parents might once have used to help them onto the property ladder is siphoned into maintaining returns for retirees.”
Well worth a read.
Well worth a read.
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
Death toll in Gaza rises to 90 as Israel intensifies strikes - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/death-toll-gaza-rises-90-israel-intensifies-strikes
Death toll in Gaza rises to 90 as Israel intensifies strikes
<article data-history-node-id="430787" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/death-toll-gaza-rises-90-israel-intensifies-strikes" class="live-blog-update default clearfix">
<h2>
<a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/death-toll-gaza-rises-90-israel-intensifies-strikes" rel="bookmark">
<span class="field field-title">Death toll in Gaza rises to 90 as Israel intensifies strikes</span>
</a>
</h2>
<div class="content">
<div class="field field-field-text"><article data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-12" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:6e3ad8e7-9f53-414c-88a7-6e9b4ec3ac7b-5" dir="auto" tabindex="-1">
<p data-end="533" data-is-last-node data-is-only-node data-start="114">Medical sources have told Al Jazeera that at least 90 Palestinians have been killed in the latest Israeli bombardment of Gaza.</p>
<p data-end="533" data-is-last-node data-is-only-node data-start="114">Central Gaza has recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 42 people killed, while 31 were confirmed dead in the north and 18 in the south, the figures are expected to rise as people are taken out of the rubble. </p>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</article>
www.middleeasteye.net
October 29, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Death toll in Gaza rises to 90 as Israel intensifies strikes - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/death-toll-gaza-rises-90-israel-intensifies-strikes
THIS WEDNESDAY! calling all parents, teachers/lecturers of young people in #greatermanchester this event, part of #ESRC #FESTIVALOFSOCIALSCIENCES offers a great route into thinking about rights at work & combining work &education. Places limited, so please register! Weather looks better too on weds!
Help, I didn’t get paid this month!
Working while studying? Learn about your rights, share experiences & connect with support at this free interactive session.
📍 Manchester Central Library
🗓️ Wed 29 Oct, 1:30–3:30pm
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-i-did...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest @ESRC
Working while studying? Learn about your rights, share experiences & connect with support at this free interactive session.
📍 Manchester Central Library
🗓️ Wed 29 Oct, 1:30–3:30pm
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-i-did...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest @ESRC
Help, I didn’t get paid this month!
Learn your rights at work! Students can join an interactive session on paid work, share experiences, and get tools to protect themselves.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 8:01 AM
THIS WEDNESDAY! calling all parents, teachers/lecturers of young people in #greatermanchester this event, part of #ESRC #FESTIVALOFSOCIALSCIENCES offers a great route into thinking about rights at work & combining work &education. Places limited, so please register! Weather looks better too on weds!
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
This is hugely important to highlight and something universities will often seek to hide from students - it means likely higher turnover, as staff only take these jobs if they have no choice & grab any chance to leave. A horrendous way to run a university.
We’ve seen experienced staff pull out of offers when the paperwork turns up with a company name and the inferior pension details listed for the first time in the hiring process; I might make some ‘Paid 20% less’ badges for those who join us. They sure aren’t 20% less qualified or hardworking.
October 23, 2025 at 9:05 AM
This is hugely important to highlight and something universities will often seek to hide from students - it means likely higher turnover, as staff only take these jobs if they have no choice & grab any chance to leave. A horrendous way to run a university.
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
📢 Applications are open for the Sociology (SOC) and Work, Employment and Society (WES) Editorial Boards!
Both welcome ECRs, with Sociology offering mentoring for those newer to reviewing.
🗓️ Deadline: 30 Oct 2025, 17:00 GMT
👉 Apply or nominate: www.mi-nomination.com/britsoc
Both welcome ECRs, with Sociology offering mentoring for those newer to reviewing.
🗓️ Deadline: 30 Oct 2025, 17:00 GMT
👉 Apply or nominate: www.mi-nomination.com/britsoc
Nominations
www.mi-nomination.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:34 PM
📢 Applications are open for the Sociology (SOC) and Work, Employment and Society (WES) Editorial Boards!
Both welcome ECRs, with Sociology offering mentoring for those newer to reviewing.
🗓️ Deadline: 30 Oct 2025, 17:00 GMT
👉 Apply or nominate: www.mi-nomination.com/britsoc
Both welcome ECRs, with Sociology offering mentoring for those newer to reviewing.
🗓️ Deadline: 30 Oct 2025, 17:00 GMT
👉 Apply or nominate: www.mi-nomination.com/britsoc
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
Tickets available
Explore how #play physical activity and #green spaces shape #children and young people’s #wellbeing.
📅 Wed 22 October, 4–7pm
📍 Foyer, University Place
🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/active-liv...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest
@ukri.org @manchester.ac.uk @uomhums.bsky.social
Explore how #play physical activity and #green spaces shape #children and young people’s #wellbeing.
📅 Wed 22 October, 4–7pm
📍 Foyer, University Place
🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/active-liv...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest
@ukri.org @manchester.ac.uk @uomhums.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Tickets available
Explore how #play physical activity and #green spaces shape #children and young people’s #wellbeing.
📅 Wed 22 October, 4–7pm
📍 Foyer, University Place
🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/active-liv...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest
@ukri.org @manchester.ac.uk @uomhums.bsky.social
Explore how #play physical activity and #green spaces shape #children and young people’s #wellbeing.
📅 Wed 22 October, 4–7pm
📍 Foyer, University Place
🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/active-liv...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest
@ukri.org @manchester.ac.uk @uomhums.bsky.social
Calling all secondary #schools and #FE teachers around #GreaterManchester - please promote this event to students in your classes or your networks. A participatory workshop around rights at work and worker voice. #festivalofsocialsciences #esrc
Help, I didn’t get paid this month!
Working while studying? Learn about your rights, share experiences & connect with support at this free interactive session.
📍 Manchester Central Library
🗓️ Wed 29 Oct, 1:30–3:30pm
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-i-did...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest @ESRC
Working while studying? Learn about your rights, share experiences & connect with support at this free interactive session.
📍 Manchester Central Library
🗓️ Wed 29 Oct, 1:30–3:30pm
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-i-did...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest @ESRC
Help, I didn’t get paid this month!
Learn your rights at work! Students can join an interactive session on paid work, share experiences, and get tools to protect themselves.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Calling all secondary #schools and #FE teachers around #GreaterManchester - please promote this event to students in your classes or your networks. A participatory workshop around rights at work and worker voice. #festivalofsocialsciences #esrc
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
NEW on Wonkhe: Jim Dickinson explores how UCL’s oversubscription crisis has left hundreds of international students in limbo - raising fresh questions about whether UK universities are operating within consumer law buff.ly/TBG7zay
October 3, 2025 at 5:10 AM
NEW on Wonkhe: Jim Dickinson explores how UCL’s oversubscription crisis has left hundreds of international students in limbo - raising fresh questions about whether UK universities are operating within consumer law buff.ly/TBG7zay
🚨Festival of Social Sciences Event - Manchester 29 October. Please share with your networks @ywworking.bsky.social
Help, I didn’t get paid this month!
Working while studying? Learn about your rights, share experiences & connect with support at this free interactive session.
📍 Manchester Central Library
🗓️ Wed 29 Oct, 1:30–3:30pm
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-i-did...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest @ESRC
Working while studying? Learn about your rights, share experiences & connect with support at this free interactive session.
📍 Manchester Central Library
🗓️ Wed 29 Oct, 1:30–3:30pm
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-i-did...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest @ESRC
Help, I didn’t get paid this month!
Learn your rights at work! Students can join an interactive session on paid work, share experiences, and get tools to protect themselves.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 10:16 AM
🚨Festival of Social Sciences Event - Manchester 29 October. Please share with your networks @ywworking.bsky.social
Help, I didn’t get paid this month!
Working while studying? Learn about your rights, share experiences & connect with support at this free interactive session.
📍 Manchester Central Library
🗓️ Wed 29 Oct, 1:30–3:30pm
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-i-did...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest @ESRC
Working while studying? Learn about your rights, share experiences & connect with support at this free interactive session.
📍 Manchester Central Library
🗓️ Wed 29 Oct, 1:30–3:30pm
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-i-did...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest @ESRC
Help, I didn’t get paid this month!
Learn your rights at work! Students can join an interactive session on paid work, share experiences, and get tools to protect themselves.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Help, I didn’t get paid this month!
Working while studying? Learn about your rights, share experiences & connect with support at this free interactive session.
📍 Manchester Central Library
🗓️ Wed 29 Oct, 1:30–3:30pm
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-i-did...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest @ESRC
Working while studying? Learn about your rights, share experiences & connect with support at this free interactive session.
📍 Manchester Central Library
🗓️ Wed 29 Oct, 1:30–3:30pm
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-i-did...
#ESRCFestival #McrESRCFest @ESRC
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
"Hobbyist" is a truly breathtaking choice of phrase. It encapsulates a profound sense of contempt for the labour of academics in the UK, who already have to navigate an underfunded system dominated by precarity and overwork. "Knows the price of everything but the value of nothing" springs to mind
Ministers ‘want to shift funds away from low-quality research’ .
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Ministers ‘want to shift funds away from low-quality research’ - Research Professional News
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 12, 2025 at 7:16 AM
"Hobbyist" is a truly breathtaking choice of phrase. It encapsulates a profound sense of contempt for the labour of academics in the UK, who already have to navigate an underfunded system dominated by precarity and overwork. "Knows the price of everything but the value of nothing" springs to mind
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
'As universities close courses and departments in response to financial pressures...students in parts of the North, South West and East of England, as well as large areas of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, are losing access to social sciences, humanities and arts (SHAPE) courses.' 1/2
Humanities and arts degrees disappearing in parts of UK
Students from rural and disadvantaged areas disproportionally affected by subject cuts, British Academy warns
www.timeshighereducation.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:03 AM
'As universities close courses and departments in response to financial pressures...students in parts of the North, South West and East of England, as well as large areas of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, are losing access to social sciences, humanities and arts (SHAPE) courses.' 1/2
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
School, self-image and rebellion: what it feels like for a girl – in pictures
School, self-image and rebellion: what it feels like for a girl – in pictures
Nancy Honey’s candid portraits capture girls between 11 and 14, when their bodies start to change and they begin challenging accepted codes of behaviour
www.theguardian.com
September 9, 2025 at 6:46 AM
School, self-image and rebellion: what it feels like for a girl – in pictures
A fantastic issue that I can’t wait to get into. And all as I take on the role of Dissertation unit coordinator - what timing!
OUT NOW: The Sociological Review journal 73.5, featuring 13 new papers (11 #openaccess).
💡 Includes a Special Section on the ideas and impact of @academicdiary.bsky.social and Nirmal Puwar’s Live Methods, published in 2012 as part of our monograph series.
buff.ly/bJQXWs6 @journals.sagepub.com
💡 Includes a Special Section on the ideas and impact of @academicdiary.bsky.social and Nirmal Puwar’s Live Methods, published in 2012 as part of our monograph series.
buff.ly/bJQXWs6 @journals.sagepub.com
September 9, 2025 at 7:07 AM
A fantastic issue that I can’t wait to get into. And all as I take on the role of Dissertation unit coordinator - what timing!
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
NEW on Wonkhe: Mack Marshall and Jim Dickinson chart a summer of startling student stories – from hidden hardship to systemic neglect – and warn that silence in higher education is costing students dearly buff.ly/zISKpBJ
September 8, 2025 at 6:15 AM
NEW on Wonkhe: Mack Marshall and Jim Dickinson chart a summer of startling student stories – from hidden hardship to systemic neglect – and warn that silence in higher education is costing students dearly buff.ly/zISKpBJ
The 2nd of this genre in 2 days. The previous one included some tips on careful use of buy now pay later (BNPL) apps; this suggests sharing a room to cut rent. The emphasis is always on personal budgeting &limiting. Ridiculous gaslighting of young/students for whom life has been made unaffordable.
‘It more than halved my rent’: students on their best money-saving tips
‘It more than halved my rent’: students on their best money-saving tips
From using cash on nights out to making use of societies, six current and recent students suggest ways to save money at university
www.theguardian.com
September 8, 2025 at 5:40 AM
The 2nd of this genre in 2 days. The previous one included some tips on careful use of buy now pay later (BNPL) apps; this suggests sharing a room to cut rent. The emphasis is always on personal budgeting &limiting. Ridiculous gaslighting of young/students for whom life has been made unaffordable.
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
One clear sign of the neoliberalisation of universities is the callous, dehumanising way in which junior staff are seen as assets to be sweated for narrow short term gain rather than valued people to be invested in for the long term.
Precarious contracts keep getting shorter. Until recently short-term associate lecturer contracts were for 10 months. Now UCL advertises for 7 months. What does it say about our field, about how we treat the new generation of scholars? www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DNW277/a...
Associate Lecturer (Teaching) in Modern British History at UCL
Explore an exciting academic career as a Associate Lecturer (Teaching) in Modern British History. Don't miss out on other academic jobs. Click to apply and explore more opportunities.
www.jobs.ac.uk
August 30, 2025 at 10:23 AM
One clear sign of the neoliberalisation of universities is the callous, dehumanising way in which junior staff are seen as assets to be sweated for narrow short term gain rather than valued people to be invested in for the long term.
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
I've written a blog on the entirely expected (and predicted) crisis that (UK) HE is in and where it's going, with three broad predictions:
- Increasing Elitism
- Soaring Precarity
- Poorer Student Experiences
Do you agree? What have I missed?
#academicsky
ddubdrahcir.wordpress.com/2025/08/27/l...
- Increasing Elitism
- Soaring Precarity
- Poorer Student Experiences
Do you agree? What have I missed?
#academicsky
ddubdrahcir.wordpress.com/2025/08/27/l...
Life Beyond the Long Grass – Where HE is Heading
We’ve arrived in the long grass. (Description, a view of heathland and long grass with mountains in the distance.) I’ve not blogged in ages, I’ve not had the head space for a whil…
ddubdrahcir.wordpress.com
August 27, 2025 at 8:28 AM
I've written a blog on the entirely expected (and predicted) crisis that (UK) HE is in and where it's going, with three broad predictions:
- Increasing Elitism
- Soaring Precarity
- Poorer Student Experiences
Do you agree? What have I missed?
#academicsky
ddubdrahcir.wordpress.com/2025/08/27/l...
- Increasing Elitism
- Soaring Precarity
- Poorer Student Experiences
Do you agree? What have I missed?
#academicsky
ddubdrahcir.wordpress.com/2025/08/27/l...
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
Ah! Mohammed El-Kurd has just written on this
“We seem to only run to the rescue of those perceived to be apolitical. When the affiliated (or the allegedly affiliated) are a target, we first try to negate their alleged affiliation before we respond to their calls” open.substack.com/pub/mohammed...
“We seem to only run to the rescue of those perceived to be apolitical. When the affiliated (or the allegedly affiliated) are a target, we first try to negate their alleged affiliation before we respond to their calls” open.substack.com/pub/mohammed...
Guilty by Affiliation
The instinct of many allies is to dispel the connection between slain Palestinian journalists and their supposed political leanings, as if anywhere in the world these exist in isolation.
open.substack.com
August 11, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Ah! Mohammed El-Kurd has just written on this
“We seem to only run to the rescue of those perceived to be apolitical. When the affiliated (or the allegedly affiliated) are a target, we first try to negate their alleged affiliation before we respond to their calls” open.substack.com/pub/mohammed...
“We seem to only run to the rescue of those perceived to be apolitical. When the affiliated (or the allegedly affiliated) are a target, we first try to negate their alleged affiliation before we respond to their calls” open.substack.com/pub/mohammed...
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
'James, who is emeritus professor...at the University of Cardiff, said the related financial crisis in universities means “thousands of personal and professional crises, as university-based researchers—often in precarious or vulnerable circumstances—continually ‘run faster to stand still’”.' 2/3
August 1, 2025 at 10:05 AM
'James, who is emeritus professor...at the University of Cardiff, said the related financial crisis in universities means “thousands of personal and professional crises, as university-based researchers—often in precarious or vulnerable circumstances—continually ‘run faster to stand still’”.' 2/3
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
Took a little break from Bluesky recently, but I'm back to share that our new journal has now published its first issue!
Journal of Global Higher Education: journal.libraries.wm.edu/global_highe...
Open for submissions in September!
Journal of Global Higher Education: journal.libraries.wm.edu/global_highe...
Open for submissions in September!
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Inaugural Issue
| Journal of Global Higher Education
journal.libraries.wm.edu
July 30, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Took a little break from Bluesky recently, but I'm back to share that our new journal has now published its first issue!
Journal of Global Higher Education: journal.libraries.wm.edu/global_highe...
Open for submissions in September!
Journal of Global Higher Education: journal.libraries.wm.edu/global_highe...
Open for submissions in September!
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
NEW PAPER!
Thrilled to share this piece on early career perspectives on the future of child and youth mental health research, envisioning a field that continues strides in embracing complexity, centring diverse voices, and facilitating sustainable environments and systems
bit.ly/455VxCv
Thrilled to share this piece on early career perspectives on the future of child and youth mental health research, envisioning a field that continues strides in embracing complexity, centring diverse voices, and facilitating sustainable environments and systems
bit.ly/455VxCv
Meeting of minds: imagining the future of child and youth mental health research from an early career perspective | BJPsych Bulletin | Cambridge Core
Meeting of minds: imagining the future of child and youth mental health research from an early career perspective
bit.ly
July 25, 2025 at 11:13 AM
NEW PAPER!
Thrilled to share this piece on early career perspectives on the future of child and youth mental health research, envisioning a field that continues strides in embracing complexity, centring diverse voices, and facilitating sustainable environments and systems
bit.ly/455VxCv
Thrilled to share this piece on early career perspectives on the future of child and youth mental health research, envisioning a field that continues strides in embracing complexity, centring diverse voices, and facilitating sustainable environments and systems
bit.ly/455VxCv
Reposted by Kirsty Finn
'The number of student-initiated PhD scholarships funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is set to fall by 60 per cent when new doctoral training arrangements come into effect next year, new figures show.' 1/3
‘Student-led’ AHRC PhD places ‘to fall by at least 60 per cent’
Internal modelling released under Freedom of Information enquiry reveals extent of PhD scholarship cuts, with academics fearing impact could be greater still
www.timeshighereducation.com
July 21, 2025 at 6:15 AM
'The number of student-initiated PhD scholarships funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is set to fall by 60 per cent when new doctoral training arrangements come into effect next year, new figures show.' 1/3
This is excellent and really worth reading.
If you're as concerned as me about the pace and scale of proposed staff cuts and department closures at UK universities, this piece arguing for a new regulatory framework is worth a read 👇
isrf.org/blog/a-new-r...
isrf.org/blog/a-new-r...
A New Regulatory Framework for University Cuts
isrf.org
July 10, 2025 at 8:48 PM
This is excellent and really worth reading.