Political machinations

Details emerge of how Surrey plans to axe department with too few students and a poor research record.

The politics department at the University of Surrey (pictured) is set to close with the loss of eight jobs, according to a document sent to staff and students and seen by HE.

All four of the department’s professorships, two of three senior lecturer posts and all but one of six lecturer positions will be eliminated, although some new posts will be created. The department is the worst casualty of a university-wide restructuring that will see the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences merge with the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law.