Publicly funded PhDs should become the preserve of the research elite, with doctoral students supported by the state only if they work in departments of a certain standard.
The 1994 Group of small research-intensive universities has called for measures that would result in a far greater concentration of doctoral students within the sector.
The proposals have led to accusations that the top research universities are pursuing “protectionist” policies that will erode the reputation of UK higher education.
The case for more focused funding is made in a draft report to the review of postgraduate study in the UK, which is being led by Adrian Smith, director-general of research at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
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