Letter: University priorities

Sir: It is all very well for the Committee of Scottish University Principals to call for a large sum of money to improve teaching in universities, but teaching is not likely to improve while the career structure remains as it is.

If a university lecturer concentrates on teaching rather than research he might get promoted to senior lecturer; he certainly will not reach the position of reader or professor. Nor will he receive an emeritus title when he retires. Teaching will only be treated with the same devotion as research when it has the same rewards.

Yours sincerely,

ARTHUR TARRANT

Twickenham, Middlesex