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Academics are receiving more and better training to help them cope with the demands of their jobs, a national survey coming out later this month has found, writes Tony Tysome.

But there are growing fears that the Government will introduce a burdensome and inappropriate professional qualifications system.

A survey by the University of Ulster's educational development unit and the Universities' and Colleges' Staff Development Agency found that while many academics were positive about their training, they were also often faced with heavy assessment schedules during very demanding stages in their careers.

Patricia Partington, UCoSDA executive director, said institutions should support staff training.

Addressing an Association of University Teachers conference in London last week, she said it was also important for the academic community to become the driving force behind the development of a professional qualifications framework, before one was imposed by politicians.