A university is offering a course that will use the psychology of the Star Wars Jedi Knights to teach students communication skills and personal development. According to publicity material, the course ‘Feel the Force: How to Train in the Jedi Way’ teaches the “real-life psychological techniques behind Jedi mind tricks”.

The Education Minister has denied that the Rudd Government will re-introduce compulsory student unionism but left the door open to an opt-out system to boost campus services. Ms. Gillard said today consultation was underway to ensure campus services including childcare, healthcare and sporting facilities were maintained.

Under the Victorian Government’s plans, TAFE students will be able to take out an income-contingent loan — similar to HECS in universities — to pay for their courses. The move is expected to get the backing of the Rudd Government, and is designed to soften the blow of increased fees.

Melbourne University will this Saturday confer the first Australian doctorate of philosophy in ufology, the study of unidentified flying objects, upon Martin Plowman, a culture and communication student.