Strike action by postgraduate students in UCC has been averted, after a settlement was reached last week between students and the college authorities.

The dispute centred on payments made to students who assist with tutorials and practicals with undergraduate students. A particular source of concern for the students' union were postgraduate history students, who were receiving as little as £27 per month for their studentships, substantially less than their peers in other faculties.

Following discussions with the college finance office, the students concerned are now to receive £80 per month, bringing them in line with other faculties. "We're very pleased," says UCC students' union deputy president Alex Horstmann. "No one wanted a postgraduate strike, but we would have done it."