University of Galway defends new rate of pay for postgraduate researchers

University of Galway is defending new rates of pay for postgraduate research students, claiming the change has been "broadly welcomed". 

The new policy ends the past practice of research students having to contribute up to 120 hours teaching support, without pay. 

But PhD lecturers argue for them, it's effectively a massive pay cut that will see them earn less than minimum wage. 

Their income will be cut in half - as they will now be paid a tutorial rate rather than a full lecturers rate. 

PhD student Christie says they feel like they're being treated very badly by University of Galway.