Alexander Ewing on the post-Brexit fallout in Oxford University's Department of Politics and International Relations

I can report that ever since the early hours of June 24, most academics are going through collective bereavement over the implications of the EU referendum result.

Among the gowned, it is almost universal opinion that Brexit spells something between a period of extreme hardship and impending doom for the academy.

As the Brexit leaders flee like rats off a sinking ship, others are trying to stop the leaks.

Nicola Blackwood, the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, promises to fight to keep science funding at current levels. Those of us working in other fields could do with her help too.

Vice Chancellor Louise Richardson gave some comfort in a post-referendum rallying cry. In a letter to staff and students, she reminded that ‘our university has survived greater disruptions than this over the centuries’.

Still, this is less reassuring for academics worried about the short-to medium-term. Many are concerned about contract renewals and job prospects. With the amount of EU money sloshing around the place (around £70m), this is not surprising.

According to Times Higher Education, UK universities benefit from £800m in EU funding, and roughly 60 per cent of our collaborations are with European institutions. There are already rumours of funding cuts and projects cancelled.

Impending doom, indeed.

This being said, those of us in the Department of Politics and International Relations are slightly more conflicted about it all. We mourn with our colleagues and try to ignore the odd Brexiteer strolling about the canteen, whistling cheerfully. Yet it is also an incredibly exciting time for political scientists.

I used to write for a magazine where the Britain desk was the least desired spot in the building. But boring no more. Even some analytic political philosophers have been seen peeking at news websites to keep up on the grubby side of politics.

I don’t see the post Brexit negotiations going well.

As a coping mechanism I’ve directed my rage at the farcical and tragic antics of the hard left fringe under the hapless Jeremy Corbyn. Despite their incompetence and total unelectability, they continue to hold the Labour Party hostage. I am not a party member, but find their behaviour an affront to parliamentary democracy.

To my horror and complete bewilderment, some of my colleagues are enamoured.

But are party members more important than an MP’s constituents or the national interest? Good tutorial topic that. I have my students read Edmund Burke’s 1774 speech to the electors of Bristol, which addresses this issue.

Now before I’m accused of bias, I can attest that many of my students are pro-Corbyn. Their political views are welcome (and mine kept to myself). It’s important to stress that tutors are not here to directly influence or form political opinions, but to expose students to a range of ideas and encourage clarity in their thinking – no matter what side they sit on.

Students can’t figure out if I’m liberal or conservative. Good. But since they are away, let me say: I’m no Corbynista.