The field of higher education research is moving towards a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of student mobility and equity. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of considering the structural and historical contexts in which universities operate, rather than relying on simplistic notions of access and retention. The use of longitudinal administrative records and advanced data analysis techniques has enabled researchers to uncover patterns of stratification and inequality in university systems, even in institutions with free tuition and open entry policies. Notably, the Common Basic Cycle has been found to function as a differential filter, with certain subjects and majors acting as structural bottlenecks for student progression. Furthermore, research has shown that student trajectories are not continuous, but rather quantised, with distinct archetypes and patterns of mobility emerging from the data.

Noteworthy papers in this area include:

• The paper on Differential Filtering in a Common Basic Cycle, which highlights the importance of considering the differential effects of the CBC on student progression.
• The study on Quantised Academic Mobility, which introduces a new framework for understanding complex student trajectories and identifies distinct archetypes of student mobility.
• The research on The Stagnant Persistence Paradox, which reveals a critical systemic inefficiency in student progression and argues for a shift towards measures of curricular velocity based on time-to-event analysis.