The future of higher education today

Universities and colleges are adapting and innovating different policy approaches to meet the needs of their students and communities.By working together in a coordinated system that brings together higher education and further education, they could generate accessible pathways for learners into education and boost regional growth.In this episode of The future of higher education today, our panellists discuss how their institutions are working towards generating accessible pathways for learners into education to develop skills and boost regional growth in the UK and Ireland and the benefits and challenges of working towards a coordinated tertiary system.This is the final episode of a four-episode series in collaboration with Advance HE. It focuses on governing and leading change and transformation in the higher education sector.

Universities are anchors in their communities. Through their research and teaching, they help address local challenges and create meaningful impact.Many universities form partnerships to help define and reach their strategic goals, both on campus and in their communities. Engaging with different civic and community stakeholders to address local challenges helps add value to students’ learning experiences and drive meaningful change.In this episode of The future of higher education today, our panel of experts share insights on how their institutions work with partners and offer advice for creating meaningful change within UK higher education.This is the third episode of a four-episode series in collaboration with Advance HE. The series focuses on governing and leading change and transformation in the higher education sector.

Institutional change is a difficult task. Many universities are exploring the importance of leadership through this change to ensure positive outcomes for students, staff and the wider community.In the last year, the financial challenges facing universities have intensified, prompting a closer look at how to refine their missions and respond to current and future needs. Many are focusing on reviewing business models and strategic planning to navigate an evolving higher education landscape. In this episode of The future of higher education today, our panel of experts share their insights on reasons for reviewing their strategy and offer advice for leading successful change programmes within UK higher and further education. This is the second episode of a four-episode series in collaboration with Advance HE. It focuses on governing and leading change and transformation in the higher education sector.

Merging with another university isn't easy. But some universities have taken this path recently to help make sure they would be fit for the future.In the last year, universities have been facing difficult financial circumstances. This has meant looking at new solutions and ways of working together, from smaller partnerships and initiatives to more radical options.In this episode of The future of higher education today, our panel of experts share their reflections on what makes a successful merger, including overcoming unforeseen challenges, stakeholder management and lessons learnt.This is the beginning of a four-episode series in collaboration with Advance HE. It focuses on governing and leading change and transformation in the higher education sector.

Produced by Universities UK and Advance HE, this four-episode series focuses on governing and leading transformation and change in the higher education sector.Find out more and download transcript: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/podcasts

It's easy to talk about the need to promote free speech and academic freedom. But how do universities actually protect free speech day-to-day? In the final episode of the first series of The future of higher education today, free speech policy expert Harry Anderson asks how can we protect free speech while making sure university communities feel safe.Show notes: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/podcasts/podcast-are-universities-protecting-freeTranscript: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/sites/default/files/field/downloads/2023-03/uuk-podcast-free-speech-transcript_0.pdf

Universities often take a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to drug use or drug abuse. But there’s not much evidence to show that the fear or threat of being kicked out of uni works. In this episode of The future of higher education today, we ask: if current drugs policies aren't working, what would?Show notes: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/podcasts/podcast-students-and-drugsTranscript: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/sites/default/files/field/downloads/2023-03/uuk-podcast-students-and-drugs-transcript.pdf

What's it like to go to university when you're the first in your family? In this episode of The future of higher education today, we speak to PhD student Amy Solman to hear about the barriers she faced, and what would have helped her university experience. We also chat to Chris Hale and Dan Hurley about the policies that help and hinder students like Amy. Show notes: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/podcasts/podcast-first-my-familyTranscript: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/sites/default/files/field/downloads/2023-03/uuk-podcast-first-in-family-transcript_0.pdf

In the face of such a terrifying war and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, what can UK universities do to support Ukrainian institutions? And what does it mean for the future role of UK universities internationally? In our first episode of the Future of higher education today, we speak to staff in Ukraine and the UK to find out how a twinning partnership is creating hope and keeping universities in Ukraine running. Show notes: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/podcasts/podcast-how-can-our-universities-supportTranscript: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/sites/default/files/field/downloads/2023-02/uuk-podcast-ukraine-transcript.pdf

The future of higher education today: the new podcast bringing people together to talk about the biggest issues facing universities. Produced by Universities UK.Show notes: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/podcasts/podcast-trailerTranscript: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/sites/default/files/field/downloads/2023-02/uuk-podcast-trailer-transcript_1.pdf