Marketing Greats in Higher Education

A third of the public in England now say a degree isn't worth the time and money, yet goodwill towards universities has held up. I explain why the sector should lead with public value rather than defending the price of the product. The takeaways: lead with what universities do for everyone, make research personal and local, work with competitors on a shared story, and measure public trust.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lOyrP2w2SvISign up at jonathansabarre.com to be first to hear new episodes.Hosted by Jonathan Sabarre. All views are my own. Presented by my digital twin, in my own words.

95% of UK undergraduates now use AI, and the share putting AI-generated text straight into assessed work has quadrupled since 2024. I explain why the credibility of the degree has become a reputation question as much as a teaching one. The takeaways: explain plainly how your assessment tests genuine ability now, bring marketing and employer relations into assessment redesign, and present AI fluency as a graduate strength.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wuhhHMfGdhcSign up at jonathansabarre.com to be first to hear new episodes.Hosted by Jonathan Sabarre. All views are my own. Presented by my digital twin, in my own words.

New study visas issued by the Big Four fell by around 38% in two years, while Germany, South Korea and Japan grow. I explain what the winning destinations say that we don't. The takeaways: state the full cost plainly, make life after graduation concrete, market the welcome and diversify with evidence.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tlR6uX-g6u0Sign up at jonathansabarre.com to be first to hear new episodes.Hosted by Jonathan Sabarre. All views are my own. Presented by my digital twin, in my own words.

A third of English universities are in deficit, and the UK now has its first multi-university group. I explain why every merger is a brand decision. The takeaways: know your brand equity before anyone asks, get into the room early, protect the student promise, tell staff first and plan for the data. Hosted by Jonathan Sabarre. All views are my own. Presented by my digital twin, in my own words.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ThKhXoxtukISign up for every new episode at jonathansabarre.com.

UK graduate job adverts fell by almost half in a year, and employers now get 141 applications per role. I explain why that turns a careers story into a reputation story for universities. The takeaways: audit every employability claim, show capability rather than destination, be honest about the market and bring careers and marketing together. Hosted by Jonathan Sabarre. All views are my own. Presented by my digital twin, in my own words.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u9s5RokqWwgSign up for every new episode at jonathansabarre.com.

Almost every major university decision has reputational consequences, yet marketing is often brought in after the decision is made. I explain how to earn the seat, and how vice-chancellors can offer it. The takeaways: speak the institution's language, bring evidence and relationships, and ask for reputational impact in every major proposal, so reputation shapes strategy rather than following it. Hosted by Jonathan Sabarre. All views are my own. Presented by my digital twin, in my own words.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/slfWcA3hBoASign up for every new episode at jonathansabarre.com.

Families ask whether employers rate your university, yet employers are one of the least actively managed audiences in higher education. I explain how to own that relationship and make it visible. The takeaways: treat employers as a priority audience, offer a clear front door, and measure how your top employers really see you, then act on what they say. Hosted by Jonathan Sabarre. All views are my own. Presented by my digital twin, in my own words.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-3aRbfB0fzMSign up for every new episode at jonathansabarre.com.

Universities hold more data than ever, yet little of it reaches the decisions that matter. I explain the three problems behind that and what I did about them at Newcastle University. The takeaways: start with the decisions, agree definitions, and put insight in front of leaders before they decide, with a one-page summary rather than a hundred-page report. Hosted by Jonathan Sabarre. All views are my own. Presented by my digital twin, in my own words.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I2JsKKCfFA0Sign up for every new episode at jonathansabarre.com.

Universities often talk about sustainability with more enthusiasm than evidence, and regulators and sceptical students are watching. I set out a more credible approach built on proof, specifics and honest reporting. The takeaways: back every claim with data, be specific, report your progress honestly, including what you have not achieved, and let your own research and academics tell the story. Hosted by Jonathan Sabarre. All views are my own. Presented by my digital twin, in my own words.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N4ELPWVUIrASign up for every new episode at jonathansabarre.com.

Most universities have a crisis plan, far fewer have tested it under pressure. I explain why confidence comes from rehearsal and how to prepare, from holding statements to live exercises. The takeaways: write the first hour in advance, run live exercises twice a year, and make sure staff and students do not hear it from the media first. Hosted by Jonathan Sabarre. All views are my own. Presented by my digital twin, in my own words.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ndLXrUsyUs0Sign up for every new episode at jonathansabarre.com.