Shows
The Wonkhe ShowDemand, Disabled students, medicineThis week on the podcast we examine what a rise in UK university applicants really tells us about the future demand for higher education.With UCAS reporting a 4.8 per cent increase in applications at the January deadline, driven largely by a demographic peak in 18-year-olds, we explore whether this represents a genuine resurgence in demand or a temporary population effect.Plus we discuss new evidence on disabled students’ experiences in higher education, including concerns that pandemic-era accessibility is being rolled back, and the implications of the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill — from pressure on NHS training plac...
2026-01-2948 min
The Wonkhe ShowFree speech, Scottish budget, Mickey MouseThis week on the podcast new polling suggests over a third of students think Reform UK should be banned from speaking on campus – a higher proportion than previous surveys found for the BNP or English Defence League. So what does this tell us about free speech in higher education?Plus Scotland's budget settlement and legislative changes, and unpacking what "Mickey Mouse courses" really means.With Andy Long, Vice Chancellor at Northumbria University, Jess Lister, Director of Education at Public First, and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wo...
2026-01-1538 min
The Wonkhe ShowBudget, R&D, Scotland’s Tertiary BillThis week on the podcast we examine how Budget 2025 reshapes the university funding model – from the international levy and modest new maintenance grants, to confirmed tuition fee uplifts and changes to pension tax arrangements that will affect institutional costs. We discuss what the package tells us about the government’s approach to public finances, the politics of international recruitment, and the sustainability of cross-subsidy in a tight fiscal environment for higher education.Plus we discuss research and innovation announcements and get across debate in Holyrood on the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill...
2025-11-2748 min
The World of Higher EducationDoes England’s Newest Higher Education White Paper Actually Change Anything?Join Alex Usher and Debbie McVitty, editor at Wonkhe, as they discuss the recent white paper on post-16 education released by the Labor Party in the UK. The episode delves into the current state of higher education, the financial challenges universities face, and the muted response to the proposed reforms. McVitty outlines the sector's strengths and weaknesses, the political tensions around university funding, and the potential impact of the white paper's proposals on the future of English higher education. Don't miss this detailed analysis of what lies ahead for UK universities.👉 Episode Links:Post-16 Education and Ski...
2025-11-0623 min
The Wonkhe ShowSkills White Paper specialThis week on the podcast we get across the Westminster government’s post-16 white paper – its headline target of two-thirds of young people in higher-level learning by 25, the plan to index the undergraduate fee cap to inflation (with TEF-linked eligibility), the maintenance package holding to the status quo, and a push for institutional specialisation via research funding alongside changes to access, participation, and regulation.We ask whether these levers add up – will automatic indexation and selective controls actually stabilise university finances while widening opportunity, or do TEF-conditioned fee rises, classroom-based foundation year limits, and OfS expansion risk new “c...
2025-10-2152 min
The Wonkhe ShowWales, Franchising, Graduate JobsThis week on the podcast we look at Wales’ emerging higher education settlement, as Universities Wales publishes its manifesto for the May 2026 Senedd elections amid polling that points to a potential Plaid-led administration. Plus we discuss new Office for Students’ data on subcontracted (franchised) provision showing weaker continuation, completion and progression outcomes relative to sector averages, and assess the Institute of Student Employers’ latest survey, with graduate hiring down overall but highly variable by sector amid persistently high applications per vacancy.With Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Sarah Cowan, Head of Policy (Higher Education and Resear...
2025-10-1647 min
The Wonkhe ShowQuality reforms, duty of candour, skillsThis week on the podcast we examine the Office for Students' proposed overhaul of England's quality system, as radical reforms seek to integrate the Teaching Excellence Framework with minimum standards and give TEF some serious teeth.Plus we discuss the government's long-awaited "Hillsborough law" as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill imposes new duties of candour on universities, and examine the machinery of government changes that have seen apprenticeships policy and Skills England transferred from the Department for Education to Pat McFadden's expanded Department for Work and Pensions.With Andrea Turley, Partner at KPMG, Shane Chowen...
2025-09-1841 min
The Wonkhe ShowInternational, student leaders, metascienceThis week on the podcast we examine the latest attacks on international student recruitment as Policy Exchange calls for new restrictions and a £1,000 levy on international fees.Are universities really "selling immigration not education," and what would raising English language requirements to advanced level mean for the sector?Plus we discuss what incoming student leaders are promising in their manifestos – from subsidised laundry to lecture materials uploaded in advance – and ask whether the new metascience unit can deliver on its promise of a more efficient and transparent research funding system.With...
2025-07-0350 min
The Wonkhe ShowCuts, student suicide, widening accessThis week on the podcast we examine the government's brutal funding cuts to universities. What does the £108m reduction in the Strategic Priorities Grant mean for higher education, and why are media studies and journalism courses losing their high-cost subject funding?When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit http://www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.Plus we discuss the independent review of student suicides, and explore new research on widening par...
2025-05-2254 min
The Wonkhe ShowSussex fine, franchisingThis week on the podcast we're discussing the Office for Students fine of £585,000 levied against the University of Sussex for breaches of free speech conditions, as vice chancellor Sasha Roseneil calls the process "Kafka-esque" and plans a legal challenge.Plus we examine what Bridget Phillipson has called "one of the biggest financial scandals universities have faced" – franchising. Does the affair point signal a shift towards a more “planned” system?With Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Jonathan Simons, Partner and Head of the Education Practice at Public First, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe...
2025-03-2740 min
The Wonkhe ShowScotland, Secret life of StudentsThis week on the podcast - recorded live at our Secret Life of Students event in London - we get across the financial crisis facing universities in Scotland. Can the SNP hold its “free education” line forever?Plus there’s clips, highlights and reflections from our Secret life of Students event in London - where we’ve been discussing student health, students at work, what students learn, student cities, the time crunch that prevents meaningful engagement and what universities can do to “make the space” to innovate in the student interest.With Jimena Alamo, Presi...
2025-03-1845 min
The Wonkhe ShowREF people and culture, spending review, apprenticeshipsThis week on the podcast universities failing to promote diversity will face funding cuts – so said The Times. We chat through the controversy building around the REF. Plus we look at what the sector is asking for in the spending review, and consider the government’s push for lower-level, shorter apprenticeships.With Shitij Kapur, Vice Chancellor and President at King's College London, Jess Lister, Director (Education) at Public First, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.Universities UK submits to spending reviewThe barriers that must...
2025-02-1342 min
The Wonkhe ShowFree speech, uni finances, regional inequalityThis week on the podcast the government is to press on with implementing parts of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 while seeking to repeal others - we discuss what will (and should) happen next. Plus there’s a report on more resilient and sustainable higher education finances, and NEON has been looking at regional inequality in university admissions.With Richard Sykes, Partner at Mills & Reeve, Paul Greatrix, HE expert and until recently Registrar at the University of Nottingham, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe....
2025-01-1644 min
The Wonkhe ShowSpecial: Writing for WonkheIn this special seasonal edition of the Wonkhe Show, we discuss how you can contribute to the higher education debate by writing for the site, the importance of communicating academic and professional insights to wider audiences, and we take you inside our editorial process - which is all about clear arguments and diverse perspectives.With Adam Matthews, Senior Research Fellow at the School of Education at the University of Birmingham, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe.Higher Education Policy...
2024-12-1951 min
The Wonkhe ShowSkills, PTES, transformationThis week on the podcast the government is to “get Britain working” - but what role will higher education play in the plans? Plus there are big divides between international and home students in this year’s PTES, and proposals for a transformation fund to help universities change what they do and how they work.With Shane Chowen, Editor at FE Week, Roscoe Hastings, Director of Teaching Excellence and Enhancement at University of Exeter, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, MIke Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associat...
2024-11-2850 min
The Wonkhe ShowBudget, student finance, consumer rightsThis week on the podcast we pore over Rachel Reeves’ first budget and consider the implications for universities. We also think about students’ finances as bus fares and the minimum wage both rise. Plus OfS has been rattling its sabre on consumer rights—but is the sector taking any notice?With Andy Westwood, Professor of Public Policy, Government and Business at the University of Manchester, Mary Curnock Cook, serial sector non-exec and former UCAS CEO, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Jim Dickinso...
2024-10-3148 min
My Imaginary UniversityEpisode 3: University of All the Feels - Higher Ed with Emotional MaturityThis episode of My Imaginary University features Debbie McVitty, Editor of Wonkhe and prominent higher ed commentator who creates a rather special institution, the University of All the Feels or Feels Uni, a place where, as their slogan has it, "when we do something we meant to do it that way."
Debbie gives us a broad sweep of information about the university covering many dimensions of curricula, structure and the student experience. Feels Uni takes the emotional side of things really seriously, soul enrichment is foundational, but students are also expected to look after themselves physically - 6am jogs...
2024-10-0747 min
The Wonkhe ShowFees and funding, ABA closure, workloadThis week on the podcast bits of the UUK blueprint on funding the sector have emerged - we evaluate what’s emerged so far. Plus we ask whether closure of courses at ABA is a coalmine canary, a debate is hotting up over workload and Hidden History dives into the duopoly.With Ben Ward, Chief Executive at University of Manchester Students’ Union, Meg Price, Senior Policy Manager at Public First, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe....
2024-09-2051 min
The Wonkhe ShowFees and funding, ABA closure, workloadThis week on the podcast bits of the UUK blueprint on funding the sector have emerged - we evaluate what’s emerged so far. Plus we ask whether closure of courses at ABA is a coalmine canary, a debate is hotting up over workload and Hidden History dives into the duopoly.With Ben Ward, Chief Executive at University of Manchester Students’ Union, Meg Price, Senior Policy Manager at Public First, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe....
2024-09-2051 min
The Wonkhe ShowFree speech, international applications, social mobilityThis week on the podcast over the summer the government paused implementation of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act - but should it have, and what will happen next? Plus international visa application data for August is out, Hidden History looks at the competition to be old, and a younger generation is doing less well than their parents.With Chris Husbands, Director at Higher Futures, Steph Harris, Director of Strategy, Insight and Member Engagement at Universities UK, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University, and presented by Ma...
2024-09-1246 min
The Wonkhe ShowSkills, King’s speech, international foundation yearsThis week on our final show before the summer break, Labour is to introduce a Skills England bill - we discuss what might be in it, and everything else that was (and wasn’t) in the King’s speech.Plus the QAA has published its investigation into international foundation years, and DK has been making music again.With Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Aaron Porter, Chair of the Board at BPP University, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast...
2024-07-1843 min
The Wonkhe ShowCost of living, public polling, electionThis week on the podcast we have new research out on cost of living and its impact on the student experience. With no time, will students get the skills and confidence they were promised? Plus there's new public polling out on the salience of universities, the election rumbles on and Debbie's going back to the 90s.With Paul Greatrix, Registrar at University of Nottingham, Ed Marsh, Chief Executive Officer at the Tutor Trust, and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast...
2024-06-2142 min
The Wonkhe ShowPost-election, manifestos, Mickey MouseThis week on the podcast we talk about potential HE policy after the election – could a tuition fee rise be on the cards in England if Labour wins? Plus various sector organisations have their manifestos out, and we go over the Conservatives’ plan to cull “Mickey Mouse” low-value courses.With Pam Macpherson Barrett, Head of Policy and Regulation at the University of Leeds, Chris Shelley, Director of Student Experience at Queen Mary University of London, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. S...
2024-06-0634 min
The Wonkhe ShowCampus protest, student income, academic freedomThis week on the podcast a group of vice chancellors have been called into see Rishi Sunak in a bid to clamp down on student protest. Where does that fit with new Free Speech duties? Plus HEPI has a new study out on students’ standard of living, and UCU has a new report out on academic freedom.With Anne-Marie Canning, Chief Executive Officer at the Brilliant Club, Ben Vulliamy, Chief Executive at University of York Students’ Union and incoming ED at AHUA, Livia Scott, Partnerships Coordinator at Wonkhe, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and...
2024-05-0945 min
The Wonkhe ShowFirst in family, NUS, hybrid gradsThis week on the podcast there’s a new campaign to highlight first-in-family students. Will it shift the dial on public (and political) attitudes to HE?Plus NUS attempts to bounce back at its annual conference in Blackpool, and new data on graduates’ experiences in the labour market suggests a lot of focus on hybrid working.With Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Johnny Rich, Chief Executive at the Engineering Professors' Council and Push, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted...
2024-04-1840 min
The Wonkhe ShowCost of living, Australia, internationalThis week on the podcast only three per cent of students say they feel they have enough money. Do students need to change their expectations?Plus Australia has a new Universities Accord, there’s all sorts of international numbers floating around, and MPs debate franchising.With Paul Ashwin, Professor of Higher Education at Lancaster University, Hannah Malone, Vice President at Arts University Bournemouth Students’ Union, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
2024-02-2946 min
The Wonkhe ShowFraud, market exit, applications, living wageThis week on the podcast the National Audit Office reports on organised crime and fraud in franchise agreements - is the regulation right and are the incentives appropriate? Plus we discuss the prospect of a university going under, there’s new UCAS figures out and who’s paying the Real Living Wage?With Nicola Dandridge, Professor of Practice in Higher Education Policy at University of Bristol, Jonathan Grant, Director at Different Angles, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acas...
2024-01-1850 min
The Wonkhe ShowKing's speech, food, graduate skillsThis week on the podcast, recorded live at Wonkhe's Festival of HE in London, we discuss the King's speech and politics for higher education in the run up to a general election. Plus there's new polling data on students and food, we get as across a new report on graduate skills in an age of AI, and hidden history traces how women got into universities.With Alistair Jarvis, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Partnerships and Governance) at University of London, Eve Alcock, Director of Public Affairs at the Quality Assurance Agency, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar...
2023-11-0840 min
The Wonkhe ShowLabour and funding, antisemitism, mental healthThis week on the podcast we’ve been at Labour’s conference in Liverpool - asking what might make it into the manifesto on fees and funding. Plus ministers have written to universities over antisemitism, and we find out what Labour might do on regulating (or not) mental health in universities.With Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Gareth Smith, Executive Director of Student Life and Strategy at UA92, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acas...
2023-10-1246 min
The Wonkhe ShowTEF results, staff development, PGR new dealThis week on the podcast results of the Teaching Excellence Framework are out - but what do they tell us, and how helpful are they for students? Plus there’s a new report on university staff and skills development and a “new deal” for PGRs has arrived. With Jonathan Simons, Partner and Head of Education Practice at Public First, Anne-Marie Canning, Chief Executive Officer at The Brilliant Club, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City, University of London and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.
2023-09-2842 min
The Wonkhe ShowSummer special: Admissions, NSS, PredictionsThis week on our summer break special Level 3 results are out - does the press coverage bear any relation to what's happening in universities?Plus this year's new and "improved" National Student Survey results are out, and the team looks ahead to the new academic year. With Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, University Administrator and Sector Historian and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See...
2023-08-2045 min
Inside Your EdLabour will not scrap tuition fees, so what should they do instead?In the world of education and politics more broadly, we are all used to seeing politicians making major announcements and getting plenty of media coverage as a result. That makes it even more noteworthy when a politician gets plenty of media coverage for announcing that they don’t actually have a policy at all. And so it was that Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, found himself hitting the headlines at the start of May for announcing that he had ditched their longstanding commitment to abolish university tuition fees in England, saying it was necessary to “move...
2023-06-0136 min
The Wonkhe ShowImmigration, renters reform, regulationThis week on the podcast net immigration stats are out - will stopping the dependants of PGT students from getting visas be the end of restrictions? Plus reform for renters in England is causing a headache in the student housing market, and OfS is upping its fees by 20 per cent - whatever happened to value for money?With Chris Skidmore, Net Zero Review Chair and MP for Kingswood, Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at The University of Manchester, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.
2023-05-2543 min
The Wonkhe ShowFinances, CBI, disabled studentsThis week on the podcast there’s new data on the financial health of universities - we discuss how higher education is coping with inflation and frozen fees. Plus we discover how much students are getting from universities in financial help, universities are leaving the CBI just as soon as people realised they were members, and there’s a new commitment out on improving accessibility for disabled students.With Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, Mary Stuart, Director of Leadership Development at Minerva, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and...
2023-04-2741 min
The Wonkhe ShowSize and shape, generative AI, neurodiversityThis week on the podcast there are new numbers out on the size and shape of higher education providers - is the sector growing international PGT too quickly? Plus the robots are coming for our jobs and souls, and we mark neurodiversity celebration week.With Nicola Dandridge, Professor of Practice in Higher Education Policy at University of Bristol, Joseph Cooper, Director of People and Culture at University of East London, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on...
2023-03-2337 min
The Wonkhe ShowHarassment, science and tech, student livingThis week on the podcast the Office for Students has new proposals out on harassment and sexual misconduct – but will they work in the way intended?Plus Tony Blair and William Hague have ideas out on science and technology, there’s a new student living strategy in Nottingham and we explain the reclassification of FE colleges into the public sector.With Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University of Nottingham, Selena Bolingbroke, HE consultant, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Andrew Bush, Director at KPMG and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. H...
2023-02-2346 min
The Wonkhe ShowHalfon, strikes, reviewing regulationThis week on the podcast new universities minister Robert Halfon has written to vice chancellors with new priorities, and our guests analyse the content. Plus UCU have announced 18 days of strike action, and sector mission groups are calling for a review of the Office for Students. With Mary Stuart, Director of Leadership Development at Minerva, Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at the University of Manchester, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-01-1946 min
The Wonkhe ShowREF results, Queen’s speech, Access all areasThis week on the podcast the results of the Research Excellence Framework have been published - what do they mean and how should the exercise change?Plus a higher education bill has been announced in the Queen’s speech, and we reflect on our Access All Areas event where we discussed the big issues with OfS’ John Blake.With Carl Lygo, Vice Chancellor of Arden University, Shân Wareing, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See a...
2022-05-1347 min
The Wonkhe ShowQuality, demand, blended, disabled studentsThis week on the podcast the Office for Students’ consultations on quality have closed - what has the sector been saying? We’ve been kicking off a debate about meeting demand for HE in the next decade and whether student number controls are part of the answer. Plus OfS has launched a review into blended learning, and there’s two new reports on disabled students.With Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI, Kate Wicklow, Policy Manager at Guild HE, Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s editor and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...
2022-03-1752 min
The Wonkhe ShowAugar response specialThis week on the podcast it’s a special edition as the government publishes its response to Phillip Augar’s Post-18 review of fees and funding. We dive into what has been (and hasn’t been) announced, think through some of the implications for universities and students, and consider the politics of everything from the Lifelong Loan Entitlement to freezing fees. And there’s also an interesting announcement on PQA.With Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor; Jim Dickinson, David Kernohan and Sunday Blake, Wonkhe’s Associate Editors; and presented by Mark Leach, Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief. Hosted on Acast. See...
2022-02-2444 min
The Wonkhe ShowAccess and participation, blended, careers, student financeThis week on the podcast there’s a new Director for Fair Access and Participation at OfS, and we’ve published new research on blended learning and careers.Plus the IFS says the government is tightening the screws on students, and UUK is doing work on drugs.With Graeme Atherton, University of West London and NEON, Zuleikha Chikh, SU President at University of Central Lancaster, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-02-1049 min
The Wonkhe ShowStudent numbers, assessment, third years, blendedThis week on the podcast we’re crunching numbers as HESA spring tells us about the size and shape of the sector in 2020/21, and UCAS end of cycle data gives us a sense of where we are this year. Who’s up, who’s down, and does it matter?We’re also thinking about assessment, considering the plight of third year students, looking at QAA research on blended learning and Dame Shirley Pearce gives Debbie the lowdown on the TEF review.With Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, NUS Vice President for Higher Education, Lawrie Phipps, Senior Research Lead at Jisc, De...
2022-01-2747 min
The Wonkhe ShowSpending review, party conferences, graduate outcomes, postersThis week on the podcast we’re looking ahead to the comprehensive spending review and proposals to lower the graduate repayment threshold. We also discuss party conference season, a new index on graduate outcomes and we discover the posters that were on everyone’s walls as a student.With Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer at London Higher, Aashish Khadia, Director of Planning at the University of Leicester, Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, and presented by Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief Mark Leach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...
2021-10-0143 min
The Wonkhe ShowSummer special - building back student experienceIn association with Routledge, we've assembled some special guests from the field of higher education research, pedagogy and leadership to explore how we build student experience back in the year ahead.Hosted by Wonkhe's editor Debbie McVitty, and featuring Wonkhe associate editor Jim Dickinson, co-editor of A handbook for student engagement in higher education Tom Lowe, Internationalisation in HE series editor Elspeth Jones, and Queen Mary University of London vice principal Stephanie Marshall.Routledge is offering an exclusive discount to Wonkhe Show listeners - head over to the Wonkhe Show special edition page on their site to find...
2021-08-2657 min
The Wonkhe ShowReopening, skills, UCAS figures, NDAsThis week on the final podcast of the season we review campus reopening guidance from across the UK. What happens when the balance between freedom and safety becomes universities’ problem? Plus the skills bill gets read for a second time in the Commons, there’s new UCAS figures to take a look at, and Michelle Donelan has been writing letters about non-disclosure agreements.With Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Richard Brabner, Director of the UPP Foundation, Debbie McVitty, Editor of Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonk...
2021-07-0841 min
The Edge Podcast- Rethinking EducationInnovative Higher Education - preparing students for life in a very different 21st CenturyEdge revisits some of the innovative higher education institutions from the Rethinking Higher Education report: Case studies for the 21st Century. We find out what makes these forward-looking universities stand out and how they are preparing their students for life in a very different 21st Century, particularly in light of changing practices since the pandemic. Debbie McVitty, WonkHE hosts this episode, and we hear from: Robyn Skelton, The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology Dr Sam Grogan, Salford University Dr Wendy Ivins, National Software Academy, Cardiff University Diana El-Azar, Minerva Project Andrew Boer, Edge Hotel School (EHS), University o...
2021-06-281h 01
The Wonkhe ShowLoans, geography and employment, drama, SeptemberThis week on the podcast we discuss student loans - should the interest rate go up or come down, and where’s the balance between politics and progressivity? There’s also a new dataset from OfS to crunch, a spate of misconduct cases at Drama schools that may have sector-wide implications, lessons to learn from successfully containing Covid at Cambridge and the launch of a new Black women's professors’ network.With Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance) Advance HE and Chair of BPP University, Steph Lomas, UCLan SU VP Education, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe...
2021-06-0351 min
The Wonkhe ShowRacism, sex, drugs and controversial ideasThis week on the podcast the Commons Education Committee raises antisemitism with Michelle Donelan and BBC3 airs a documentary on racism in the sector. Is real progress being made? Plus there’s new findings out on students and sex and drugs, and the long-awaited Jornal of Controversial Ideas has its first edition out - but is it as edgy as it thinks?With Eunice Simmons, VC at the University of Chester, Ben Ward, CEO at the University of Manchester SU, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
2021-04-2942 min
The Wonkhe ShowThe New Power UniversityOur usual podcast format is on its Easter break, so this week there’s an opportunity to enjoy highlights from the launch of a new book on the social purpose of higher education in the 21st century.In The New Power University, Jonathan Grant argues that to remake the social contract between universities and the public, universities must embrace “new power” values that focus on participation, networks governance and radical transparency.With Jonathan Grant, Author of The New Power University and Professor of Public Policy at the Policy Institute, King’s College London; Henry Timms, co-author of New P...
2021-04-0142 min
The Wonkhe ShowBudget, complaints, pensions, historyThis week on the podcast we get across Rishi Sunak’s budget and what it means (and doesn’t mean) for higher education.We also discuss the latest batch of Covid complaints summaries from the OIA, consider the implications of the USS pensions news and try to understand universities minister Michelle Donelan’s intervention on curriculum decolonisation.With Alex Favier, Director of Global and Political Affairs at the University of Nottingham, Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor and Mark Leach, Wonkhe’s CEO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-03-0448 min
The Wonkhe ShowAugar response, TEF review, Skills for Jobs, fundingIn a special podcast this week Team Wonkhe attempts to make sense of a big release of policy documents from the Department for Education. There's an interim response to the Augar review of HE fees and funding, news on the TEF, Gavin Williamson's long awaited skills white paper and a teaching funding settlement for 2021/22. With Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe's Editor, David Kernohan and Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe's Associate Editors, and presented by Mark Leach, Wonkhe's Editor in Chief. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-01-2145 min
The Wonkhe ShowPODCAST: Gavin Williamson, fair assessment, skillsThis week on the podcast we consider the fate of Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, and ask what ministers haver to do to get sacked these days. There's also a look at our new Skills to Thrive research, and a delve into the complexities of fair assessment during a pandemic.With Sue Rigby, Vice Chancellor at Bath Spa University; Jonathan Simons Director at Public First; Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe's Editor; and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe's Associate Editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-01-1448 min
The Wonkhe ShowPODCAST: Start of term specialTo kick the term off Wonkhe's editorial team gathers to discuss the year ahead - taking in everything from the delayed and constrained "staggered" return, to quality and standards, student accommodation, calls for "no detriment" policies and the team's things to watch out out for in the year ahead.With Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe Editor; David Kernohan, Associate Editor; Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor; and presented by Editor in Chief Mark Leach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-01-0846 min
The Wonkhe ShowReturn to campus, graduate skills, pandemic student experienceThis week on the podcast there’s guidance for England for the return to campus in the new year to get across. We also discuss the skills graduates need and whether higher education can deliver them, and new polling form HEPI on the full time undergraduate experience this term.Presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe, guests Tim Blackman, Vice Chancellor at the Open University, Jess Moody, Senior Adviser at Advance HE and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-12-0442 min
The Wonkhe ShowHalf term retention specialOur usual discussion format is on its half term break, so ahead of our Wonkhe @ Home event on retention on November 4th we’ve got a recording of our session on the subject from our Secret Life of Students event back in September. This term students need more help than usual to thrive, especially when face to face contact, extracurricular activity and part-time work is severely constrained. In this discussion, delivered in partnership with Solutionpath, a panel of experts explored how universities can build a picture of student engagement, and explore what can be done to reconnect with stu...
2020-10-2947 min
The Wonkhe ShowReturn to campus, examnishambles, ministersIn our first episode of the autumn term we consider the issues surrounding higher education's return to campus and the latest Covid guidance from government. We also look at the summer results crisis and consider its long term impacts, and discuss two big speeches from Gavin Williamson and Michelle Donelan.With Mary Curnock Cook, independent higher education expert; Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice and Vice Dean of Humanities at the University of Manchester; Debbie McVitty, Editor of Wonkhe; and Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-09-1043 min
The Wonkhe ShowClearing and admissions specialThe podcast is back off its hols for a week with a clearing and admissions special. We wrap up the news from the controversial Scottish Highers results, look ahead to the rest of the UK’s results, and consider how students are making decisions in the context of Covid-19.There’s also discussion on admissions reform, and where widening access fits into the picture.With Clare Marchant, CEO at UCAS; Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews; Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor; and presented by Mark Leach, Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief. Th...
2020-08-0739 min
The Wonkhe ShowRecovery, international, applications, 50% targetThis week on the podcast we discuss the economy, the Government’s recovery plan and why some are claiming that bashing universities is “the new Brexit”.There’s also a road map out for making the UK the world’s most attractive global destination for international students, some new UCAS figures to give us a bit of hope and there's a quick listen to Gavin Williamson's speech on skills.Hosted by Wonkhe CEO Mark Leach, and with guests Jess Strenk, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at Middlesex University, Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK and Wonkhe’s Editor Deb...
2020-07-1043 min
The Wonkhe ShowGraduate Outcomes, fees in Australia, PhD studentsThis week on the podcast we discuss results from the Graduate Outcomes survey, and evaluate reforms to tuition fees in Australia. We also look at HEPI's new report on PhD students and the realities of their experience.With Ellen Wilson, VP higher education services at Pearson; Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI; and Debbie McVitty Editor of Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-06-2542 min
What Happens Next?The new reality for education post COVID-19Bernard Salt speaks to rising star high school educator Yasodai Selvakumaran from Rooty Hill High School to hear how COVID-19 has changed the way students and teachers work together. Bernard also catches up with KPMG Australia’s Education Sector Leader, Professor Stephen Parker, and Debbie McVitty, Editor of the UK Higher Education policy platform Wonkhe, to discuss the new reality for the tertiary education sector post COVID-19.
You will find the article Yasodai mentioned in her interview here: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/education-for-a-changing-world/future-edge, and the article Debbie mentioned in the podcast read here: https://wonkhe...
2020-06-1725 min
The Wonkhe ShowScience, postgrads, training, student housingThis week on the podcast we discuss the relationship between science, society and politics. There's also new report from HEPI on postgrads, a Policy Exchange report on "training", and new legislation on student accommodation in Scotland.With Rachel Sandison, Vice Principal External Relations at the University of Glasgow; Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe's Editor; David Malcolm, Head of Policy at NUS; and Wonkhe's Editor in Chief Mark Leach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-05-1441 min
The Wonkhe ShowThe Covid-19 support package for universities and studentsIn a special extra edition of The Wonkhe Show, the editorial team discusses the Government's Covid-19 support package for universities and students.Wonkhe's Editor Debbie McVitty has all the information on the measures; Associate Editor Jim Dickinson takes a look at a proposed new OfS registration condition; Associate Editor David Kernohan takes a deep dive into a new thing called Clearing Plus; and CEO Mark Leach considers the politics of the package. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-05-0443 min
The Wonkhe ShowNo Buildings from September?In this special extra edition of the Wonkhe Show, we’re looking how universities might prepare for the prospect of having to deliver fully online courses into September. What principles might be adopted? How should staff be supported? And how can universities engage with students in managing this shift? Hosted by Debbie McVitty, Editor of Wonkhe, with Andrew Turner, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor at Coventry University, Rachael Curzons, Chief Partnerships Officer at Aula and Eve Alcock, SU President at University of Bath Students’ Union. This podcast is produced in association with Aula. Join Aula and Wonkhe on 7 May for th...
2020-04-2637 min
The Wonkhe ShowTrinity Hall Cambridge, civic, fair admissions, NSSThis week we discuss Tortoise’s investigation into sexual misconduct at UK universities, consider UPP’s research into public perception of higher education, and dissect polling done on UUK’s behalf about perceptions into university admissions. We also look at the Office for Students’ insight brief into the National Student Survey.With Justine Andrew, Market Director for Education and Skills at KPMG; Pete Quinn, independent higher education consultant and Debbie McVitty; Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-02-2043 min
The Wonkhe ShowValue indicators, wellbeing, NDAs, student engagementThis week on the podcast Universities UK is proposing new VFM indicators, there’s new analysis on teaching and learning and mental health, universities are being accused of using NDAs to gag student complainants and we chat Open Access with UKRI.With Vanessa Wilson CEO at University Alliance, Andy Youell - writer, speaker and strategic data advisor and Wonkhe's editor Debbie McVitty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-02-1340 min
The Wonkhe ShowFree speech, UCAS data, HE SMEs, student dataThis week we discuss the state of independent higher education providers, analyse UCAS’ new self-release function for applications, examine a report from King’s College London on student perceptions of freedom of expression and chat about HEPI’s new research into how students feel about the use of their data.With Johnny Rich, Chief Executive of Push and Chief Executive of the Engineering Professors' Council; Andy Youell, HE data specialist; and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-12-0549 min
The Wonkhe ShowOfS reviews applications to get on its registerThis week in a half term special Team Wonkhe takes a look at OfS' initial provider registration process, pulling out key themes and asking - is its regulation working?With Wonkhe's editor Debbie McVitty and Wonkhe's Associate Editor Jim Dickinson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-10-3033 min
The Wonkhe ShowRacism, grad premium, criminals, VFMThis week on the podcast we dive into the EHRC’s report on racism at British universities, scrutinise HESA’s report on the graduate premium, discuss the new initiative to help people with criminal convictions access HE and examine HEPI’s report into education in prison. Plus there's a chat about quality and value for money, a cracking correlation quiz and Hidden History looks at "free" Masters degrees at Oxford.With Richard Eyre, Chief Programmes Officer at the Brilliant Club; Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute; and Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor. Hosted...
2019-10-2440 min
The Wonkhe ShowTUNDRA, fees, initiations, midwivesThis week on the podcast we talk about equality, privilege, and TUNDRA; and the shelving of £7,500 fees. We also chat UUK’s new guidance on initiations and a new survey on student financial pressure.With Selena Bolingbrooke, Lead for External Engagement & Strategic Development at Goldsmiths, University of London; Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice and Vice Dean of Humanities at the University of Manchester; and Wonkhe’s Editor Debbie McVitty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-09-2644 min
The Wonkhe ShowUUK Conference, International Students, Discover UniThe podcast is back for its autumn season, and we're chatting all the gossip and speeches from Universities UK's annual conference in Birmingham. There's also news on international students, a new unistats from OfS, and the return of Hidden History.With Wonkhe's own Jim Dickinson (Associate Editor), Debbie McVitty (Editor) and Mark Leach (CEO) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-09-1245 min
The Wonkhe ShowS3 Ep7: Student experience, safeguarding, mobility, ToriesThis week we discuss the annual student academic experience survey produced by HEPI and Advance HE to dissect students’ perceptions of value for money, teaching and assessment. We also explore trends in international student mobility, and higher education has finally made its appearance in the manifestos of candidates for leadership of the Conservative party - we take a look. Plus True Crime on Campus and our Correlation Quiz.With Gavan Conlon, Partner at London Economics; Greg Walker, chief executive of MillionPlus; Nottingham University's Head of Security Gary Stevens; and Wonkhe’s Debbie McVitty. Hosted on Aca...
2019-06-1340 min
The Wonkhe ShowS3 Ep5: Augar specialThe long awaited Augar review is finally out, and this week our top wonks discuss the proposals, implications for the sector and politics of the review. Plus a look behind the curtain at what went on at the launch event.With Wonkhe's Editor in Chief Mark Leach; our Editor Debbie McVitty and our Associate Editor David Kernohan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-05-3049 min
The Wonkhe ShowKirsty WilliamsIn this special bonus edition of the podcast, Wonkhe's editor Debbie McVitty sits down with Wales' Education Secretary Kirsty Williams to discuss higher education policy, politics and the challenges of being a woman in public life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-04-1723 min
The Wonkhe ShowFinancial forecasts, cybersecurity, appsOfS has finally published its assessment of English providers' finances - and the forecasts look shaky. Our guests discuss the implications, along with a new report on cybersecurity, and another on the value of vocational degrees. Plus Chris Skidmore calls App Britain!, our correlation quiz and more Hidden History of HE.With Johnny Rich, CEO of Push and the Engineering Professors' Council; Julia Clarke, Pro VC at Manchester Metropolitan; and Wonkhe's Editor Debbie McVitty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-04-0435 min
The Wonkhe ShowUni bailouts, subsidies and teaching excellenceWhat is the real cost to the taxpayer of funding higher education? This week on the podcast we look at report trying to answer that question, as well as students’ views on bailouts for universities, student mental health stats, Hidden History and our correlation quiz.With Andy Youell, strategic data advisor; Eve Alcock, president of Bath Students’ Union; and Wonkhe’s editor Debbie McVitty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-03-0742 min
Vitae podcastEpisode 13 - Envisioning the future of doctoral education (Dr Debbie McVitty, NUS)Dr Debbie McVitty (NUS) speaks on the National Union of Students and the future of doctoral education (with some focus on the Roberts agenda).
2010-11-1713 min