Shows
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 ShowSpending review, Tooling Up, REF, students at workThis week on the podcast we examine the government's spending review and what it means for higher education. How will the £86bn R&D commitment translate into real-terms funding, and why was higher education notably absent from the Chancellor's priorities?Plus we discuss the Post-18 Project's call to fundamentally reshape HE policy away from market competition, the startling new REF rules, and the striking rise in student term-time working revealed by the latest Student Academic Experience Survey.With Stephanie Harris, Director of Policy at Universities UK, Ben Vulliamy, Executive Director at the Association o...
2025-06-1342 min
The Wonkhe ShowDundee, student health, internationalThis week on the podcast we discuss the financial crisis at the University of Dundee, as a revised recovery plan reduces proposed job cuts while requesting additional funding. Is this a sustainable solution for institutions facing similar challenges?Plus we look at concerning new Wonkhe and Cibyl polling on student health, and we examine how international student policies have become political battlegrounds in global elections.With Chris Shelley, Director of Student Experience at Queen Mary University of London, Rachel MacSween, Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement (UK and Europe) at IDP, Michael Salmon...
2025-05-0241 min
The Wonkhe ShowCuts, applications, campus climateThis week on the podcast as news of further redundancies sweeps the sector, we ask how bad things can get before the government will act or the public notice. Plus UCAS end of cycle applications data has arrived, there’s a new report on the campus encampments, and there’s data futures news to get across.With Alex Stanley, Vice President for Higher Education at the National Union of Students, Eve Alcock, Director of Public Affairs at the Quality Assurance Agency, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and...
2025-01-3041 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 ShowLabour, skills, MedrThis week on the podcast Team Wonkhe has been at Labour Conference in Liverpool - we discuss what was and wasn’t said about higher education.Plus there’s news on skills (and in particular Level 7 apprenticeships), Hidden History looks at how HE came to be publicly funded, and Wales’ new tertiary regulator has a plan.With Pam Macpherson Barrett, Head of Policy and Regulation at the University of Leeds, Aaron Porter, Chair at BPP University and Deputy Chair at Goldsmiths, University of London, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s, University of Londo...
2024-09-2645 min
The Wonkhe ShowMaintenance, postgrad complaints, internationalThis week on the podcast the party leaders have spoken out on student living cost support - did they have anything to say, and if not why not? Plus the OIA has a fresh batch of complaints to learn from, there's two new reports on international expansion, and DK has some red hot quality news.With Michelle Morgan, Dean Of Students at University of East London, Mark Bennett, Director (Audience & Insight) at Find A University, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.
2024-06-2747 min
The Wonkhe ShowGeneral election specialThis week on the podcast Rishi Sunak has called a general election for July 4th - so we think about the issues, the pitfalls and landmines for universities, students, SUs and the sector, we talk tactics for the regulated period and we even turn our attention to what might happen after the election. With Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at the University of Manchester, Polly Mackenzie, Chief Social Purpose Officer at University of the Arts London, Mark Leach Editor in Chief at Wonkhe, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate E...
2024-05-2351 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 ShowFranchising, Labour, misogyny, dropping outThis week on the podcast a parliamentary report calls for changes to regulation on franchising – does it go far enough?Plus the think tanks are circling as Labour keeps shtum on HE policy, Jim is in Austria chatting dropping out and study speed, and creepy behaviour towards female academics is under fire.With Julian Gravatt, Deputy Chief Executive at the Association for Colleges, Sally Burtonshaw, Associate Director (Education) at Public First, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Maja Höggerl, 1st deputy chairwoman at ÖH Uni Graz, and...
2024-04-2650 min
The Wonkhe ShowFranchising, Labour, misogyny, dropping outThis week on the podcast a parliamentary report calls for changes to regulation on franchising – does it go far enough? Plus the think tanks are circling as Labour keeps shtum on HE policy, Jim is in Austria chatting dropping out and study speed, and creepy behaviour towards female academics is under fire.With Julian Gravatt, Deputy Chief Executive at the Association for Colleges, Sally Burtonshaw, Associate Director (Education) at Public First, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Maja Höggerl, 1st deputy chairwoman at ÖH Uni Graz, and...
2024-04-2550 min
The Wonkhe ShowInternational students, mental health, students and politicsThis week on the podcast international students have been in the news - but how much of the coverage was unfair, and does the sector have a case to answer on admissions? Plus DfE has a mental health taskforce report out, Scotland's Commissioner for Fair Access has reported and we look at new polling and data on students' views and the role that gender can play in politics.With Helen O'Sullivan, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Chester, Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe...
2024-02-0145 min
The Wonkhe ShowBaltics and Finland specialThis week on the podcast we’re in Helsinki on the Wonkhe SUs study tour where SU officers and staff from around the UK have been to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland to learn about student representation, political advocacy and belonging on a budget. Jim and guests from the bus trip discuss students and sleep, the HE policy year ahead, and what the sector might learn from the frozen north - while Livia catches up with some student leaders from across the countries.With Lily Byrne, President at Sheffield SU, Hannah Clarke, VP Act...
2024-01-111h 02
The Wonkhe ShowInternational, REF delay, stagnationIn our final festive episode of the year we survey the political turmoil over immigration, and consider the impact on university finances.There's also a big delay to the REF to understand, a new report that calls for more graduates and some festive cheer from DK.With Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at the University of Manchester, Justine Andrew, Head of Education and Head of University Partnership Office at KPMG UK, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.
2023-12-0750 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 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
The Wonkhe ShowR&D, dependants, autocraciesThis week on the podcast 46 per cent of people would only choose to invest more in R&D when the UK economy is in better shape – does the fragility of public support matter? Plus international student visas are up again, and so are dependants, and the Lords have been interrogating universities’ engagement with autocracies.With Martin Jones, Vice Chancellor at Staffordshire University, Jess Lister, Associate Director Education at Public First, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.
2023-03-0350 min
The Wonkhe ShowPrevent, reshuffle, graduate outcomesThis week on the podcast the government has published its review of the Prevent counter-terrorism strategy. Are campuses really a breeding ground for extremism?We also discuss this week’s reshuffle and its implications for HE, a new report on graduate outcomes and earnings, and try to understand what’s going on with the government’s short courses trial.With Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Julie Sanders, Principal at Royal Holloway, University of London, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted...
2023-02-0941 min
The Wonkhe ShowPublic perceptions, international, students and sexThis week on the podcast there's new polling out on the public perception of universities. Does it explain funding woes and what can be done to turn around voters’ views? Plus new HESA data shows a dramatic rise in international students, there’s a new survey out on students and sex, and David Kernohan reads the Lifelong Learning Higher Education Fee Limits bill so you don’t have to.With Helen O’Sullivan, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost at the University of Chester, Johnny Rich, CEO at the Engineering Professors’ Council, James Coe, Associate E...
2023-02-0338 min
The Wonkhe ShowDemand, student hardship, loans reformThis week on the podcast we interrogate UCAS end of cycle data - what is going on with demand for higher education? Plus the Sutton Trust has new research out on the impacts of the cost of living crisis on students, and the Lords are leaping over student loan reform.With Clare Marchant, Chief Executive at UCAS, Amatey Doku, Consultant at Moorhouse Consulting, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-01-2644 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 ShowDrugs, year ahead, study tourThis week on the podcast we’re in Münster, Germany for the Wonkhe SUs study tour. Jim and guests from the bus trip discuss the HE policy year ahead, drugs on campus, and what we might learn from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Plus DK dives into the UCAS end of cycle data.With India Ellis, President at Lancaster SU, Alexander Robinson, President at the SU Bath University, Gary Hughes, CEO at Durham SU and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...
2023-01-1327 min
The Wonkhe ShowStudent finance, student suicide, PGR supervision, Disabled studentsThis week on the podcast student finance is back up for debate and there’s new guidance out on student suicide. Plus we talk research assessment, PGR supervision, and Disabled students - and there’s a bonus Wonkhe Christmas song at the end too.With Pete Quinn, inclusion consultant, Michelle Morgan, Dean of Students at the University of East London, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-12-1553 min
The Wonkhe ShowFree speech Bill, Brown review, Chat-GPTThis week on the podcast the Free Speech Bill has cleared report stage in the Lords and NDAs have been banned in the process - we discuss what happens next. Plus Gordon Brown’s review of devolution has implications for HE, and we wonder whether Chat-GPT will kill the essay as an assessment tactic.With Nicola Dandridge, Professor of Practice in Higher Education Policy at University of Bristol, Jonathan Grant, Director at Different Angles, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.
2022-12-0844 min
The Wonkhe ShowImmigration, China, PTES, graduate mobilityThis week on the podcast we consider the fall out from last week’s immigration figures. Is a crackdown on international students really on its way from government? Plus we chat China amid growing concerns about the superpoower’s relationship with HE, this year’s PTES suggests rapid expansion might need more careful management, and HESA is helping us understand brain drain.With Lucy Van Essen-Fishman, Lead Policy and Research Analyst in Data and Innovation at HESA, Jonathan Simons, Partner and Head of the Education Practice at Public First, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Won...
2022-12-0259 min
The Wonkhe ShowCost of living, innovation, strikesThis week on the podcast the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has new stats on students and cost of living. Will more support for students ever come? Plus Rishi Sunak declares the UK an innovation nation, strikes have begun across the sector, and Hidden History looks back at the end of the binary divide between universities and polytechnics in 1992.With Richard Brabner, Director at the UPP Foundation, Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, academic registrar and sector historian, and presented by...
2022-11-2444 min
The Wonkhe ShowWoke QAA, Robert Halfon, Plan B, equality dataThis week on the podcast the Quality Assurance Agency has “gone woke” – or has it?New minister Robert Halfon has set out his priorities in the role. Plus there’s a Plan B for research, some new equality data and DK reviews the Chancellor’s autumn statement.With Osama Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Academic at University of Surrey, Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director at Unite Students, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
2022-11-1848 min
The Wonkhe ShowRegulatory burden, Dearing, governor diversity, harassmentThis week on the podcast there’s a new report out on regulation - are small and specialist providers at a disadvantage? Plus new figures show that a quarter of providers had no governors from a minority ethnic group, we’ve been debating the Dearing review 25 years on, and there’s a new review of OfS’ statement of expectations on harassment and sexual misconduct.With Debbie Holley, Professor Of Learning Innovation at Bournemouth University, Ursula Kelly, Director at Viewforth Consulting, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar and sector historian, and presented by Mark Lea...
2022-11-1046 min
The Wonkhe ShowFree speech, NUS, estranged students, NSSThis week on the podcast the free speech bill reaches committee stage in the Lords, and the NUS President has been terminated. What are the implications for culture on campus? Plus there’s a new report out on estranged students, and we discuss the final question set for the new National Student Survey.With Jess Lister, Senior Policy Manager at Public First, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar and sector historian and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-11-0346 min
The Wonkhe ShowReshuffle, industrial action, applications declineThis week on the podcast Rishi Sunak has been reshuffling his team of ministers - what could the impacts be for higher education?Plus we have the results of UCU's ballot on industrial action, applications appear to be in decline and students seem to have been forgotten about in the cost of living crisis - again.With Carole-Anne Upton, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Middlesex University, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar and sector historian, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at...
2022-10-2747 min
The Wonkhe ShowImmigration, belonging, blended learningThis week on the podcast Suella Braverman is gone - but has the threat of a crackdown on international students gone with her? We’ve launched new research on belonging and we look at the implications for universities. Plus there’s a new review out on blended learning and hidden history looks at the origins of UCL.With Heidi Fraser-Krauss, CEO at Jisc, Ian Dunn, Provost at Coventry University, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
2022-10-2047 min
The Wonkhe ShowHarassment and sexual misconduct, R&D, debating societiesThis week on the podcast OfS is to survey the scale and nature of sexual misconduct affecting students - we discuss why and what next.Plus the UK has accidentally hit the 2.4 per cent of GDP target for research and development spending, and we consider the culture of debate on campus through two new reports.With Shân Wareing, Deputy Vice Chancellor at University of Northampton, Nick Hillman, Director at the Higher Education Policy Institute, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratclkiffe, Academic Registrar and sector historian, and presented by Jim Dickinson, A...
2022-10-1349 min
The Wonkhe ShowConservative conference, outcomes and experience data, student suicideThis week on the podcast the team has been at Conservative party conference - is a crackdown coming on international students?Meanwhile OfS has published data on student experience and outcomes, and there’s interesting new guidance out on students undertaking a placement.With Andy Youell, Executive Director Regulation at UCEM, Selena Bolingbroke, Director at Sighthound Consultancy, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-10-0746 min
The Wonkhe ShowLabour, access and participation, free speech, social classThis week on the show we’ve been to Labour Party Conference. Was anything of interest for higher education announced?Plus the Office for Students has been revising its approach to access and participation, there’s new research out on perceptions of free speech among both students and the wider public, and UCU has a report out on staff and social class.With Claire Taylor, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Andrew Bush, Director of Higher Education Internal Audit and Advisory lead at KPMG, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and prese...
2022-09-2938 min
The Wonkhe ShowAdmissions, Energy Costs, Academic FreedomThis week on the podcast we're at the end of the 2022 applications season - has there really been a crunch on university places? We also consider if the sector and its students have the energy for the year ahead, and there's a new pamphlet out on academic freedom calling for better education on the concept.With Smita Jamdar, Partner at Shakespeare Martineau, Gavan Conlon, Partner at London Economics, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-09-2248 min
The Wonkhe ShowTruss, Cost of Living, DigitalThis week on the podcast Liz Truss is the new Prime Minister - what does that and her ministerial appointments mean for higher education? Plus we discuss the cost of living, a new report from Jisc on the digital student experience, and there's an exciting new feature to play along with.With Gary Hughes, Chief Executive at Durham Students’ Union, Ailsa Crum, Director of Membership, Quality Enhancement and Standards at the Quality Assurance Agency, David Kernohan, Wonkhe’s Acting Editor and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
2022-09-0851 min
The Wonkhe ShowReview of Summer 2022Before the show returns properly for the Autumn season, this week the team meets to discuss what you might have missed (or wish you'd missed|) over the summer, including everything from clearing and student numbers to the cost of living crisis, the Conservative leadership contest, the culture wars and the B3 bear. Plus Mike Ratcliffe has a tale of town gown conflict.With David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-09-0538 min
The Wonkhe ShowPolitics, UCAS, cost of living, cheatingThis week on the podcast we have a new minister at the Department for Education - but will she be around for long enough to make a difference? Plus there’s new applications data from UCAS, a coming cost of living crisis for students, a new report on academic governance and evidence suggesting a growing cheating problem in online exams - can anything be done to stop it?With Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director at Unite Students, Aashish Khadia, Director of Planning at University of Leicester, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Wonkhe’s Edi...
2022-07-1539 min
The Wonkhe ShowPolitics, NSS, grade inflation, accessThis week on the podcast we attempt to keep up with the drama at No.10. What does it all mean for higher education? Plus this year’s NSS results are out, the sector tries to get a grip on grade inflation and there’s a new report out on Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.With Alistair Jarvis, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Partnerships and Governance) at the University of London, Anne-Marie Canning, CEO at the Brilliant Club, Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief Mark Leach and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...
2022-07-0845 min
The Wonkhe ShowEquality charters, free speech, staff and tech, Labour and feesThis week on the podcast there’s a ministerial intervention over equality charters in the name of free speech. How should universities respond?Plus there’s new research on staff views of technology, and big questions over Labour’s policy on fees and funding as speculation mounts about a snap election.With Martha Horler, Head of Registry Services & Business Intelligence at Futureworks, Johnny Rich, CEO at the Engineering Professors' Council, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-07-0145 min
The Wonkhe ShowGraduate wellbeing, student housing, free speechThis week on the podcast graduate anxiety is on the rise and feelings of dissatisfaction and low worth are becoming more prevalent. What’s going on?Plus major changes to the student rental housing market are coming, and there’s new polling out on students and free speech.With Paul Ashwin, Professor of Higher Education at Lancaster University, Alexis Brown, Director of Policy and Advocacy at HEPI, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-06-2443 min
The Wonkhe ShowPublic accounts committee, belonging, student financial support, free speechThis week on the podcast MPs are struggling to pin universities’ problems on the right body - where does responsibility lie when things go wrong? There’s also the next phase of our research on belonging with Pearson, a fall (in England) to dramatic new lows for student financial support, and the free speech bill clears the commons.Plus we listen in as George Freeman and Ottoline Leyser appear at the Commons Science and Technology Committee, and hot off the press there’s some new graduates outcomes figures out from HESA.With Ben Elger, Chief Executive of the Office...
2022-06-1637 min
The Wonkhe ShowStudent experience, free speech, microcredentialsThis week on the podcast the 2022 Student Academic Experience Survey is out - has the student experience bounced back post-pandemic? Plus we discover that free speech is alive and well on UK campuses, we think big about microcredentials and there’s some interesting new data out on innovation and outreach.With Marian Hilditch, academic registrar at the University of Bradford, Amatey Doku, consultant with Moorhouse, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-06-0950 min
The Wonkhe ShowOfS investigations, uni leadership, skillsThis week on the podcast OfS has launched eight investigations into suspected poor quality courses. What happens next? Plus VCs seem to be lasting longer than before, and there’s a raft of new reports out on skills.With Ant Bagshaw, Partnerships Director at OES, Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive at MillionPlus, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-05-2740 min
The Wonkhe ShowWokery, LEO, grade inflationThis week on the podcast the press and politicians have been attacking the Race Equality Charter - how should universities respond? Plus there’s some interesting new LEO data out on the industries in which graduates are working, and OfS has published new figures on grade inflation.With Chris Shelley, Director of Student and Academic Services at the University of Greenwich, Clare Adams, Head of Education Strategy at Handshake, David Kernohan, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-05-1944 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 ShowComplaints, consultations, student suicide, in-person teachingThis week on a heavily West Midlands infused podcast, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator has published its annual report - what is it telling us about complaints and consumerism in HE? Plus sector bodies have been publishing their responses to the English HE reform proposals, there’s a new report out on student suicide and information sharing, and Michelle Donelan is putting “boots on the ground” over in-person teaching.With Selena Bolingbrooke, HE consultant, Lawrie Phipps, Senior Research Lead at Jisc, David Kernohan, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor. Hosted on Acast...
2022-05-0650 min
The Wonkhe ShowBlair, spiking, minimum entry, free speechThis week on the podcast the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change has argued for 70 per cent HE participation - but are interventions from Blair doing more harm than good? Plus the Home Affairs committee reports on spiking, IFS has a report on student loans and Michelle Donelan has been talking about free speech.With Paul Greatrix, University of Nottingham Registrar, Diana Beech, Chief Executive at London Higher, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark leach, Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-04-2845 min
The Wonkhe ShowGrad jobs, staffing, China, student financeThis week on the podcast the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) has published its annual Student Development Survey - what does it tell us about graduate jobs and skills? Plus we discuss staffing in the sector, a new report from HEPI on China, and institution-level student financial support.With Helen O’Sullivan, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost at the University of Chester, Pete Quinn, independent higher education consultant, David Kernohan, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-03-3143 min
The Wonkhe ShowSpring statement, UKRI strategy, social mobilityThis week on the podcast Rishi Sunak has delivered his spring statement, and we get across the politics, the policies and the implications for universities and students. Plus UKRI has a new strategy out, and HEPI has published a new version of a social mobility index for universities.With Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice and Vice Dean for Social Responsibility in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Manchester, Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director at Unite Students, Sunday Blake, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor and presented by Mark Leach, Wonkhe’s Editor-in-Chief. Hosted on Acast. See...
2022-03-2443 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 ShowUkraine, Augar, Digifest, AdmissionsThis week on the podcast we discuss the crisis in Ukraine and what universities can do, and would like to do if only the home office allowed it. There's also Phillip Augar on the government's response to his review, a new admissions code, a look at university finances via the National Audit Office and DK's been to digifest. With Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University of Nottingham; Laura Tamara, Co-President at BedsSU; David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...
2022-03-1045 min
The Wonkhe ShowSexual misconduct, quality, belonging, drugsThis week on the podcast the Office for Students has new conditions on quality and standards - but what does it all mean? Universities UK has published new guidance on staff-to-student sexual misconduct - does it go far enough? There’s also a look at our research with Pearson on belonging, and a new HEPI report on drugs.With Michelle Morgan, Dean of Students at the University of East London, Andrew Hargreaves, co-founder of DataHE, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
2022-03-0348 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 ShowLevelling up, black students in halls, disabled studentsThis week on the podcast we go searching for a role for higher education in the levelling up agenda.There’s also interesting new reports out on race and disability ahead of our Secret Life of Students event.With Amatey Doku, Consultant at NOUS, Selena Bolingbroke, Independent Consultant, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-02-0336 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 ShowOutcomes, TEF, NDAsThis week on the podcast we’re discussing the Office for Students’ new proposals on the outcomes that universities will have to deliver for students. Are they the right way to judge quality?Plus OfS has a new design for the Teaching Excellence Framework, and Michelle Donelan is urging universities to outlaw the use of NDAs.With Mary Curnock Cook, Chair of the Student Futures Commission, Ben Archibald, General Manager at the Union of Students in Ireland, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Host...
2022-01-2040 min
The Wonkhe ShowOmicron, access, harassment, NSSThis week on the podcast we’re back after the break being told that there’s “no excuses” for online learning. How is the sector handling Omicron?We’re also reflecting on exhortations from ministers on improving attainment in schools, reading up on UCU’s new report on harassment on campus, and trying to work out what’s going on with the National Student Survey.And DK has an update on the ARIA bill, and there's also the triumphant return of Yes, but does it correlate?With Shân Wareing, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University...
2022-01-1346 min
The Wonkhe ShowPlan B, admissions, staffing, “one nation”This week on our Christmassy podcast, England has moved to plan B - but what does that mean for students and universities? The UCAS end of cycle report is out - what does a bumper year for high tariff providers mean for their local areas and the test of the sector? Plus there’s new reports on staffing in higher education, the idea of a “one nation” university, and Wonkhe’s bid for the Christmas #1.With Jackie Njoroge, Director of Strategy at the University of Salford, Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at the University of Manchester, Jim Dickinson, Associat...
2021-12-0955 min
The Wonkhe ShowStrikes, blended, transfersThis week on the podcast industrial action has begun across the sector - how should universities mitigate any impact on students? There’s also a new briefing out on digital delivery from Universities UK, and new figures on student transfers.With Emily McIntosh, Director of Learning, Teaching and Student Experience at the University of Middlesex; Tim Blackman, Vice Chancellor at The Open University; David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe; Jamie Melrose, President of the University of Bristol UCU branch; and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-12-0339 min
The Wonkhe ShowWhite paper, Wales, PRES, ONSThis week on the podcast we ask if we’re getting an HE white paper for Christmas, and look at polling on the politics of fees, funding and maintenance. Plus Wales has a new Bill, and there’s new data on PGRs and undergrads - both of which appear to signal an intractable mental health crisis across the sector. What can be done?With Osama Khan, PVC Education at the University of Surrey, Debbie Holley, Professor of Learning Innovation at Bournemouth University, David Kernohan, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent, and presented by Jim Dickin...
2021-11-0444 min
The Wonkhe ShowSkills, social mobility, black grads, free speechThis week on the podcast we’re tracking the progress of the Skills Bill and keeping an eye on efforts to redefine social mobility. There’s also a new report out on black graduates, OfS has been talking about how it will regulate in the future and we reflect on where you draw the line over free speech.With Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Johnny Rich, CEO at the Engineering Professors' Council, David Kernohan and Jim Dickinson, Associate Editors at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, and presented by Wonkhe’s Editor...
2021-10-1448 min
The Wonkhe ShowConservative conference, spelling, essay mills, diversity trainingThis week on the podcast we’re reflecting on a few days at Conservative Party conference. Have we found out what levelling up means?Plus OfS launches a report on spelling, essay mills are to be banned in England and we consider whether online diversity training is more hassle than it’s worth.With Selena Bolingbroke, Consulting Fellow with the Halpin Partnership, Amatey Doku, Consultant at the Nous Group, Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief Mark Leach, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast...
2021-10-0749 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 ShowReshuffle, groupings, graduatesThis week on the podcast we have a new Secretary of State and a promotion for the universities minister to discuss. Plus we’ve started a big debate about sector groupings, there’s new research on where graduates end up and Hidden History looks at the rules governing student conduct after the war. With Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, VP Higher Education at NUS, Andrew Hargreaves, dataHE founder, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-09-1738 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 Wonkhe ShowValue for money, science, PG access, white working classThis week on the podcast the results of this year’s HEPI/Advance HE Student Academic Experience Survey are out. Did students think that this year represented “value for money” and how can universities with their mental health? Plus there’s a new government science office, a report on postgraduate widening participation and that ongoing controversy over white working class children.With Marian Hilditch, Deputy Academic Registrar at the University of Bradford and Chair of SROC, Jonathan Grant, Professor of Public Policy at the Policy Institute King’s College London and Director of Different Angles, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe...
2021-06-2545 min
The Wonkhe ShowThe best of WonkfestThis week on the podcast we’ve got a clutch of highlights from Wonkfest. We consider how universities can build back higher, bridge the digital divide and inject care in the university community. We also think about the university of the high street and consider how we might create a stronger sense of belonging on campus.With Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe, Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, and Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Plus contributions from Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, Simone Buitendijk, Vice Chancellor of the Uni...
2021-06-1043 min
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 ShowFree speech, Queen’s speech, admissions, transitionsThis week on the podcast the government has introduced a new Higher Education Bill into parliament - but do its proposals on academic freedom and freedom of speech stack up? There’s also a range of other measures in the Queen’s speech to consider, and as the deadline for the government’s admissions review looms, we take the temperature of responses from across the sector.With Claire Taylor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Wrexham Glyndwr University, Chris Shelley. Director of Student and Academic Services, University of Greenwich, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief...
2021-05-1345 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 ShowScience, admissions, protest, tertiaryThis week on the podcast the government’s integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy puts science and technology at the centre of international relations. But where do universities fit into that agenda?There’s also an interesting new HEPI report on admissions to get across, the threat of the silencing of student protest posed by the police, crime, sentencing and courts bill and a new report on the relationship between colleges and universities. Plus Mike Ratcliffe’s Hidden History looks at the expansion of the sector in the sixties.With Anne-Marie Canning, CEO at the Brilli...
2021-03-1848 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 ShowUCAS end of cycle, learning experience, student hardship, free speechThis week on the podcast there’s the ups and downs of student recruitment to discuss as the UCAS cycle reports. We’ve also launched new research on the student learning experience, and our guests discuss catch up, new money for student hardship and ongoing work on free speech on campus.With Alistair Jarvis, CEO at Universities UK, Natalie Day, Head of Strategy and Policy Insight at Sheffield Hallam, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Wonkhe’s CEO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-02-0537 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 ShowBrexit, OfS reset, UCAS figures, free speech.It’s the end of term at Wonkhe towers but the policy train is still trundling along, and so on the podcast we’re discussing everything from Brexit, to a glut of paperwork from the Office for Students, UCAS figures and the dramatic return of the Free Speech University Rankings. Plus not one but two special musical interludes.With Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International, Jonathan Simons, Director at Public First and Head of the Education Practice, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wobnkher and presented by Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief Mark Leach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
2020-12-1745 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 ShowRetention, lockdown two, skills and levelling upThis week on the podcast the panel looks at Wonkhe's new research on non-continuation. We also think through the implications of the month long lockdown in England, and look at a couple of new reports on the skills agenda and levelling up.With Diana Beech, CEO at London Higher; Adam Tickell, Vice Chancellor at Sussex University; and Wonkhe's Editor in Chief Mark Leach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-11-0535 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 ShowExpectations, Donelan, restructuringIn our end of term podcast, we dive into Wonkhe/Pearson research on student expectations around September and consider how universities should respond. Wales has a new tertiary education bill, Michelle Donelan has been at the Commons Education Committee, there are some reforms to higher technical education and DK has all the highlights (and correlations) we need from NSSmas day.After the main recording, news of DfE’s restructuring regime and OfS’ market exit plans dropped - so Jim and DK discuss those too.With Frances Corner, Warden at Goldsmiths, University of London, Alex Favier, Director of G...
2020-07-1752 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 ShowDeferrals, clearing, research, accessThis week on the podcast we’re discussing the possibility of students attempting to defer as we approach September, and consider what the clearing period might look like.We also look at a new report on the regional imbalance in research and development expenditure, and have a read of the Russell Group’s plan for widening access.Hosted by Wonkhe’s CEO and Editor in Chief Mark Leach, with David Sweeney, Executive Chair at Research England; Jenny Shaw, Student Experience Director at Unite Students and David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast...
2020-05-2833 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 ShowNumber controls, safety nets, community contributionThis week on the Wonkhe Show we're thinking about student numbers, and the types of regulation and national intervention needed during and after the Covid-19 lockdown. We also think about students and their need for safety both over assessment and enrolment, and the role universities are playing in the community during the crisis.With Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, with Selena Bolingbroke, Lead for External Engagement & Strategic Development at Goldsmiths, University of London; and Andy Westwood, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility for the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Manchester. Hosted on Acast. See acast...
2020-04-0239 min
The Wonkhe ShowCovid-19 and admissions, REF, regulation and accommodationThis week on the Wonkhe Show we start to try to make sense of the fall out from the Covid-19 crisis. We discuss admissions and student recruitment, the cancellation of the REF and the prospects for PGR students, the character of regulation required for the coming period and the major issues around student accommodation for both next term and beyond.Hosted by Mark Leach, CEO of Wonkhe, with Mary Curnock Cook, independent higher education expert; Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI, and Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-03-2646 min
The Wonkhe ShowAdmissions, coronavirus, number controls, levelling uphis week on the podcast we take a look at OfS’ new review of admissions, assess the impact of coronavirus on the sector, and look at whether we’re about to see the return of student number controls. We also have a look at a new HEPI report on “levelling up”.With Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief of Wonkhe; Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International; David Bell; Vice Chancellor of the University of Sunderland; and Graeme Wise, Contributing Editor at Wonkhe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-02-2730 min
The Wonkhe ShowStudent marketing and recruitment specialThis week’s Wonkhe Show is a recruitment special, in association with SMRS.We take a first look at the UCAS data on January deadline application data, consider the politics of universities’ offer-making in 2020, and discuss where the lines are when marketing to students. The panel also speculates about how university recruitment practices may change over the next decade as we anticipate rapid growth in demand for HE.Hosted by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief of Wonkhe, with Clare Marchant, Chief Executive of UCAS; Dan Beynon, Head of Education at SMRS; and Alison Kerwin, Director of Mark...
2020-02-0639 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 ShowS3 Ep3: Research, anti-semitism, social mobility, car parkingThis week we discuss the government’s strategy on research and innovation and the Minister’s intervention on anti-semitism. Duncan Exley, former Director of the Equality Trust, has published a book scrutinising the UK’s social mobility problem and we chat Wonkhe's Car Parking Ranking.With Luke Myer of Edge Hill Students’ Union; Sarah Barr-Miller of UCAS; and Wonkhe’s David Kernohan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-05-1735 min
The Wonkhe ShowTories, NUS, stalking, rent guarantorsA centre-right think tank has a new report out on generational differences. We also discuss NUS' conference, data on stalking and a fascinating rent guarantor scheme aimed at care leavers.With Nick Hillman, Director at HEPI, Jess Moody, Senior Advisor at Advance HE and Wonkhe's own Arthi Nachiappan.The shownotes and correlation quiz are on wonkhe.comNote this episode contains discussion of stalking and domestic violence. Paladin is the national stalking advisory service paladinservice.co.uk. The national domestic violence helpline is 0808 2000 247. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
2019-04-1142 min
The Wonkhe ShowData, housing, funding and cheatingOn the podcast this week we discuss the impact of recent political developments on higher education, data futures, and new research on student accommodation. Plus ITV's new drama about a student who uses an essay mill, our correlation quiz, the latest from the blogs and the launch of Wonkhe SUs.With Chris Shelley, Director of Student and Academic Services at the University of Greenwich; Gavan Conlon, Partner at London Economics; and Wonkhe’s own Jim Dickinson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-03-1443 min
The Wonkhe ShowMichael Barber live at Wonkfest18The full recording of Michael Barber live at Wonkfest18. Accompanying slides can be found here: https://wonkhe.com/wp-content/wonkhe-uploads/2018/11/WONKHE-5-NOV-FINAL.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-11-101h 04