The Future of Higher Education 2021

Overview

Universities are a key contributor to the UK economy, generating more than £95 billion per year and over 940,000 full-time equivalent jobs. They also strengthen the UK’s place in the world through international partnerships, attracting the world’s top talent and contributing £13.1 billion in export earnings.  

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact in the academic year 2019-20 with a loss of income amounting to c£790 million. The current challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic are numerous and require an urgent response by universities.  

The impact of students in lockdown has presented mental health challenges for students facing anxiety, depression and loneliness. Universities have had to make their campuses as safe as possible and use technology to change the way they deliver learning.  

This event will examine how the Government and Academia are tackling the wide range of issues they are faced with. It will give an insight into what the future may look like post COVID-19 and how to manage the transition. 

Issues such as leadership, new models of learning, student wellbeing, marketing and recruitment will be examined from both a policy and practical perspective to gain new insights into the future of higher education.

Agenda Content and Learning Outcomes

• Hear of the latest updated guidance for teaching face-to-face with COVID-secure plans in place
• Analyse the ways that universities are taking the necessary steps to deliver online learning which is of good quality and properly resourced
• Evaluate the current state of funding and the cost implications of stabilising the sector in the short and medium term
• Examine the importance of maintaining a close relationship between neighbouring universities and working in partnership with the local police force, NHS trusts, councils and colleges
• Discover the cost implications of stabilising the sector in the short and medium term
• Understand the significance of taking a whole community approach to focus on mental health and wellbeing around transition periods in higher education
• Assess methods of boosting international collaboration to make sure that the UK benefits from global scientific partnerships
• Consider strategies to identify the best technology-enabled learning, teaching and assessment and building and expanding them for 2021-22 and beyond
• Evaluate the value of the university estate through achieving excellence in integrated architectural, environmental and structural design
• Learn of the modes of developing student accommodation arrangements to support students living and studying together during the pandemic

Speakers

• Clare Marchant, Chief Executive, UCAS
• Chris Hale, UK Director of Policy, Universities UK
• Dr Greg Walker, Chief Executive Officer, MillionPlus, The Association for Modern Universities
• Nick Hillman, Director, Higher Education Policy Institute 
• Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor & President at University of East London
• Adam Doyle, Director of Careers and Enterprise, University of East London  
• Prof Marc Davis, Visiting Associate Professor of Practice, University of East London
• Dr Paul M. Marshall, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Careers & Enterprise), University of East London
• David Hudson, Director, Teeside University
• Professor Liz Barnes CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Staffordshire University
• David Woolley, Director of Student and Community Engagement, Nottingham Trent University

Benefits of Attending

• Meet other like-minded professionals and develop new, beneficial connections
• Through the learning opportunities and sharing of best practice, you will be able to implement improvements in your workplace
• Impact the wider agenda and be part of future planning
• Be part of organisations that continue to evolve, improve and innovate
• Learn how to make the best use of key products and services that can help transform your organisational capabilities

Audience

This event brings together experts and senior leaders from across higher education, Government, academia and the wider public sector to hear the latest policy updates across the industry and address the challenges facing the sector in these unprecedented times.

Dates and Timings

This is a 3-day event. Day 1: 09:00am – 14:00pm. Day 2: 09:00am – 14:00pm. Day 3: 09:00am – 14:00pm.