The Wonkhe Show

• Public attitudes, housing, employability

  This week on the podcast we discuss fresh polling on public attitudes to UK universities, which shows how a widening graduate/non-graduate divide and sharper political splits are fuelling worries about degree quality and whether universities are focused on the country’s interests.Plus we discuss the housing crunch – the new Renters’ Rights Act, warnings on missed housebuilding targets, and what a forthcoming statement of expectations on student accommodation could require of providers working with local authorities. And we explore employability insights from new research – the language gap between university “attributes” and real job adverts, and how to recognise skills students gain beyond the curriculum.With Ben Ward, CEO at the University of Manchester Students’ Union, Johnny Rich, Chief Executive at the Engineering Professors’ Council and Push, Livia Scott, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.Student accommodation – a tale of two cities, and 2point4 studentsThe Renters’ Rights Act is out of the oven, but the student housing market is still cookedShared Institutions: The public’s view on the role of universities in national and local life / More in Common and UCL Policy LabAGCAS: Uncovering SkillsEmployability: degrees of value / Johnny Rich

  --------  

  54:08

  --------

  54:08
• Skills White Paper special

  This 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 “cold spots”, tighter choice, and a tougher deal on student maintenance?Plus we discuss the proposed international student levy and quid-pro-quo on quality; tougher franchising rules and agent oversight; a “statement of expectations” on student accommodation; governance and TPS pressures; and much much more.With Debbie McVitty, Editor, Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor, Wonkhe, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor, Wonkhe, Michael Salmon, News Editor, Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief, Wonkhe.What is in the post-16 education and skills white paper for higher education?

  --------  

  52:51

  --------

  52:51
• Wales, Franchising, Graduate Jobs

  This 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 Research) at the British Academy, Sarah Stevens, Director of Strategy at the Russell Group and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.Universities Wales election manifestoOutcomes data for subcontracted provisionGraduate jobs and recruitment reality

  --------  

  47:52

  --------

  47:52
• Student protest, TNE, Tory conference

  This week on the podcast as pro-Palestinian student protests mark the anniversary of October 7, an intervention from Keir Starmer sparks a national debate on campus safety, antisemitism, and free speech. Plus the Prime Minister is leading a trade delegation to India alongside sector leaders, we explore the growing opportunities in transnational education and ask whether UK universities are ready for a TNE surge – and at Conservative Party Conference, Kemi Badenoch announces plans to slash student numbers and redirect funding.With Jess Lister, Director (Education) at Public First, Liz Hutchinson, Chief Executive at London Higher, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and hosted by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.OfS rebalances the free speech/harassment see-saw on antisemitismConservatives have a poor quality higher education policyA TNE policy primer for anyone seeking new funding streams

  --------  

  35:37

  --------

  35:37
• Labour Conference 2025

  This week on the podcast, as the dust settles on Labour conference in Liverpool, we unpack what Keir Starmer’s new higher education participation target really means – and whether universities have the capacity and funding to meet the moment. We also get into the surprise return of targeted maintenance grants – funded controversially by the levy on international student fees, and we reflect on the wider political atmosphere at the conference – from policy signals to sector perceptions, and what all this might tell us about Labour’s emerging offer and forthcoming White Paper. With Gary Hughes, Chief Executive at Durham Students’ Union, Eve Alcock, Director of Public Affairs at QAA, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and hosted by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.The PM’s announcement on higher level participation is a win for the HE sectorThe fifty per cent participation target is no more. Again.Grants return, the levy staysMaybe the levy just moves money to where it’s needed mostThe Augar review is back, baby. Just don’t about talk yourselfStudents are being othered again – and everyone loses outHave universities got the capacity and cash to respond to the government’s agenda?How much should the new maintenance grant be?Universities should be central to rebuilding communitiesStudents are working harder than ever – because they have toI have a lot of questions about the LLEWho’s ready for a debate at 930am on a Sunday?The education policy trap: will the Augar review avoid the mistakes of the past?

  --------  

  50:54

  --------

  50:54

Weitere Bildung Podcasts

Trending Bildung Podcasts

Über The Wonkhe Show