Higher Eduation: The Future

Higher Education: The Future

The pandemic brought into sharp focus the strengths and weaknesses of our Higher Education system in the UK. As a result, our universities and colleges have been forced to assess and evolve what they do, and as a result we may see some profound changes in the way they operate going forward. Here are seven ways they may evolve over the next decade.

ONE Increase in overseas students

The UK government’s refusal to increase the tuition fee cap, which currently stands at £9,000 per year, could mean greater numbers of overseas students filling courses. The Retail Price Index means £9,000 in 2012 is worth only £6,350 in today’s prices, yet the tuition fee cap does not apply to those coming from abroad, meaning universities may lean towards higher-paying candidates.

TWO Bigger courses

Over the past two decades most universities have moved away from the concept of colossal halls packed with hundreds of students for a single lecture. It’s been accepted that smaller, more intense study groups produce better results; but the current funding shortfall may necessitate a move back to larger-scale learning environments.

THREE Fewer staff

In much the same way, universities driven to cut costs may lean towards fewer staff being asked to specialise across greater subject matters.

FOUR Blended courses and learning

Whereas in the past those earning degrees would focus on a subject, using that as a base for greater learning once out in the world, an expected trend is that degrees in future would factor in blended learning. This would be both in terms of less rigid subject matter and in how subjects are taught - for instance, a mixture of in-person, location-based programmes, experiential teaching, and virtual learning. Indeed, Cambridge University announced last year that they were making a number of their courses available online.

FIVE Digital assessment

One positive that came out of the pandemic was the drive towards achieving educational aims across digital means. While this was a process forced on teachers and students, the outcome has been a revelation, with technological solutions aiding both learning and assessment.

SIX An increase in public/private partnerships

Universities will have to continue to look outside of traditional funding means. Certainly, on the private side, there may be greater sponsorship and corporate funding options, whereby organisations may also have a stronger contribution towards provision of resources and materials.

SEVEN Evolve or die

The current batch of GCSE graduates achieved the highest set of grades ever across the board. To that end, the expectation of that group, and those that follow it, will be a university environment that reflects their talent.