The Graduate Journey – October 2024

Hello, and welcome to this October newsletter. It includes links and summaries of articles covering a range of topics. This month focuses on the beginning of the new academic year and recent news on higher education policy as we enter party conference season.

For all those involved in arrivals and welcome activities and events, I hope they went well, your students are happy to be back on campus, wherever that might be, and your weather is significantly better than mine.

Best of luck for this academic year!

Chris

Start of the 24/25 Academic Year?

What we learned about undergraduate admissions this cycle???

WonkHE?

Summary: This year, 277,790 UK 18-year-olds secured university places, marking a record high despite a decline in applications. The growth mainly occurred at higher tariff institutions, reversing last year's acceptance drop. Moreover, more disadvantaged students gained placements, although gaps persist regionally and socio-economically in access to higher education.???

Full story here: https://wonkhe.com/blogs/what-we-learned-about-undergraduate-admissions-this-cycle/ ??

Supporting students as they move to university???

HEPI?

Summary: The UCAS process in the UK offers simplicity compared to global counterparts, but this may create a mismatch between expectations and reality for students transitioning to higher education. Preparing for university involves more than logistics, as students need to navigate social media influence, independence, and mental health challenges. Additionally, it's essential to focus on long-term career prospects from the outset.?

Full story here: https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2024/08/06/supporting-students-as-they-move-to-university/ ?

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Universities near Premier League clubs attract more undergraduates, study finds???

The Guardian?

Summary: Peter Kyle, the UK science secretary, emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to attend university rather than working in low-wage jobs, countering claims that too many go to university. He shared his personal story, highlighting the impact of education on innovation and the need for holistic solutions to interlinked economic issues.???

Full story here: Universities near Premier League clubs attract more undergraduates, study finds | Universities | The Guardian

Fewer pupils in regions 'applying for university???

BBC?

Summary: Barrow-in-Furness recorded the lowest university acceptance rate for 18-year-olds at 13%, significantly below the 29% average for north-east England and 51% in London. The charity IntoUniversity highlighted the talent loss due to limited university applications. The government pledges to address the disparity in educational opportunities across regions.???

Full story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g008v3d7do ??

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UCAS: International intake flattens amid record acceptances for UK 18-year-olds???

The PIE?

Summary: This year, 61,110 international applicants secured university placements, a slight decrease from last year. China's acceptances fell 1.9%, with significant declines in mature UK students. However, UK 18-year-olds saw a 2.8% rise in acceptances. The overall trend shows increased Clearing participation, reflecting diverse student choices in higher education.???

Full story here: https://thepienews.com/ucas-international-intake-flattens-amid-record-acceptances-for-uk-18-year-olds/ ? ?

Universities and Regional Impact?

New report reveals key role universities play in boosting growth and productivity across the UK???

Universities UK?

Summary: A new report by London Economics reveals the UK higher education sector's economic impact reached ￡265 billion in 2021-22, with a cost to benefit ratio of 14 to 1. The report highlights significant returns for the Treasury and stresses universities' crucial role in boosting economic growth and social benefits.???

Full story here: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/news/new-report-reveals-key-role-universities ??

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Securing the sustainability of partnership provision???

HEPI?

Summary: The HEPI blog highlights the importance of franchising and partnerships in higher education, noting their potential for enhancing local engagement and quality provision. Recent scrutiny has arisen due to concerns about student loan misuse and oversight in these arrangements. In response, sector bodies have developed resources like the Franchise Governance Framework to improve governance, reduce risks, and ensure value for money in partnerships.???

Full story here: https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2024/09/18/securing-the-sustainability-of-partnership-provision/ ??????

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Culture connects, and universities can help???

WonkHE?

Summary: The summer of 2024 highlighted culture's role in reconnecting UK communities, especially through events like the Olympics. Despite cultural funding declines, the new Labour government's missions emphasize co-creating culture with communities for societal resilience. Initiatives like the Creative Communities podcast showcase successful community-led cultural R&D, fostering innovation and inclusivity across the UK.???

Full story here: https://wonkhe.com/blogs/culture-connects-and-universities-can-help/ ??

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New HEPI report: Why we need a new and expanded role for universities and university groupings???

HEPI?

Summary: The new UK Government emphasizes economic growth and local empowerment, as discussed in the HEPI report by Alistair Lomax. It highlights the critical role of university collaborations in driving regional economic development, innovation, and skills. Recommendations include long-term planning, enhanced partnerships, and deeper local engagements, particularly with devolved authorities.???

Full story here: https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2024/09/12/new-hepi-report-why-we-need-a-new-and-expanded-role-for-universities-and-university-groupings/ ??

?? Higher Education Policy?

The future of higher and degree apprenticeships under Labour???

WonkHE?

Summary: The recent Labour government win has raised concerns about the future of higher and degree apprenticeships, previously thriving under the Conservatives. Universities urge Labour to maintain funding and support for apprenticeships, fearing that new policies may divert resources and inhibit growth. There's apprehension about Labour's proposed Levy reform potentially restricting apprenticeship funding significantly.???

Full story here: https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-future-of-higher-and-degree-apprenticeships-under-labour/ ?????

UK’s science minister declares end to Tory ‘war on universities’???

The Guardian?

Summary: Peter Kyle, the UK science secretary, emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to attend university rather than working in low-wage jobs, countering claims that too many go to university. He shared his personal story, highlighting the impact of education on innovation and the need for holistic solutions to interlinked economic issues.???

Full story here: https://www.theguardian.com/education/article/2024/sep/08/future-nobel-prizes-rely-on-young-people-going-to-university-says-science-minister ?

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We need to talk about access to postgraduate education?

HEPI?

Summary: The article by Louise Banahene emphasizes the necessity of widening access to postgraduate education to address inequities in progression, particularly for marginalized groups. It highlights ongoing initiatives, barriers like tuition fees and socio-economic factors, and the importance of collaboration and systematic change to ensure a diverse academic community that reflects society's needs.???

Full story here: https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2024/09/19/we-need-to-talk-about-access-to-postgraduate-education/ ?

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UK’s science minister declares end to Tory ‘war on universities’???

The Guardian?

Summary: Peter Kyle, the UK science secretary, emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to attend university rather than working in low-wage jobs, countering claims that too many go to university. He shared his personal story, highlighting the impact of education on innovation and the need for holistic solutions to interlinked economic issues.???

Full story here: https://www.theguardian.com/education/article/2024/sep/08/future-nobel-prizes-rely-on-young-people-going-to-university-says-science-minister ??

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Ten things we heard at the Labour Party Conference???

HEPI?

Summary: The blog by Rose Stephenson and Josh Freeman highlights discussions from the Labour Party Conference, emphasizing the government's support for higher education, funding challenges, and the need for maintenance grants. Key themes include widening access, AI integration, regional devolution, and universities' civic responsibilities in policy development, aiming for financial sustainability and better partnerships across educational sectors.???

Full story here: https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2024/09/27/ten-things-we-heard-at-the-labour-party-conference/ ??

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Raise tuition fees to ease pressure on English universities, says Peter Mandelson???

The Guardian?

Summary: Peter Mandelson advocates raising tuition fees in England from ￡9,250 to ￡9,480 to alleviate financial pressures on universities. He proposes linking future fees to inflation, with emphasis on supporting disadvantaged students. A more progressive student loan system is also suggested. Mandelson highlights the need for universities to improve efficiency in response to funding challenges.???

Full story here: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2024/sep/25/raise-tuition-fees-to-ease-pressure-on-english-universities-says-peter-mandelson ??

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The Jacqui Smith doctrine???

WonkHE?

Summary: The piece discusses Jacqui Smith’s emerging approach to higher education policy post-Labour Party conference, introducing the WECEE framework: widening participation, economic growth, civic impact, efficiency, and student experience. Smith’s focus on financial stability, equitable access, and collaboration with major departments highlights the government’s recognition of universities' roles in societal and economic progress.???

Full story here: https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-jacqui-smith-doctrine/ ??

About me.?

Over the past ten years, I have worked at many educational institutions, including in the further and higher education sectors. Much of this time was spent working with students and employers, developing and delivering new and innovative events and activities wherever possible. I have focused on the student experience, access to HE, careers education, and employer relations, and I am particularly interested in identifying and addressing the needs of underrepresented groups.???

Contact Info:?

LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/chris-birchall/ ??

Email: [email protected] ??

Phone: 07920162081 ? ?

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