Critical reflections by David Willetts and two respondents

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Degree level education in the UK has grown from a small elite system to take in almost half of the school leaver age group. British universities are among the world’s most successful, as shown by their research performance and their attractiveness to international students, yet a never ending source of controversy at home.

Not enough participation, or too many graduates? Highways for upward social mobility, or drivers of inequality? Fair sharers of public and private costs, or engines of graduate debt?

In A University Education, released by Oxford University Press in November 2017, the most influential recent Minister for Higher Education, Lord David Willetts, reflects critically on where the universities have come from and where they are going, on his own transformative system reforms – including the £9k fee regime, the uncapping of student numbers and the entry of new providers – and on the enduring power of higher education to expand people’s lives.

At this seminar Lord Willetts will discuss the main themes of the book, with responses from Professor James Wilsdon, CGHE Programme Leader, and Professor Simon Marginson, Director of CGHE, followed by questions and all-in audience participation in what promises to be a lively discussion. The seminar will be chaired by Professor Claire Callender, Deputy Director of CGHE.

A sandwich lunch will be served from 11:30 with the debate beginning at 12:00.

This event is free and open to all. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.