University of London’s Graeme Wise contributes chapter to HEPI book on Higher Education

Dr Wise, who is Head of Engagement and Knowledge Exchange at the University of London, co-wrote the chapter on students and learning with Dr Alex Bols. In the chapter, the authors write: 

“The last twenty years have been a time of disruption and divergence. In 2003, political devolution within the UK was still in its infancy, but at that time approaches to student-related issues began to diverge significantly in terms of sector structures, student funding and initiatives used to drive change. This divergence has become much stronger over the years since, so much so that it is hardly possible to speak of a 'UK system' in higher education, at least in relation to learning and teaching. 

“The years ahead will involve considerable pressure on the higher education sector to meet rapidly increasing demand while maintaining quality and making progress on equality and diversity. This will be an increasingly tough landscape. Already student numbers have grown in many institutions so much that study space and learning resources are under huge pressure. In some places, student accommodation is full beyond bursting, with insecurity, the rush for rooms and rising rents adding to a wellbeing crisis.” 

UK higher education – policy, practice and debate during HEPI's first 20 years is edited by Dr Helen Carasso of the University of Oxford and sponsored by the publisher Elsevier. The report is being launched to coincide with HEPI’s 20th birthday with a reception in London on 12 July, which will include speeches from the Rt Hon. Dame Margaret Hodge MP and the Rt Hon. the Lord Willetts and others, introduced by Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE (HEPI’s Chair).