For most of the past decade universities thrived, generating a sense of self-confidence, independence and enhancing their position as drivers of economic growth, social mobility, regional prosperity and global soft power. 

Yet, in 2024, the policy environment and financial constraints are imposing difficult choices on universities, with several expecting to be in a deficit this year and analyses of the sector’s financial future painting a grim picture. 

Whilst institutions will seek their own ways of navigating these challenges in the short term, they also pose underlying questions about the long-term purpose, shape and organisation of higher education in England. 

Join the Policy Institute, in partnership with HEPI, for the next event in our Future of Higher Education series, where our expert panel will discuss what English higher education might look like in a series of different future scenarios, based on Professor Chris Husband’s important new report.

Speakers

• Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Director of Higher Futures and former Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University
• Dame Margaret Hodge, former Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, and Council Chair of Royal Holloway, University of London
• Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI
• Professor Shitij Kapur, President and Vice-Chancellor of King's College London (chair)