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Market forces are likely to play an increasingly significant role in Higher Education. There may be greater differentiation in the way content is delivered and in cost, with tuition fees for a programme varying between institution and depending on the mode of delivery (higher fees for more face-to-face contact).  Universities will also face a dilemma … Continue reading “Futures for universities (Institute of Clinical Sciences led workshop: discussion responses)”

A number of the posts on this blog have talked about technology but whatever the technology is – iPhone 14? – there is no doubt that it will allow even more instantaneous access to a world of global information. As a university, we pride our self on the creation of new knowledge and rightly so … Continue reading “Information at your finger tips. Matt Bridge”

A couple of weeks ago I listened to a podcast from the BBC which amongst others featured the university’s Prof Alice Roberts. The topic being discussed was ‘Science’s Epic Fails’ and covered experiments that went wrong and publication bias of positive results amongst other things. The broad discussion around science being a series of failures … Continue reading “Academic failure is necessary – why penalise it? Matt Bridge”

  We do not know what is going to happen in the future. How is technology going to affect how students study? How is Brexit going to affect the ability of the University to attract non-UK students? The University of Birmingham is extensively investing in the Physical Infrastructure of the Edgbaston Campus (i.e. the new … Continue reading “What is the way forward? David Leppinen”

Physics Maths Groups of Students and Staff have had some lively discussions in EPS. Blogs are in progress.

You are a Birmingham student, so what are you? As the status of British universities transmogrifies from cherished and revered quasi-national institutions to mere providers of educational and knowledge-transfer services, and as the vagaries of government subsidies are replaced by the even more erratic capriciousness of the markets, it could be informative to glance across … Continue reading “You are a Birmingham student, so what are you? (by Dan Ghica)”

I went to a meeting about timetabling the other day with a heavy heart, thinking that it would be a wasted two hours. However, I was wrong; once you get away for the idea that timetabling is not about room booking and all about delivering the curriculum, then enhancement and innovation are on the agenda. … Continue reading “A Brave New World of Timetabling”

Join our Big Conversation about building exciting Futures for your University. How will today’s 8 year olds want to study in 2026 and what will they want to learn? How can we prepare for different futures to ensure we retain our position as a leading Global University? How can you join the Big Futures Conversation? … Continue reading “Calling all University of Birmingham Students…”

By 2026 new history will have been created, breakthroughs will have been made in the sciences and new great artists, writers and composers will have come into prominence. However, the core content studied in many subjects is unlikely to have changed significantly. What may have had a more dramatic change is the delivery method of … Continue reading “How can we preserve the sense of community on campus as the need to physically be present decreases? – Helen Ansell”

A diverse university Nicola Gale Female, male, trans, genderfluid, black, white, straight, gay, bi, queer, able-bodied, disabled, on campus, distance learning, parent, carer, working class, middle class, migrant … By the time today’s primary school children reach university, they will expect an education that supports them to succeed whatever their identity and whatever their background. … Continue reading “A Diverse University (Posted by Nicola Gale)”