2 DAYS / 60 SPEAKERS 2019 PROGRAMME WELCOME Welcome to the fourth University of Buckingham Festival of Higher Education What a year Higher Education has had! The rise in unconditional offers, concerns over student mental health and the role universities should take in shaping the lives of young people have all been in the news, before we even get to the A word. We all know there is a lot to be done in the sector, from how students transition from school, to the methods universities use to engage with their students and the way technology is used to achieve this; there has never been a more fascinating time to work in the sector. The release of the Augar Review has resulted in many universities reviewing what they have to offer and how they offer their services to Generation Z. We expect that many of our debates during the festival’s programme will draw on the findings of this report. Debates over the two-year degree came to a crescendo this year as the Government looked to legislate the two-year degree structure into mainstream university education. Yet many see little future for accelerated degrees. Admissions figures at many HEIs have continued to rise but is it right some expand while others contract, especially in less affluent areas? I look forward to exploring new and innovative ideas with you over the next few days as sparks fly at this year’s Festival. With best wishes, Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice-Chancellor, The University of Buckingham A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS
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