In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, Alex Usher discusses the financial challenges facing higher education in the UK, focusing on England, with Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute in London. They explore the impact of the Conservative Party's 14-year rule, the policy directions of the new Labour government under Keir Starmer, and what this means for universities and students. The conversation highlights funding issues, strategies universities are employing to cope, and the potential future scenarios for the sector. Tune in to hear an in-depth analysis of higher education policy developments and the prospects for UK universities.

Join host Alex Usher and guest Simon Marginson, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education at Oxford University, as they discuss the current state of global higher education in this inaugural episode of Season 3 of the World of Higher Education podcast. They explore which countries are thriving, the implications of geopolitical tensions, the evolving missions of universities worldwide, and the challenges faced by the higher education sector amidst growing populist attacks and state control. Discover Simon's views on the roles and influence of big American universities, China's educational advancements, and the critical balance between employability and academic freedom.

Today's guest, for the final episode of the season, is William C. Kirby, T. M. Chang Professor of China Studies at Harvard University and Spangler Family Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, and formerly that university’s dean of the faculty of Arts and Sciences. Two years ago he wrote a book called Empire of Ideas: Creating the Modern University for Germany to America to China. Dr. Kirby, having had the rare good fortune to teach in all three countries is extremely well-placed to talk about how the top institutions in all three have evolved over the decade.