With student number controls being relaxed in England, more young people will have the opportunity to go to university than ever before. But with the benefits of a degree varying by subject and institution, the challenge of ensuring that higher education remains a vehicle for social mobility is likely to continue.

At the same time, there remain ever-present questions about the financial stability of the HE sector: is the current system of undergraduate funding sustainable? What about other sources of university funding? This event will draw on research funded by the Nuffield Foundation and other IFS work to address the following questions:

  • How large are the socio-economic gaps in HE participation, degree outcomes and subsequent labour market outcomes, and what does this imply about HE as a vehicle for social mobility?
  • Who won and who lost from the 2012 reforms to HE finance, and what are the challenges for the funding of HE in future, both in terms of undergraduate teaching and from a wider perspective?

Following two presentations by IFS researchers, we will have a panel discussion to draw out the policy implications of the research and the resultant challenges for social mobility. Paul Johnson, IFS Director, will Chair this event.

Panel members will be:

  • Nick Hillman, Director, Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI)
  • Professor Christina Hughes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Warwick University (Teaching and Learning)
  • Nick Pearce, Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research
  • Professor Sir David Watson, Principal of Green Templeton College, University of Oxford and Trustee of the Nuffield Foundation

 

Registration will take place from 09:30 – 10:00, coffee will be served during this time. Lunch will also be served after the event at 12:30.

Places at this event are strictly limited so please e-mail @email to apply for a place.

 

Please note: Due to the constraints of the Nuffield Foundation’s listed Georgian building, it is sadly unable to provide access or facilities for wheelchair-users. People with mobility needs should contact the Foundation for guidance in advance of visiting the building. The Foundation has a hearing loop in part of the main seminar room.

 

This event is funded by