What could future universities look like? What should their role in wider society be? Join us to hear a range of perspectives on how universities can evolve to remain a positive and rewarding place to work and study.

Higher education is a fundamental part of our global social history – world leaders, revolutionaries, boundary-pushing scientists and many more disciplines have been influenced by their time at a university. University attendance has changed dramatically in the past 70 years – in 1950, just 3.4% of the population attended university, compared to 37.9% in 2022.

The Future of Universities series looks forward to what universities could and should be like in 2033. We are delighted to be joined by a wide range of experts in Higher Education teaching policy including Nicola Dandridge, who brings a wealth of experience from her time in academia and as Chief Executive of the Office for Students. Our expert panel also includes Tom Sperlinger (Professor of Literature and Engaged Pedagogy, author of Who are Universities For?), Keri Facer (Professor of Educational and Social Futures), Anke Schwittay (Professor of Anthropology and Global Development, author of Creative Universities).

We’ll be discussing the challenges and opportunities of teaching including but not limited to focusing on both students and staff, the role of universities to equip the next generation to succeed, and the nature of students as customers.

Join us to;

- Be a part of the conversation with a panel of experts on the future of teaching including;

Nicola Dandridge, Professor of Practice in HE Policy, University of Bristol
Tom Sperlinger, Professor of Literature and Engaged Pedagogy and author of Who are Universities For?
Keri Facer, Professor of Educational and Social Futures
Anke Schwittay, Professor of Anthropology and Global Development, author of Creative Universities
Student representatives from Bristol Student Union

Drinks and refreshments will be provided at this free event, and there will be an opportunity for networking after the discussions.

This is the second event in our Future of Universities series. To view and register for the other events, click the event titles; The Future of Research | The Future Role of Universities in Society

Have a question for the panel?

We will be taking questions for the panel from the audience throughout the session. Please raise your hand if you have a question so the Chair can come to you.

Full panel;

Tansy Jessop (Chair) - Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education

Nicola Dandridge - Professor of Practice in HE Policy, previously Chief Executive, Office for Students

Tom Sperlinger - Professor of Literature and Author of Who are Universities For?

Keri Facer - Professor of Educational and Social Futures, University of Bristol and Author of The University and Social Imagination and Imagination and the Future University: Between Critique and Desire

Nigel Thrift - Emeritus Professor and Author of The Pursuit of Possibility

Anke Schwittay - Professor of Anthropology and Global Development and Author of Creative Universities

Gina Walter - Graduate Teacher and PhD Candidate, Department of English, and PGR Faculty Rep for Arts 22/23

Agenda;

17:10-17:30 - Arrivals; tea, coffee and cake served

17:30-17:40 - Introduction by Marcus Munafo, APVC for Research Culture

17:40-17:55 - Presentation - The Future of Teaching by Nicola Dandridge, Professor of Practice in HE Policy, previously Chief Executive, Office for Students

17:55-19:05 - Panel discussion and Q+A (see above list for full panel)

19:05-19:15 - Closing remarks by Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Bristol

19:15-19:45 - Networking; canapes and drinks served

H﻿ave a question for the panel?

F﻿ull panel;

A﻿genda;

Have a question for the panel?

Full panel;

Agenda;

Future of Universities: The Future of Teaching