Europe

THE podcast: how to prepare for university leadership

Middlesex University vice-chancellor Shân Wareing talks about the need to make the path to senior roles transparent and why confidence is not the be-all and end-all of leadership

Shân Wareing

Middlesex University

A group of people brainstorm around an office table

Ten tips when building a centralised evaluation unit

How can we establish and develop evaluation activities to show what support and interventions affect the student experience, as well as their learning, outcomes and destinations?

Steve Briggs, Diana Pritchard, Sibel Kaya

University of Bedfordshire

How to make enterprise activities enjoyable and impactful

Incorporating knowledge exchange and enterprise activities into demanding academic schedules can be a challenge but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are ways to make it enjoyable, rewarding and impactful

Larisa Yarovaya , Jeni Giambona

University of Southampton

Students in class working on a project together

Events-based authentic assessment that can boost employability

While demonstrating knowledge through exams has its place, how often do we use exam techniques and skills in our daily lives? Events offer a more authentic way to demonstrate and test professional skills

Becky Lewis, Colin McClure

University of East Anglia, Queen’s University Belfast

Embracing disagreement in research co-production

Co-producing a research project is not all consensus and harmony, so these four tips will guide research collaborators in how to allow and enable disagreements and dissenting voices

Gary Hickey

University of Southampton

When it comes to digital upskilling, sharing is caring

Launching a digital upskilling product is one thing but getting staff to use it is quite another. Katie Steen and Dave Weller harnessed the power of personalisation to get that all-important buy-in

Katie Steen, Dave Weller

University of Exeter

Colleges of Advanced Studies at Semmelweis University

How student learning communities support professional development

An effective way to nurture talent is to enable not only individual but also community learning. Here’s how the Hungarian system of colleges for advanced studies helps to train medical professionals who are also well versed in social issues

Ferenc Godó

Semmelweis University

A practical guide to navigating the language of diversity

Navigating the language of diversity is a continuous journey that requires commitment and effort

Yusra Siddiqui

University of Exeter

A PhD graduate in cap and gown stands with her back to the camera

Five ways to connect PhD students with industry

Developing industry experience is often the last thing on the minds of the PhD community, but nurturing partnerships between academia and industry can enrich the journey, believes Maria-Christina Vogkli

Maria-Christina Vogkli

The London School of Economics and Political Science

Researchers communicating their research to policymakers

What can the new government do to strengthen academic-policy engagement?

Following Labour’s landslide victory, all eyes will be on the new government to see how it will respond to current issues within higher education

Sarah Chaytor , Laura Bea, Chris Hewson

Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN)

Can AI offer everyone a personal tutor 24/7?

Generative artificial intelligence can trigger a certain amount of angst, but AI’s potential to support student learning should be explored, write Steve Hill and Quintus Stierstorfer

Steve Hill, Quintus Stierstorfer

LIBF

THE podcast: higher education leaders on their priorities for the new UK government

What will the UK’s new Labour-led parliament mean for university funding, research impact, international student flows and free speech on campus? Two higher education leaders share their perspectives on the challenges ahead

Vivienne Stern, Chris Day

Universities UK, Russell Group

Students need a balanced diet of assessment practices

We propose evaluating our assessments and incorporating innovative elements to better emulate real-world tasks in terms of both the process and product of assessment, write David Tree, Stephanie Baines, Pauldy Otermans, Nicholas Worsfold and Emily Hobson

Multiple authors

Brunel University London , University of East Anglia

Making sport accessible to everyone on campus

Fitness and sport programmes are not only for elite athletes. Here, Phil Malatesta offers advice for how to maximise students’ opportunities for movement and physical activity

Phil Malatesta

University of Southampton

Develop and nurture teaching presence in a learning community

Strong teaching presence helps students facilitate their own learning. Here, Hannah Shaw and Mike Hackman offer quick wins for educators with advice on how to provide clear instruction and a safe learning space, and recognise topics as interconnected

Hannah Shaw, Mike Hackman

Cardiff University

A holographic image of a brain emerges from a smartphone

Three key collaborations to foster digital fluency in students

While digital skills development is all-important for employability, no one can predict what the job market will look like in a decade. Instead, focus on digital fluency for well-rounded future employees. Jeni Brown and Nedelin Velikov explain how

Jeni Brown, Nedelin Velikov

The London School of Economics and Political Science

Partnering with industry for authentic experiences and assessment

Getting students workplace-ready is a challenge. However, partnering with industry can help us offer authentic experiences and assessments that equip our students for successful futures in their chosen fields

Richard Bowater, Sarah Rayment, Michael Loughlin

University of East Anglia, Nottingham Trent University

How environmental issues can unite and inspire diverse student groups

Looking for ideas for next semester’s projects? Climate change could be the answer, whatever your students’ field of study, writes Jim Entwistle

Jim Entwistle

Teesside University

Brightly coloured paper cut outs of hands reach towards the sky

Five questions to consider when embedding cultural competency for internationalisation

Cultural competency involves seeing the world through the lens of other people, across race, gender and age barriers, among others. Shuangyu Li outlines the five questions to ask when embedding it

Shuangyu Li

King's College London

We must acknowledge our positionality to inclusively engage the community

The work that can lead to change involves building relationships and understanding, and developing and sharing knowledge in partnership with our communities. Put simply, community engagement must engage the community, writes Nilufar Ahmed

Nilufar Ahmed

University of Bristol

A shy owl peeks from a hollowed-out tree trunk

An introvert’s guide to networking

For academics, networking can greatly enhance your career. But if the very idea fills you with dread, Yalinu Poya offers her advice for putting yourself out there

Yalinu Poya

University of the West of Scotland

Bridging the communication gap between administrators and faculty

Academics who understand the needs and priorities of administrative staff will work more effectively – and vice versa. Everybody wins, writes Catherine Léglu

Catherine Léglu

University of Luxembourg

THE podcast: cross-cultural communication in the international classroom

Whether it’s teaching creative writing and media in a multilingual course or providing future doctors with clinical communication skills, two experts share tips for connecting with students and bridging language and culture divides

Lucy Palmer, Katalin Fogarasi

University of Central Asia, Semmelweis University

In a group of wooden toy people, a red one stands out

Emerging leaders, your universities need you

When a university is undergoing transformational change, emerging leaders are crucial for translating strategy into action. Zoë Allman and Gary Souter share their experience of leading on curriculum change

Zoë Allman, Gary Souter

De Montfort University

Hands holding up competing speech bubbles

What should universities focus on when communicating with the next UK government?

Advice for universities on communication strategies that will push their need for policy action up the next government agenda

Joe Marshall

National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)

Infertility is a private struggle that requires open and supportive solutions

With infertility on the rise, is it time for universities to consider how they support staff struggling with fertility? Devon Oakley-Hogg shares a first-hand account of her failed IVF cycles and how the experience has left her craving change

Devon Oakley-Hogg

University of Glasgow

‘It falls to us to tell our universities’ stories. Here’s how’

There has been little mention of higher education during the UK general election campaign, so it falls to university leaders to make sure their stories are heard, writes Jane Harrington

Jane Harrington

University of Greenwich , University Alliance

What block learning taught me about meeting diverse student needs

In block learning, where time is condensed, students are at a greater risk of falling behind. Here, Kevin Merry explains how formative assessment can drive targeted instruction and enable students to accelerate their learning

Kevin L. Merry

Global Banking School

A young woman shakes an interviewer's hand over a table

Sharpen your students’ interview skills

The employees of the future will need to showcase their skills in job interviews. Make sure they’re prepared for each setting, writes Lewis Humphreys

Lewis Humphreys

The London School of Economics and Political Science

Giving students options when it comes to assessment

By identifying the types of feasible options in assessment and discussing them with your students, you will naturally build their confidence in their assessment, writes Miriam Firth

Miriam Firth

University of Manchester

Higher education needs a united approach to AI

If universities’ response to AI and education is as fractured as the sector’s adoption of blended learning, we may well find ourselves in a similar position in 20 years’ time with duplicated costs and missed research opportunities, writes Sara de Freitas

Sara de Freitas

Birkbeck, University of London

A group of people laugh over a sheet of paper in a well-lit office

Three tips for using capstone projects to improve employability

How can we make sure our students are workplace-ready? Capstone projects may hold the key, writes Ardy Cheung

Ardy Cheung

The London School of Economics and Political Science

A group comforts a woman, sitting with her head bowed

Research shouldn’t cause trauma – let’s find a better way

How can we conduct research and share results without affecting the well-being of those around us? Eileen Harkess-Murphy advocates for a trauma-informed approach

Eileen Harkess-Murphy

University of the West of Scotland

Man being bombarded with requests for an interview

How can universities make their case to a new government?

Three key considerations to convincingly showcase the value of universities to a new government inundated by competing priorities

Hamir Patel

Russell Group

Regional place-makers: how to demonstrate the economic and societal value of higher education

Higher education institutions should build a strong regional presence, addressing local issues, then find innovative ways to demonstrate their impact to the public and policymakers, writes Anthony McClaran

Anthony McClaran

St Mary’s University Twickenham , GuildHE

Illustration of human and robot in an arm wrestle

RIP assessment?

How can educators make learning and human intelligence visible in the age of GenAI? Abby Osborne and Christopher Bonfield outline a model to rethink assessment and reward non-AI knowledge and understanding

Abby Osborne , Christopher Bonfield

University of Bath

The making of: turning a research project into a documentary

To get your research findings into as many hands as possible, consider filming a documentary. James Layton, Paul Tucker and Bettina Talbot offer their advice

James Layton, Paul Tucker, Bettina Talbot

University of the West of Scotland

Students in a classroom on their laptops

Let’s play! Using games to teach statistics and economics

Incorporating games into economics classes can enrich the learning experience. Here are some of the factors to consider when designing them

Joshua Fullard

The University of Warwick

Creating inclusive spaces for inclusive events

Inclusivity efforts must go beyond physical accessibility to include how events are advertised and who is consulted and invited to speak, write Meredith Wilkinson and Leanne de Main. Here they offer eight practical ways to make shared spaces welcoming for all

Meredith Wilkinson, Leanne de Main

De Montfort University

Get a head start in the first year of your PhD

Even a marathon begins with first steps, and so it makes sense to master motivation, set healthy habits and get writing early to reap the reward of a polished dissertation at the end of the PhD journey, writes Andreï Kostryka

Andreï V. Kostyrka

University of Luxembourg

Tried and tested ways to teach your students soft skills

The introduction of ChatGPT reignited the debate surrounding employability skills. Add two decades of intensifying international competition and a pandemic, and it is no wonder we’re fundamentally rethinking the modern workplace

Kate Pettifer

University of Exeter

Students chatting outside a campus building

It’s all in the presentation: how to engage international students during lectures

The visual dimension of lectures and seminars can create additional challenges for international students, but simple strategies can help in creating useful presentations that support learning

Mark Whalley

University of Chester

Buddy system: creating community through writing

Is a writing group or partner an effective antidote to post-pandemic isolation during doctoral education? Lena Steveker and Laura Spadon explain how to put a forum for belonging in place

Lena Steveker, Laura Spadon

University of Luxembourg

THE podcast: what does the UK election mean for higher education?

Does the UK general election offer a ray of hope for the beleaguered university sector? Two higher education policy experts give their take on what university leaders can do to make a case for the sector and how a new parliament might tackle hot topics such as international students and research funding

Nick Hillman, Diana Beech

Higher Education Policy Institute, London Higher

Young Asian woman greeting friend at cafe

Informal networking and how to meet people on campus

Belonging is not just a result of being in a place – nor it is the sole preserve of students. For university faculty, it comes from chance encounters, small gestures and stepping outside your comfort zone, writes Glenn Fosbraey

Glenn Fosbraey

University of Winchester

Tips on implementing a more agile and responsive assessment extensions process

Applying for and managing of extensions for certain assessments within higher education can be time-consuming and stressful for students and staff. Read about how UEA has implemented a more agile process.

Eloise Ellis, Kay Yeoman, Karin Goodby

University of East Anglia

An inter-university and interdisciplinary approach to dental education

A degree course that blends engineering and dentistry prepares students for their future practice. Here, Szandra Kormendi and Peter Hermann explain how it works

Péter Hermann, Szandra Körmendi

Semmelweis University

Four ways to engage students in blogging

Enrich the conversational scholarship of blogging by including student voices. Anna D’Alton offers her tips

Anna D’Alton

The London School of Economics and Political Science

A woman lecturer leads a classroom discussion

In a precarious academy, how can migrant academics survive – and thrive?

In this extract from their book, ‘Migrant Academics’ Narratives of Precarity and Resilience in Europe’, Olga Burlyuk and Ladan Rahbari explore the ways precarity presents itself in academia

Olga Burlyuk, Ladan Rahbari

University of Amsterdam

Campus webinar: Recruit, develop and retain the best staff in higher education

Join three experts from Campus+ institutions in the UK, Europe and Asia as they discuss best practices for universities for identifying, hiring and developing the best people

H. C. Man, Inês Crisóstomo , Helen Ashley

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of Luxembourg, University of Manchester

Europe

.css-7qmtvr{overflow:hidden;max-height:108px;text-indent:0px;}THE podcast: how to prepare for university leadership

Ten tips when building a centralised evaluation unit

How to make enterprise activities enjoyable and impactful

Events-based authentic assessment that can boost employability

Embracing disagreement in research co-production

When it comes to digital upskilling, sharing is caring

How student learning communities support professional development

A practical guide to navigating the language of diversity

Five ways to connect PhD students with industry

What can the new government do to strengthen academic-policy engagement?

Can AI offer everyone a personal tutor 24/7?

THE podcast: higher education leaders on their priorities for the new UK government

Students need a balanced diet of assessment practices

Making sport accessible to everyone on campus

Develop and nurture teaching presence in a learning community

Three key collaborations to foster digital fluency in students

Partnering with industry for authentic experiences and assessment

How environmental issues can unite and inspire diverse student groups

Five questions to consider when embedding cultural competency for internationalisation

We must acknowledge our positionality to inclusively engage the community

An introvert’s guide to networking

Bridging the communication gap between administrators and faculty

THE podcast: cross-cultural communication in the international classroom

Emerging leaders, your universities need you

What should universities focus on when communicating with the next UK government?

Infertility is a private struggle that requires open and supportive solutions

‘It falls to us to tell our universities’ stories. Here’s how’

What block learning taught me about meeting diverse student needs

Sharpen your students’ interview skills

Giving students options when it comes to assessment

Higher education needs a united approach to AI

Three tips for using capstone projects to improve employability

Research shouldn’t cause trauma – let’s find a better way

How can universities make their case to a new government?

Regional place-makers: how to demonstrate the economic and societal value of higher education

RIP assessment?

The making of: turning a research project into a documentary

Let’s play! Using games to teach statistics and economics

Creating inclusive spaces for inclusive events

Get a head start in the first year of your PhD

Tried and tested ways to teach your students soft skills

It’s all in the presentation: how to engage international students during lectures

Buddy system: creating community through writing

THE podcast: what does the UK election mean for higher education?

Informal networking and how to meet people on campus

Tips on implementing a more agile and responsive assessment extensions process

An inter-university and interdisciplinary approach to dental education

Four ways to engage students in blogging

In a precarious academy, how can migrant academics survive – and thrive?

Campus webinar: Recruit, develop and retain the best staff in higher education

THE podcast: how to prepare for university leadership