Kathy Fowler

In the second of our series on widening participation, Dr John Butcher at the Open University reflects on the benefits of the ‘Preparatory Programme', aimed at supporting mature students succeed in STEM courses.

2018 promises to be an exciting and challenging year for universities and the Higher Education sector. Among the many less than positive news, there are also successful practices that make our universities stand out in the way in which they support their students’ experience, widen access and participation, and support their mental health and wellbeing. The ‘Sticky Campus’ at Abertay University is one such example. As Robertson explains and describes, the concept is simple and yet complex in its operationalisation.

As demand from students grows and competition between institutions increases, some have predicted that universities will respond by seeking to achieve economies of scale. Jill Johnes looks at the evidence that higher education mergers can help universities use resources more efficiently.