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The UK's only independent think tank devoted to higher education.

Nick Hillman

  • The lives of early career researchers

    29 February 2024

    In 2023, the British Academy commissioned 11 members of its Early Career Researcher Network to write about their experiences of life and work in UK higher education. The essay collection shines a light on the voices, perspectives and journeys of early career researchers, poignantly showcasing the realities and challenges faced…

  • What is wrong with franchise provision?

    22 February 2024 by Professor Nick Braisby, Ian Harper and Professor Damien Page

    Franchised provision of higher education has been under the spotlight in recent times. Without shying away from the challenges faced by those delivering successful franchise arrangements, this paper shows how important franchising can be in extending access to higher education. The authors explain what protections need to be in place…

  • Student Accommodation: The State of the Nation in 2024

    15 February 2024 by Martin Blakey

    In a new paper from the Higher Education Policy Institute, Student Accommodation: The State of the Nation in 2024, Martin Blakey, the former Chief Executive of the Leeds-based student housing charity Unipol, explains the changes in the student accommodation market that have led to higher rents. Following the recent announcement that…

  • General election 2024: Higher education fees and funding

    1 February 2024 by Nick Hillman

    The logic of fees Whether we like it or not, there is one higher education issue that tends to bestride all the others at general elections, and that is tuition fees. In many ways, that is an odd fact. Undergraduate fees have existed in some form or other in most…

  • At Amber: The financial position of UK universities

    13 January 2024 by Nick Hillman

    On Christmas Day, my family gave me a lovely new fountain pen (made out of recycled plectrums by this master craftsman since you ask). There was one other thing at the top of my Christmas wish list too, although – unlike the pen – it has only just arrived. I am referring…