Higher education is facing one of the most challenging periods in its recent history. Rising financial pressures, declining international student numbers, and shifting expectations. So what does a sustainable, inclusive, and future‑ready higher education system look like?

In this episode, Prof Nicola McEwen explores the future of higher education with two leading voices.

First, she speaks to Prof Sir Anton Muscatelli, former Principal of the University of Glasgow and now President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Anton sets out the scale of the financial pressures facing universities across the UK and the implications of the contrasting tuition fee policies north and south of the border. He also makes the case for an independent review of tertiary education.

Later in the episode, Nicola is joined by Prof Catherine Lido, Professor of Psychology and Adult Learning and Associate Director of the Urban Big Data Centre. Catherine takes us beyond fees and admissions to explore what true educational equality looks like today. She discusses the barriers that still prevent people from participating in education and examines how AI and technological change are reshaping both education and the labour market.