10 December 2010
Location: Aston University, Birmingham

October’s Comprehensive Spending Review, along with the Browne Review of University Fees herald a challenging new era for higher education where costs are borne predominantly by individual students and their families rather than the state. The Government is seeking a 40% saving from the higher education budget. David Willetts has recently provided further details of the timetable for changes in funding for HE in a speech to HEFCE. Key points include a Government plan to bring forward proposals on graduate contribution levels to Parliament before Christmas to enable changes to be implemented for Autumn 2012. We can also expect a White Paper this Winter and a broader higher education bill perhaps later on in this session. Importantly for educational developers HEFCE teaching funding will be greatly reduced from the 2012/13 academic year, the same year that the cap on fees will be removed. Arts and Humanities programmes seem particularly vulnerable. Many educational developers are already being asked to contribute ideas for new more cost effective models of delivery and new curriculum ideas, while ensuring that their institutions can evidence a quality undergraduate student experience that is worth fees of £10,000 a year or more.  This seminar seeks to provide support and ideas for educational developers in relation to:

  • Their complex role in shaping learning and teaching in response to impending cuts and calls for a ‘better quality’ student experience
  • Safeguarding educational development units in challenging times
  • Approaches to teaching and course design models
  • The implications of the Browne review recommendation that all those teaching in HE gain a specific HE teaching qualification. 

Seminar contributors already confirmedProfessor Alison Halstead PVC Learning & Teaching Innovation, Aston University Dr Caroline Stainton SEDA vice chair, chair of The M1/M69 regional HE staff development network and Director of the Department of Enhanced Learning, Teaching, Achievement and Employability, Northampton University Dr Gurnam Singh NTF Principal Lecturer, Coventry University  The fee is £80 per person (to include refreshments and lunch). To register please complete the form overleaf and return it to the SEDA Office . Places are limited and so early registration is recommended.