A university education has long been central to the intellectual and economic capital of society. But with pressure to be ever more accessible and relevant, and produce immediate results for students, industry and communities, the ask on universities can seem insurmountable.  

Trust in institutions continues to erode amid the spectre of rising polarisation, populism and identity politics. Global inflation and cost of living pressures necessitate that increasingly diverse student bodies can engage in education when and where they want, to prioritise employment, caregiving duties and other demands of life. Government and industry expect that a university education supplies work-ready graduates who are equipped with technical capabilities and a full suite of life skills. All the while, universities must navigate increasing financial pressures, while continuing to deliver on their academic and social mission.

  • What do these competing pressures and expectations mean for what and how universities teach their students?
  • How should universities balance the long-held education mission to impart truth, knowledge and critical ways of thinking with developing technical capabilities and other skills?
  • How can universities best support their academic staff to deliver high quality teaching?
  • How must the education model adapt to keep pace with technological, demographic, economic and cultural shifts that constantly force its evolution?  

These are the questions that Nous Group’s Future of the Higher Education Model Survey seeks to answer. 

Throughout the research period, we will capture the insights and experiences of senior university stakeholders at a cross-section of universities in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom. Informed by Nous’ collective experience and ongoing discussions on universities educational models, the survey will comprise qualitative interviews and a quantitative study.

We are confident the resulting report will be compelling reading for global higher education leaders.

The quantitative survey should take around 10-15 minutes to complete. Deadline for completion is 29 March 2024.

Click here to launch the survey.

If you have any questions, please contact Christine Samy, Principal (Australia) or Ned Lis-Clarke, Director (Australia) – or simply email [email protected].