The higher education sector in the UK is in flux. The Comprehensive Spending Review together with the Browne Report and associated legislation on university funding and student finance represent fundamental change, presenting enormous challenges both to HE institutions and to individuals considering HE participation. But seen in historical context, just how radical are the current reforms? How do the current changes – and their impacts and implications – compare with reforms and cuts imposed in the 1980s? How might institutions respond to the challenges they confront? How should they respond? And what about applicants, students, and graduates? Is a degree going to be worth the fee?

This keynote event for the Festival of Social Sciences 2011, on 'Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities' will feature talks from the following three speakers:

• Professor Mike Shattock, former Warwick Registrar: 'Comparing cuts in public expenditure 1981 and 2011: the implications for higher education'
• Jon Baldwin, Registrar: 'What makes a successful University in the 21st century?'
• Professor Robin Naylor, Department of Economics: 'Higher Education: Evidence on private returns'

The event is free and open to all. If you're interested, please register to attend.