Best Postgrad Podcasts (2025)

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International, student leaders, metascience 49:58

Play Pause

6d ago49:58

49:58

This week on the podcast we examine the latest attacks on international student recruitment as Policy Exchange calls for new restrictions and a £1,000 levy on international fees. Are universities really "selling immigration not education," and what would raising English language requirements to advanced level mean for the sector? Plus we discuss wh…

1
Industrial strategy, cashpoint colleges, social mobility 39:31

13d ago39:31

39:31

This week on the podcast we examine the government’s new industrial strategy and what it really means for higher education – from regional clusters and research funding to skills bootcamps and spin-out support. Will the plans finally integrate universities into the UK’s economic future, or is this another case of policy promises outpacing delivery?…

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Is Postgraduate Training Right for You? - Ep 67 36:14

14d ago36:14

36:14

Dr. P. Brandon Bookstaver shares perspective on the different types of postgraduate training, reasons to pursue it, myths surrounding it, the future of the pharmacy profession, and other sage advice.

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Free speech guidance, R&D 41:28

21d ago41:28

41:28

This week on the podcast we examine the Office for Students' new free speech guidance as controversial requirements prepare to take effect from August 1st. What do the "deeply disturbing" YouGov findings about academic self-censorship really tell us, and how should universities navigate campus protests and challenging research topics? Plus we discu…

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Spending review, Tooling Up, REF, students at work 42:22

27d ago42:22

42:22

This week on the podcast we examine the government's spending review and what it means for higher education. How will the £86bn R&D commitment translate into real-terms funding, and why was higher education notably absent from the Chancellor's priorities? Plus we discuss the Post-18 Project's call to fundamentally reshape HE policy away from market…

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Hiatus Watch #34 - Lars Of The Stars Spin Off Announced 34:23

28d ago34:23

34:23

Five years later, we return to hiatus watch following the announcement of upcoming Steven Universe spin off Lars Of The Stars. We give our initial reaction and impressions of this idea moments after hearing it. So while this was a fun discussion, we will obviously come back to this news once we’ve had more time to consider it (and remind ourselves …

1
Efficiency, EDI, speed 48:55

1M ago48:55

48:55

This week on the podcast we examine Universities UK's efficiency and transformation taskforce report. What do shared back-office services, federation models and subject cold spots tell us about the sector's financial pressures? Plus we discuss Research England's new EDI action plan, and explore whether the UK's rapid three-year degree model is harm…

1
Governance, apprenticeships, trends 31:57

1M ago31:57

31:57

This week on the podcast we examine the OfS penalty imposed on Leeds Trinity over subcontractual partnerships oversight. What does the £115,000 fine and a new proposed code of “ethical” governance tell us about decision-making at the top? Plus we discuss the government's decision to axe level 7 apprenticeships from levy funding, and explore incomin…

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Cuts, student suicide, widening access 54:25

2M ago54:25

54:25

This week on the podcast we examine the government's brutal funding cuts to universities. What does the £108m reduction in the Strategic Priorities Grant mean for higher education, and why are media studies and journalism courses losing their high-cost subject funding? When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You…

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Things you need to know as a postgrad - Ep 66 21:47

2M ago21:47

21:47

After two years of residency, PGY2 Marion Javellana shares important perspective for postgraduate trainees based on her experiences.

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Immigration white paper, Jacqui Smith 45:49

2M ago45:49

45:49

This week on the podcast we get across the government's new immigration white paper. What does cutting the graduate route visa from two years to 18 months mean for international students and universities? Plus we examine the proposed 6 per cent levy on international student fees and tighter compliance requirements that could put some institutions a…

1
Finances and cuts, VC pay 46:17

2M ago46:17

46:17

This week on the podcast we discuss the Office for Students' financial sustainability report. What do widespread course closures and maintenance cutbacks mean for the sector's future? Plus we examine "naming and shaming" over vice-chancellor pay packages when student outcomes fall short. With Paul Greatrix, higher education expert and former regist…

1
Dundee, student health, international 41:59

2M ago41:59

41:59

This week on the podcast we discuss the financial crisis at the University of Dundee, as a revised recovery plan reduces proposed job cuts while requesting additional funding. Is this a sustainable solution for institutions facing similar challenges? Plus we look at concerning new Wonkhe and Cibyl polling on student health, and we examine how inter…

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An International Perspective on Residency Training - Ep65 20:01

2M ago20:01

20:01

Dr. Omar El Khatib shares his experience as a pharmacy trainee in Abu Dhabi. Learn about the differences in pharmacy practice and residency training between the United States and Abu Dhabi.

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Portugal special 47:30

3M ago47:30

47:30

This week on the podcast the SUs team has been on a study tour to universities in Lisbon in Portugal, and have reflections on everything from space to food, from interdisciplinarity to curriculum design and from Praxe to ribbon burning. With Khadiza Hossein, VP Education at UWE SU, Emillia Zirker, Student Representation Officer at Lincoln SU, Gary …

1
Easter special 43:36

3M ago43:36

43:36

This week on the podcast it’s our Easter special – and we’re diving into the highlights from The Secret Life of Students, our event that looked at a new vision for the student experience. We hear from student officers, sector experts, and campaigners on everything from the myth of the full-time model, to the pressures of placements, to the problems…

1
Regret, provider collapse, WP 47:33

3M ago47:33

47:33

This week on the podcast we discuss new research on student regret, as a report from the University of Bristol reveals that while two-thirds of current undergraduates are happy with their choice of degree, it drops to less than half among recent graduates. Are improved advice and guidance really the answer? Plus we look at the collapse of the Advan…

1
Sussex fine, franchising 40:49

3M ago40:49

40:49

This week on the podcast we're discussing the Office for Students fine of £585,000 levied against the University of Sussex for breaches of free speech conditions, as vice chancellor Sasha Roseneil calls the process "Kafka-esque" and plans a legal challenge. Plus we examine what Bridget Phillipson has called "one of the biggest financial scandals un…

1
Scotland, Secret life of Students 45:44

4M ago45:44

45:44

This week on the podcast - recorded live at our Secret Life of Students event in London - we get across the financial crisis facing universities in Scotland. Can the SNP hold its “free education” line forever? Plus there’s clips, highlights and reflections from our Secret life of Students event in London - where we’ve been discussing student health…

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Free speech, graduates, student finance 32:52

4M ago32:52

32:52

This week on the podcast free speech tsar Arif Ahmed is back as the government presses ahead with the free speech act - we get across the implications. Plus there’s new analysis on how graduates’ importance to the government’s industrial strategy, and we take a closer look at the inequalities baked into student maintenance support. With Julian Grav…

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OfS chair, employment, skills 43:43

4M ago43:43

43:43

This week on the podcast Nottingham Trent VC Edward Peck has been confirmed as the government’s candidate for Chair of OfS. But what does his focus on “quality improvement” and engagement with governing bodies mean for the regulator’s approach—and how will his skepticism of government bailouts impact struggling institutions? Meanwhile, as the Emplo…

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PostGrad Movies | 97th Oscars Predictions 27:52

4M ago27:52

27:52

A podcast where we hang out and talk about movies! Join CognitiveGamer and Kulguy as they discuss movies in all the free time they have after getting their degrees in the sciences. In this week's Special Oscars Predictions episode, we talk about... Entering our contest, dumb rules, and more info at: https://www.facebook.com/PostGradEnt/posts/pfbid0…

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New leaders, Gen-AI, Visas 33:20

4M ago33:20

33:20

This week on the podcast UK Research and Innovation and the Office for Students both have new leadership – but what does that mean for the future of regulation, research funding, and sector confidence? Meanwhile, a new report reveals a dramatic rise in student use of generative AI, and as speculation swirls over potential changes to post-study work…

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The MATCH - Ep 64 36:37

4M ago36:37

36:37

Current PGY2s, Hannah Ayers and Rowan Rosewarne, share everything you need to know about the Match - Important information to know both before and after you submit your rankings.

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Wales cuts, mental health, regulation 47:55

5M ago47:55

47:55

This week on the podcast the Welsh government has announced £18.5m in additional capital funding for universities - but questions remain over reserves, job cuts, competition law and student protection. Meanwhile, new research reveals student mental health difficulties have tripled in the past seven years, and Universities UK warns that OfS’ new str…

1
REF people and culture, spending review, apprenticeships 42:06

5M ago42:06

42:06

This week on the podcast universities failing to promote diversity will face funding cuts – so said The Times. We chat through the controversy building around the REF. Plus we look at what the sector is asking for in the spending review, and consider the government’s push for lower-level, shorter apprenticeships. With Shitij Kapur, Vice Chancellor …

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Practice makes perfect - discussing creative practice research at Queen Margaret University 55:14

5M ago55:14

55:14

Practice makes perfect - discussing creative practice research at QMU. In this episode of the Queen Margaret University podcast series, members of the QMU Creative Practice Research Cluster discuss different interpretations of creative practice research and how art can "count" as research. Topics covered include the difference between art and resea…

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Protection, visas, commuter students 54:15

5M ago54:15

54:15

This week on the podcast OfS is introducing new protections for some students - but will they come fast enough and who will they apply to? Plus a Lords committee says UK visa policy for scientists and researchers is an “act of national self-harm”, and we’ve launched a new article series on commuter students. With Omar Khan, Chief Executive at TASO,…

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Introductory Statistics - Ep 63 19:07

5M ago19:07

19:07

Dr. Duncan Dobbins, Postdoctoral Fellow in Health System Science at Geisinger, shares great perspective on basic statistics for use in performing and evaluating research.

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Cuts, applications, campus climate 41:39

5M ago41:39

41:39

This week on the podcast as news of further redundancies sweeps the sector, we ask how bad things can get before the government will act or the public notice. Plus UCAS end of cycle applications data has arrived, there’s a new report on the campus encampments, and there’s data futures news to get across. With Alex Stanley, Vice President for Higher…

1
A journey through our history - celebrating QMU's 150th anniversary 56:37

5M ago56:37

56:37

No-one in the world knows more about the history of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh than Dr Tom Begg, author of the book ‘The Excellent Women’. Dr Begg, a former economics lecturer at Queen Margaret College, agreed to share his encyclopaedic knowledge in the first podcast ever recorded about the history of our institution. Interviewed by Profe…

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Funding, attendance, student hardship 51:03

6M ago51:03

51:03

This week on the podcast Minister of State for Skills Jacqui Smith helped launch a pamphlet on whether universities are “worth it” - and was notably cold on extra money. But does she mean outlay or eventual return to the Treasury? Plus there’s changes afoot in Scotland, UKVI is cracking down on attendance for international students and students are…

1
Free speech, uni finances, regional inequality 44:56

6M ago44:56

44:56

This week on the podcast the government is to press on with implementing parts of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 while seeking to repeal others - we discuss what will (and should) happen next. Plus there’s a report on more resilient and sustainable higher education finances, and NEON has been looking at regional inequality in uni…

1
Visegrad special 1:03:25

6M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

This week on the podcast Jim, Mack and team are on a bus around the Visegrad countries where they’ve been exploring student experience, representation and rights, discounted dorms and a set of countries where students have been leading change. Plus Disabled Students UK has its access insights survey out, and we discuss changes to the Renter's Right…

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Special: Writing for Wonkhe 51:49

7M ago51:49

51:49

In this special seasonal edition of the Wonkhe Show, we discuss how you can contribute to the higher education debate by writing for the site, the importance of communicating academic and professional insights to wider audiences, and we take you inside our editorial process - which is all about clear arguments and diverse perspectives. With Adam Ma…

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Students at work, transfers, spending review 57:18

7M ago57:18

57:18

This week on our final proper show before the break, we’ve published polling on students experience of earning while learning - is a return to “full time” study possible? Plus OfS has a new strategy, the OIA has some learning from complaints, and we look ahead to the 2025 spending review. With Shahid Omer, Director of Policy at Universities UK, Dia…

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OfS, international, Wales, Scotland 36:16

7M ago36:16

36:16

This week on the podcast there’s budget news from both Wales and Scotland - why are governments finding it so hard to stick to commitments on student financial support? Plus OfS has temporarily “closed” its register as the financial crisis intensifies, and Radio 4’s File on Four has been looking at international recruitment. With Beccy Freeman, Dep…

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Skills, PTES, transformation 50:46

7M ago50:46

50:46

This week on the podcast the government is to “get Britain working” - but what role will higher education play in the plans? Plus there are big divides between international and home students in this year’s PTES, and proposals for a transformation fund to help universities change what they do and how they work. With Shane Chowen, Editor at FE Week,…

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How to get your PhD work into the media! 27:17

8M ago27:17

27:17

Ever wondered how groundbreaking research grabs headlines? If you think it’s all about luck or fame, think again! This episode dives into the strategic side of getting your PhD research out of academic journals and into the wider world. With practical insights and tips, we’ll guide you through the process of working with the media to amplify your w…

1
Financial sustainability, cold spots, student housing 50:18

8M ago50:18

50:18

This week on the podcast the sector’s financial woes continue - just how bad is it and are regulators on top of the problem? Plus there’s a new report out on subject cold spots, and student housing is back in the news. With Gavan Conlon, leader of the Education and Labour Market teams at London Economics, Sally Burtonshaw, Director of the Education…

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Labour’s agenda, OfS, regional APPs 46:53

8M ago46:53

46:53

This week on the podcast live from the Festival of Higher Education in London, England is grappling with Labour’s longer-term aspirations for higher education - we try to figure out what it wants. OfS wants to silence the “boomers”, regional access and participation planning is coming and we dive into the history of our venue for the festival, Sena…

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What is IMPACT and why it's essential for your future career! 19:49

8M ago19:49

19:49

In this episode, we dive into the concept of impact in research—what it is, why it’s crucial, and how you can plan for it even at the PhD stage. We explore how impact goes beyond simple dissemination or public engagement, aiming for real change in society, the economy, culture, policy, health, and beyond. Our conversation covers practical ways to i…

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Fees increase, efficiency, Trump 47:43

8M ago47:43

47:43

This week on the podcast the Westminster government has announced a fee increase - but will it be enough, and can universities even impose it? Plus the government is on a “renewed drive for efficiency” in universities, and we consider the implications of the results of the US Election. With Brooke Storer-Church, Chief Executive Officer at GuildHE, …

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Budget, student finance, consumer rights 48:17

8M ago48:17

48:17

This week on the podcast we pore over Rachel Reeves’ first budget and consider the implications for universities. We also think about students’ finances as bus fares and the minimum wage both rise. Plus OfS has been rattling its sabre on consumer rights—but is the sector taking any notice? With Andy Westwood, Professor of Public Policy, Government …

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How to craft your PhD's story 22:07

9M ago22:07

22:07

In this episode, we explore why a strong narrative is the backbone of a successful PhD. It’s not just about compiling studies or chapters; it’s about weaving them into a story that’s engaging and easy to follow. We discuss how to build a compelling pitch that answers essential questions and captivates your audience. You’ll also hear tips for refini…

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Student numbers, budget, international, VC pay 38:21

9M ago38:21

38:21

This week on the podcast student numbers are set to decline in England after 2030 - we discuss the implications. Plus rumours are swirling over next week’s budget, the TaxPayers’ Alliance has turned its attention to VC pay, and there’s a new report on international student perceptions of different destinations. With David Duncan, Chief Operating Of…

1
Graduate jobs, sexual misconduct, NSS analysis 48:48

9M ago48:48

48:48

This week on the podcast we look at the latest graduate recruitment trends as the Institute of Student Employers reveals a 60 per cent surge in applications per vacancy. Plus OfS is to survey the prevalence of sexual misconduct, and there’s new NSS data on satisfaction by student characteristic. With Julie Sanders, Vice Chancellor and Principal at …

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Mental health, renters’ reform, international strategy 36:51

9M ago36:51

36:51

This week on the podcast it’s possible to predict a student’s wellbeing using mental health analytics - but what are the ethics and implications? Plus Labour’s new legislation for improving the rental market has been discussed in Parliament, Hidden History looks at a push for higher technical skills, and there’s going to be a new International Educ…

1
Student Series: Residency Interviews and The Match - Ep 62 28:05

9M ago28:05

28:05

Hear from current residents about how to prepare for and thrive during residency interviews and the match process.