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Last week, the NCUK Global Engagement Conference 2024 brought together over 120 colleagues from Study Centres and University Partners across the globe at The University of Huddersfield. The event marked an inspiring week of collaboration, discussion, and reflection on the evolving landscape of international education.
The conference began with a warm welcome from NCUK’s CEO Stuart Smith and Alistair Sambell, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at The University of Huddersfield. Followed by a key highlight of the conference, the official launch of NCUK’s refreshed brand, introduced by Andy Howells, Chief Marketing Officer, and Ben Cunliffe, Head of Brand and Marketing.
This announcement reflects NCUK’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its pivotal role in the international higher education space. While its appearance has evolved, NCUK’s mission remains: to broaden access to world-class education for ambitious students worldwide and support them in achieving success.
The first session, chaired by Nicholas Cuthbert, Director of Insight at The PIE, explored NCUK’s new Student Insights Publication. The panel featured Andy Howells, Dr. Anthony Manning (University of Kent), Sophie Turnbull (University of the West of England), and Rachel MacSween (IDP Education Ltd.), who shared valuable perspectives on the latest trends shaping international student preferences and higher education policies.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the challenges and opportunities within transnational education and student diversification. With interesting contributions from Stuart Smith, Oliver Jawara (Nous Group), Wendy Yip (Aston University), and Jacqui Jenkins (British Council). Together, they explored how institutions can adapt to changing demands while ensuring access to quality education for students worldwide.
The day concluded with an inspiring Student and Alumni Panel chaired by Helena Sevillano, Marketing Manager, where NCUK alumni Melissa Salazar, Phu Pyae Kyi Thar, Cecilia Gisella Suryadi, and Evelyn Correa Diaz shared their personal stories. Their journeys demonstrated the life-changing impact of an international education and underscored NCUK’s mission to create opportunities for ambitious students.
Day 2 offered a deeper dive into regional discussions, with NCUK’s Regional Directors hosting sessions alongside delegates from their regions. These sessions provided a platform to address unique opportunities and challenges within specific markets. And, in the Maximising Engagement with International Study Centres session, university partner representatives explored critical areas in workshop stations, including study centre engagement, partner marketing opportunities, supporting the student journey, application support, and NCUK’s Global Staffing Service.
The Academic Development and Growth session, featured NCUK staff members Professor Victoria O’Donnell, (Chief Academic Officer), Nazlin Karim (Head of Programme Delivery), Jurga Baleviciute (Head of Programme Development), and Ruth Jones (Deputy Chief Academic Officer). This session provided insights into NCUK’s academic strategies and growth initiatives.
Additionally, the panel The Multidestinational Student – A New Competitive Landscape chaired by Suzanne Bartlett, University Partnerships Director at NCUK, Holly Searson (Head of University Partnerships at NCUK), Amy Jones (University of Sheffield), Andrew Mandebura (University of Huddersfield) and Mutty Dad (Lancaster University). Together, they discussed the evolving preferences of students choosing multi-destination pathways and the competitive implications for the sector.
The day wrapped up with Improving the Student Learner Journey Through Technology, led by Chris Andrewartha, Chief Information Officer at NCUK, alongside representatives from Fluido. This session explored how technological advancements are enhancing the student experience and shaping the future of learning.
The NCUK Global Engagement Conference 2024 was a resounding success, marked by thought-provoking discussions, strengthened partnerships, and a shared vision for empowering students and creating life-changing opportunities. From exploring new pathways and regional strategies to embracing technology and academic growth, the conference underscored NCUK’s role as a leader in the international education space.
