The landscape of higher education is changing rapidly. With 40% of employees needing upskilling and 39% of core skills set to be disrupted (World Economic Forum, 2025), institutions worldwide are grappling with how to adapt. If you’re exploring these challenges, this symposium is designed for you.
Higher education institutions face unprecedented pressure to evolve:
- Short form, flexible and portable learning demands new systems at institutional and sector levels
- Pedagogies need modifications to address the needs of non-traditional, working learners
- Place-based civic missions need alignment with institutional strategy and impact
- The skills agenda requires agile, tech-enhanced learning solutions delivered in partnership with employers
- Funding models are evolving – the UK’s Lifelong Learning Entitlement will be the only HE funding model post-2027
- Tertiary education systems will need partnership and collaboration to become the norm
- Global momentum is building, with two-thirds of institutions across 96 countries now operating under national lifelong learning legislation
- New models demand cultures where innovation, inclusivity and momentum can thrive.
What you’ll gain
Connect Globally - Network with peers wrestling with the same questions in different global and local contexts.
Explore Practical Solutions - Engage with new thinking on:
- Designing flexible, stackable learning pathways
- Adapting institutional systems and quality assurance for short-form learning
- Building strategic industry-university partnerships
- Developing civic engagement and community-focused initiatives
- Leading cultural transformation within your institution
Shape Future Directions - Contribute to highly participatory discussions that will influence sector-wide approaches. Return with fresh thinking and concrete strategies for institutional transformation.
Who Should Attend?
This symposium is ideal for:
- Deans, Assistant Deans, and Associate Deans
- Heads of Department and academic leaders
- Pro Vice-Chancellors and Directors (Teaching and Learning)
- Professors, Senior Lecturers, and academics involved in programme design
- Professional services staff in student services, quality, and learning technology
- Educational developers and institutional strategists
- Policymakers and sector body representatives
- Industry partners and funding agencies
- Anyone interested in civic development and learning cities
Booking information
Event type
Symposium
Event times
Thu 22 Apr 2027 – Thu 22 Apr 2027
Event prices
| Lifelong Learning Symposium 2027 | Member Ticket | £245 |
| Lifelong Learning Symposium 2027 | Member Ticket (Early Bird) | £235 |
| Lifelong Learning Symposium 2027 | Non-Member Ticket (Early Bird) | £310 |
| Lifelong Learning Symposium 2027 | Non-Member ticket | £325 |
