The value of a higher education degree has increasingly been under the spotlight since undergraduate tuition fees were first introduced in 1998 and particularly since they were trebled in 2006 and again in 2013. Throughout this time participation in higher education has increased, such that around one in two young people now go to university by age 25, and the Government estimate than just under one-third of the costs in tuition fee and maintenance loans will be picked up by the taxpayer. With the educational and labour market disruption caused by the rapid expansion of AI, and increasing disquiet over mounting student debt, we will be asking who will pay for higher education in the future? What is the role of undergraduate study in the age of AI? And is it still worth getting a degree?

Tickets are now available via Eventbrite. Discounts are available for groups (10+ people) and school bookings – get in touch via the Festival of Economics website.

Artwork by Alys Jones Illustration.