In this episode, Mark and guests explore what the latest British Social Attitudes data reveals about public opinion on universities and higher education, from the value of a degree to concerns about student debt and graduate outcomes. They discuss why trust in the system appears to be falling, and what the data shows beneath the growing narrative of disillusionment with UK higher education.

Professor Diana Beech is Director of the Finsbury Institute, a public policy hub for the City of London based at City St George's University.

Alex Scholes is a Research Director at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), where he leads on delivery of the British Social Attitudes survey.

Research and publications discussed:

• BSA 43: Higher education, NatCen, June 2026
• Higher Education Policy Institute – Student Academic Experience Survey 2026
• Higher Education Policy Institute – The Benefits of Hindsight: Reconsidering higher education choices

ATTITUDES explores a range of issues and viewpoints through conversations with expert guests. The opinions expressed during these discussions are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or positions of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen).

About the data

This episode draws on findings from the British Social Attitudes survey and other research carried out by NatCen, as well as other independent organisations and academic institutions. References and further reading can be found via the links above.

Thanks

With thanks to our guests, contributors and the team at Capital City College for their support with the recording and editing of this podcast. We’re grateful to everyone who has taken part in NatCen's research over the years. Their experiences and perspectives help us better understand life in Britain today.

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