Wonkhe presents
Making sense of higher education
Ten live online modules · October 2026 – April 2027
Fortnightly from October 2026 · introductory session Wednesday 30 September · Online · live, with recordings
Every HE professional knows their patch. Far fewer can hold the whole picture – funding, teaching, research, students, data, governance, culture, international, strategy – and see how one part pulls on another. That’s the gap Making sense of higher education is built to close.
Ten live online modules, one hour each, running from September 2026 to April 2027. Delivered by Team Wonkhe with special guests. Designed for anyone who needs to think, work and lead across the whole sector – not just their bit of it.
What’s included
- Ten live online modules, one hour each, October 2026 – April 2027, plus an introductory session on Wednesday 30 September
- Recording, slides and recommended reading for every session
- Pre- and post-event engagement with your cohort
- Live event chat for discussion before, during and after each module
- Delivered by Team Wonkhe with special guests across the series
It’s built for…
- People new to HE who need a structured induction that actually covers the ground
- Governors and board members who need sector fluency fast
- Mid-career professionals in strategy, governance, student services, comms, policy and operations
- Academic leaders who want to contribute more confidently beyond their departmental area
Free taster · watch any time
Didn’t catch it live? The full recording of our free Making sense of higher education taster is now available to watch back, whenever suits you – no sign-up needed. It’s the quickest way to see how the programme works before you book. Ready for the whole thing? The full programme runs fortnightly from October – book your place this autumn.
▶ Watch the taster back →The ten modules at a glance
Running every three weeks, from October 2026 to April 2027.
See full module descriptions, dates and presenters →Why sign up?
Higher education is a system of moving parts. Solving complex problems means seeing the whole board, not just your square of it. Leading change means understanding what you’re changing, and why. Collaborating effectively means sharing a language with colleagues across different functions.
Making Sense builds that shared understanding – delivered from a neutral platform, independent of any single institution, by a team with deep knowledge and strong relationships across the sector.
For people new to HE, including those joining a board of governors, it’s a structured induction into the systems, cultures and practices that make the sector so complex and compelling – and occasionally frustrating. For experienced practitioners, it’s the chance to zoom out, connect the dots, and contribute more strategically beyond your functional area.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book individual modules?
No. The programme is designed as a cohort series and tickets cover all ten modules plus the introductory session. The value is in the cumulative picture, not any single module.
What if I miss a live session?
Every session is recorded. Registrants receive the recording, slides and recommended reading whether or not they attended live.
How does the group discount work?
For five or more bookings from the same organisation, email events@wonkhe.com for the group rate – or talk to us for a bespoke quote for larger groups.
Is this suitable for governors and board members?
Yes – the full programme will give governors rapid cross-sector fluency.
Book your place
Booking form not showing? Book tickets on Ticket Tailor →
Presented by Team Wonkhe and special guests
Debbie McVitty
Editor, Wonkhe
Michael Salmon
News editor, Wonkhe
David Kernohan
Associate editor, Wonkhe
Jim Dickinson
Associate editor, Wonkhe
Mark Leach
Founder & Editor in Chief, Wonkhe
James Coe
Associate editor, Wonkhe, and senior partner at Counterculture
Mack Marshall
Editorial Coordinator, Wonkhe and Policy Officer, Post-18 Project
Ready to book?
Please make sure you select the correct ticket type on the booking form – if you’re unsure whether your organisation subscribes, the form links to a short eligibility checker.
Group discounts are available for five or more bookings, and we can quote for larger groups. For any queries, contact events@wonkhe.com.