An exciting higher ed podcast brought to you by Dr Paul Greatrix in which a notable sector figure is asked to create and describe their ideal imaginary university. My Imaginary University is a sort of Desert Island Universities concept but without the desert island, the music, the book or the luxury.
Will their imaginary university be a bit Christminster, rather Rummidge-like or more in the Manchester Medlock mould? You'll have to listen to find out. And to discover what kind of VC our guest will be and what their university's anthem is.
S3 Ep1: Episode 1: Serious Study at the Real University of Life
Everyone works very hard at this institution
To kick off the third season of the My Imaginary University podcast we have Higher Education Consultant Hugh Jones who gives us an idea of what it would be like to study at a very serious institution, the University of Life. No, not that one that people down the pub claim to have been to but a real (ok, not actually) university founded on the idea of the power of education to transform the individual.
Teaching and learning are very different from the norm and highly tailored to individual needs and the learning and living facilities are outstanding in the traditional Manor House campus environment It is a small but perfectly formed university with a very big endowment and, while there is some collective activity, much of the responsibility for working hard sits with each student who is driving their own learning journey.
It is then a serious place with a high level of applicant demand and little in the way of frivolity for learners, unless it is related directly to your studies. No-one is allowed to coast and, if there is any idling then the Vice-Chancellor will be on to you - he likes to wander around to ensure staff and students are all working hard.
It is certainly a disciplined and focused environment but one where every student is supported with outstanding teaching and facilities to achieve their goals. And it has a distinctive high brow anthem too. Welcome to the real University of Life.
17 Nov 2025
S2 Ep11: Episode 11: Global Scale Research at World Multilateral U
Everything has gone global at the Olympic-style university
This episode of My Imaginary University was, excitingly, recorded live in front of an audience at the recent Wonkhe Festival of Higher Education. Many thanks to Wonkhe for inviting me and special thanks to Jim Dickinson for all the help with making the recording happen.
Our creative force on this occasion is Graeme Wise who is Director of Strategic Programmes and Engagement at University of London who has imagined a big and bold institution operating on a genuinely global scale. World Multilateral University - also known colloquially as Olympic University - is a worldwide research institution operating under a treaty which brings the world’s best academics together in focused groupings to address the biggest research challenges there are for four years at a time.
There’s a well-staffed permanent secretariat based in a pleasant city and all staff enjoy some special privileges, including magic passports which get them through all borders without delay. Every four years the University has a two month long in person plenary session to review progress and plan the next round of research - it sees itself as the opposite of the Davos experience.
Our audience chip in with some excellent questions for aspirant president Graeme covering topics ranging from strategic planning to IP to secret handshakes, We also learn that the University’s theme tune leads staff to imagine they are running along a beach whenever they hear it played. Or maybe not. Anyway, it is a terrific proposition and a really good discussion.
24 Jul 2025
S2 Ep10: Episode 10: Rejoicing at Enlightenment
Let us Rejoice at the Scottish Institute for the Enlightenment
In the latest episode of My Imaginary University Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, shares his vision for a Scottish Institute for the Enlightenment, a body focused on advancing human reasoning for purpose of improvement.
Working closely with the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and based in both cities this largely postgraduate and research institution is fundamentally international in outlook and covers a broad range of subjects. Embodying an interdisciplinary approach, the institute delivers high quality research and real policy impact, engaging directly with governments and big organisations.
As a light touch vice-chancellor, broader issues like the food offer really matter to Anton as does the range of cultural activities on offer, from Bonnie Tyler-focused karaoke to arts festivals, and there is a strong sense of the importance of community engagement too.
It is, of course, a largely rational institution which really helps with management operations and there are few concerns with controversial speakers thanks to the enlightenment ethos. The institute's anthem is a traditional one and its Latin lyrics are no obstacle to celebrating the joys of work and study.
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