Everyone works very hard at this institutionTo 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.

And now for something completely different. Based on an original idea by Jenny Lawrence and Jackie Potter, who came up with it on their way to a meeting of the Heads of Educational Development Group, it is time for the Higher Education Shipping forecast. With a general synopsis and reports from the major Higher Education and Shipping areas, your full forecast can be heard here.