Episode 44: Building a new university overseas, quality matters and Bob Dylan's graduation robes shock

For episode 44 of the podcast I have the privilege of talking to Hugh Martin, Registrar and Chief Administrative Officer at the British University in Dubai. We review Hugh's career trajectory, which saw him starting in business but then moving into a series of university positions, in a variety of different roles. One of the most interesting of these was the Chief of Staff role, first at St Andrews and then at LSE - this was new and distinctive in UK then but has become much more common albeit something of a poisoned chalice role, leading to challenge from all quarters.

Looking at Hugh's current home at the British University in Dubai, a small and distinctive institution which differs from most domestic and private universities having been established by government and Britain including UK universities, we learn how it started with a strong postgrad and research focus but is now expanding into undergraduate provision meaning it faces stiff competition from other international universities. Undergraduate recruitment will nevertheless be helped by a planned move to a new campus which has been a major activity for Hugh.

Naturally we discussed the changes in England’s quality assurance regime and the difficulty in explaining in Dubai why the OfS and QAA were separating despite QAA‘s well-respected international brand and reputation which has been  emulated around the world.

We also explored how things looked from Dubai and the benefits of the different perspective - Hugh observed that being part of AHUA was really positive and that he didn't miss GDPR or FOI but does miss HESA.

Finally Hugh related a great story about the award of an honorary degree by St Andrews to Bob Dylan for his poetry and his minimal engagement with the formalities of the ceremony before departing at pace. While still wearing his gown.