On Tuesday 21 October, The Student Union executive team held an in person Q + A with the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Duncan Ivison.
The session covered questions on the University’s new 2035 Strategy, released on 16 October, as well as topics ranging from tuition fees and accommodation to international partnerships and the ongoing efforts to decolonise the curriculum.
Professor Ivison opened the discussion by outlining the University’s 2035 vision, which promises that “students will co-create their learning to study on their own terms, with flexibility and collaboration built into every course.”
He emphasised plans to improve assessment feedback, expand internship and project opportunities, and strengthen interdisciplinary work by second and third year. “We want a campus culture that encourages open, constructive engagement on difficult issues,” Ivison said.
In the short term, he urged students to “engage with societies and curriculum opportunities” and to stay connected with the University after graduation.
The Vice-Chancellor faced several questions about the affordability of University accommodation and the impact of fee rises. UK Students are now paying the highest proportion of their educational cost than any other country in OECD.
Manchester’s 2035 strategy includes what Ivison called “the UK’s largest national accommodation refurbishment programme,” with ongoing construction at Oak House and Owens Park. New student units are expected by late 2026, with full completion targeted for the late 2030s.
Acknowledging student concerns, Ivison admitted that keeping costs low was a “balancing game.” He added, “We’ve got to try and balance the investment it takes to ensure we have sufficient affordable accommodation.”
He also confirmed that the University is in discussions with donors to help fund its target of making 40% of rooms affordable under NUS criteria — a goal he described as “very challenging.”
When questioned about rising tuition fees, Ivison argued that increases should “fall in line with inflation.” He stated that without the additional revenue, the University would face “a financial crisis,” noting that national insurance contributions alone costs the institution £11 million annually.
He also defended Manchester’s efforts to support low-income students, highlighting a recent increase in the bursary income threshold, which allowed 1,000 more students to qualify this year.
“The Government underestimates how much universities are forced to step in,” he said. Last year, Manchester spent £22 million on widening access schemes — “five or six times” more than in previous years.
Despite financial challenges across the higher education sector, Ivison insisted there are “no planned staff cuts” at present.
Addressing questions on inclusivity and equality, Ivison reiterated that the University “remains committed to supporting trans students and staff, regardless of legal changes.”
He also confirmed that work is ongoing to decolonise the curriculum and confront Manchester’s historical ties to the slave trade through “forthcoming proposals and partnerships.”
A new Essentials Centre at Thorncliffe House is also set to open in November, providing basic necessities for students in financial difficulty.
One of the most pointed questions came in response to the Students’ Union Assembly’s recent motion to sever ties with Tel Aviv University, given its relationship with the Israeli state.
When asked whether the University would consider cutting ties, Ivison defended the partnership: “Our relationships are based on academic partnerships, not state or political ones. It’s up to individual academics to decide who they work with and on what basis.”
He stressed that “Tel Aviv is a university, not an extension of the Israeli government,” adding: “The last thing we should be doing is boycotting other institutions. We should keep talking, even if states stop talking.”
Ivison revealed that discussions have taken place within the University Senate and that the University is also exploring future partnerships with Palestinian institutions. Two Palestinian scholars joined the campus this year through the Humanitarian Scholarship Scheme, and Manchester is part of an international committee considering post-conflict reconstruction for Palestinian higher education.
When pressed to define the ongoing situation in Gaza, Ivison maintained that it is “not the University’s role to define global politics” and said the institution will not label the events as “genocide.”
At present, the University has no plans to cut ties with Tel Aviv University.
