Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit explores the evolution of higher education from both global and local perspectives, examining its past, present, and potential future developments. It is divided into two parts. This unit first explores the historical and contemporary contexts of higher education, which are underpinned by specific power and privilege dynamics, through the application of social theories and concepts. The aim of the first part is to equip students with the ability to critically analyse the formation and transformation of higher education systems and their complex influences on individuals and societies. The focus of the unit then shifts to the envisioned future of higher education. Building on the foundation established in the first part, it analyses how emerging changes, challenges, and crises – such as generative AI, geopolitical tensions, and climate changes – might influence current higher education policies and practices. By the end of this unit, students should be able to analyse and critique the influence of historical contexts on contemporary higher education and articulate a vision for the future of the higher education systems.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode First year of offer Not available in 2025 Online Online - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) examine the meanings, forms, and purposes of higher education influenced by power and privilege structures; (2) apply relevant social theories and concepts to critically analyse the dynamics of higher education in both historical and contemporary contexts; (3) identify global and local changes, challenges, and crises that could impact the future of higher education; and (4) propose a vision of the future of higher education, informed by a newfound understanding of its present and past.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) critical analysis essay and (2) research essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Ren-Hao Xu and Professor Tanya Fitzgerald
- Contact hours
- 12 x 2 hour online synchronous seminars and workshops
- Texts
Selected readings are available in Course Materials Online.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.