Bridging the Gap: How Universities Can Support Postgraduate International Students in a Changing Higher Education Landscape? – Insights from the MSc Managing AI in Business Programme
Abstract
The UK postgraduate HE sector is undergoing profound transformation. As universities increasingly rely on international taught postgraduates to sustain operations and growth, challenges around financial vulnerability, wellbeing, and inclusivity have intensified. Recent data from HESA (2025) reveal that international students now account for nearly two-thirds of all UK postgraduate awards – a shift that underscores both opportunity and risk. Rising living costs, work restrictions, and limited access to support services have created a complex environment where international postgraduates must balance academic ambition with financial and emotional pressures. This webinar, Bridging the Gap: How Universities Can Support Postgraduate International Students in a Changing HE Landscape – Insights from the MSc Managing AI in Business Programme, explores how institutions can respond with empathy, innovation, and sustainable strategies. Drawing on the University of Salford’s experience and our Agile Community of Inquiry initiative, the session will examine research and pilot activities we have conducted to enhancing student wellbeing, engagement, and belonging. The discussion will also feature two current international postgraduate students from the MSc Managing AI in Business programme, who will share first-hand insights into their experiences navigating the UK HE landscape.
Webinar Presenters:
Dr Yun Chen
Dr Yun Chen is an Associate Professor in Business IT and Co-Lead of the Disruptive Technologies Research Cluster at Salford Business School, University of Salford. As a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE), Yun brings extensive experience in digital innovation and Higher Education (HE) leadership. Holding a PhD in Information Systems, her research focuses on the application of digital technologies in business and HE contexts. Yun has contributed to several EU- and UK-funded collaborative research projects, playing a key role in developing information systems and strategic frameworks to support areas such as urban regeneration, SME adoption of AI, and cybersecurity. She also represents the University as a member of the CyberFirst Northwest Advisory Group and serves on the UKVI ESRC Review Panel.
Prof Marie Griffiths
Marie is Professor in Digital Technologies at Salford Business School, UK. Her research focuses on Digital Transformation and Information Systems, bridging academia and industry through sustained scholarship, knowledge exchange, and the design of innovative postgraduate programmes. She led the development of the MSc Managing AI in Business, reflecting her commitment to future-oriented digital education. Marie is a former President of the UK Academy for Information Systems (UKAIS), contributing to national discussions on digital research and practice. She also serves as a trustee for the homelessness charity Emmaus Salford, supporting social impact through community engagement.