Challenging Neoliberal Discourses as ‘nasty little theories’: Co-Creation in Higher Education

Abstract

The current operating context for higher education in the UK is of neoliberal consumerism and competition. This drives ‘efficiency’ measures such as high class sizes, low staffing and low contact hours. In direct contrast to this context the Marginalisation and Co-created Education research project funded time for rich, relational, co-created learning with academic staff and undergraduate and postgraduate students from three European nations. Four mixed method surveys were conducted over an academic year in order to understand the impact this way of studying could have. The results from a sample of three students is used to support a move away from the dominant neoliberal agendas.