Putting higher education in its place: the socio-political geographies of English universities

Traditionally, universities have been understood in terms that assume their special status within the social world – somehow divorced from the places within which they find themselves. Yet they are also increasingly expected to make some contribution to regional development. With the help of evidence drawn from an Economic and Social Research Council project, this article sets out to explore some of the implications of recognising the importance of the changing policy geographies of higher education. It highlights the extent to which and considers the ways in which universities are embedded within their regions and localities, while also being connected to a wider set of relationships.