Asking Is University Really Worth It?

Geoff Norcott has made a new documentary for the BBC entitled Is University Really Worth It?

The comic was the first in his family to attend university – but is no longer sure that getting a degree would be the right thing for his son, especially given the cost.

In the new BBC Two film he investigates Britain’s higher education system to determine if getting a degree is value for money at a time when student satisfaction at an all-time low, lecturers are striking, online learning is the norm and reports of vastly inflated grades are legion.

Along the way, he meets undergraduates and graduates at war with their institutions and struggling students having to survive off food banks – as well as those who think apprenticeships are more valuable than degrees. But he also meets those who still believe in our higher education system.

A former teacher, Norcott also reunites with the former high school students he taught 20 years ago – when he urged them all attend university.

The comic says: ‘I’m delighted the BBC have given me another opportunity to put a bit of rigour into my partially informed polemical views. 

‘I wanted to understand why it is that loads of unis complain about lack of cash but there only ever seems to be more young people doing degrees.  So how can you not make money when the number of clients only ever seem to go up?  I needed to do some digging.’

This is Geoff’s second documentary for BBC Two following 2019’s How the Middle Class Ruined Britain.

He’s also appeared on Question Time and Politics Live as well as comedy shows such as  Live At The Apollo,   Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You.

Is University Really Worth it? is scheduled to air on Monday March 11 at 9pm.

Published: 21 Feb 2024