Throughout his academic career stretching over four decades, Professor Stephen Hall, head of Department of Economics at Leicester University in the UK and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria (UP), has made a massive contribution as a lecturer, researcher, external examiner, consultant (academic and commercial), committee, editorial and advisory board member and writer to mention but a few.
Besides wide-ranging career and business roles in the UK, he also staked his claim internationally, including South Africa, where, for many years, he has been heavily involved in the development of econometrics in Pretoria and the country more widely. It therefore comes as no surprise that in 2010 UP awarded him an Honorary Doctorate (DCom). Read more about his thoughts on the future of, and challenges facing tertiary education, some of the big research questions going forward and advice to aspiring post-graduate students...
Q: What does your position as extraordinary professor at EMS entail?
A: To be honest, for the past 15 years it has entailed little other than putting Pretoria's name on my publications. Before that I was heavily involved in the development of econometrics in Pretoria and South Africa more widely. I gave a series of lectures and visits from the early 1990s and helped form the African Econometric Society, which later developed into the African branch of the econometric society.
Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of this position?
A: To see the University of Pretoria become a respected university with international standing. Also, the general development of economics and econometrics across South Africa.
Q: What is your field of specialisation?
A: Econometrics, economic modelling and economic forecasting.
Q: How do you see the future of tertiary education, given both the global impact of COVID-19 and ongoing technological advancements?
A: I believe tertiary education stands at a crisis point; much of its future may be online but the best institutions will retain their exclusivity. Clearly, the international market will change hugely as good universities develop across the world and there is less reason for large numbers of students to travel abroad.
Q: Which specific skills – as opposed to mastering the subject matter to obtain a degree – do you believe will be in high demand in the future world of work and to what extent will universities be able to equip students with these skills?
A: The traditional skills developed by the very top universities and the ability to think constructively and originally will continue to be in high demand.
Most universities will not be able to teach this. It requires a very special environment and teaching system.
Q: Going forward, where would you rank the need for research in tertiary education?
A: I believe there will be a split in tertiary education into a few top research-based institutions and the large number of non-research teaching institutions.
Q: In your opinion, what are the big research questions in your subject field that need to be investigated?
So many: global warming, how to handle pandemics, eliminating poverty and attaining the UN development goals, coping with large-scale migration...
Q: Your advice to students who are considering post-graduate university education in the next decade or two?
A: Get a good grounding in mathematics and statistics at postgraduate level, then you can do anything.
Virtual Campus
Get Social With Us
Download the UP Mobile App