Explore today's real world issues in Law, Criminology, Psychology, Business and Computer Science. With inquisitive minds, we will question the world and form our own opinions. We’ll debate systems, procedures and behaviours. You may arrive at these events with questions, but you’ll leave with an ability to answer.
Join us as our popular Real World Lectures series returns with thought-provoking topics designed to challenge perspectives and spark discussion. From society’s obsession with True Crime to the complexities of Ethical Leadership, we’ll explore the issues shaping the world today. Stay tuned for full details and speaker announcements.
Real World Lecture
Can You Be a Good Leader Without Doing Bad Things?
Tuesday 16 June 2026
Ethical leadership sits at the heart of sustainable business, yet some of the most significant corporate failures in recent history have involved organisations that once held strong reputations. This session asks a deceptively simple question: is it possible to lead well without ever crossing an ethical line?
Delivered by an expert from ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ Business School, this masterclass explores what it genuinely means to lead with integrity. Drawing on real-world examples of corporate misconduct and the lessons they offer, the session examines the behaviours that define ethical leaders, the frameworks that guide decision-making under pressure and how the rise of artificial intelligence is creating new ethical challenges for business leaders today.
Whether you are an aspiring manager or a professional navigating complex business environments, this session offers practical insight into leading with integrity in a rapidly changing world.
Real World Lecture
Can Artificial Intelligence Have a Positive Impact on Wellbeing?
Wednesday 17 June 2026
Over the past two decades, positive psychology has focused on helping people thrive, exploring their strengths, sense of meaning and what it takes to live well. At the same time, artificial intelligence has become an increasingly central part of how we understand and support mental health, from voice assistants to AI-powered chatbots capable of delivering personalised wellbeing support.
This session explores how AI is already being applied within positive psychology, what the future might hold and the ethical questions this raises along the way. Can technology genuinely support human flourishing, or are there risks we need to be aware of? And when it comes to building resilience and developing individual strengths, does the human element remain irreplaceable?
A session with real relevance for anyone considering psychology, computer science or health-related disciplines at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Real World Lecture
The Elderly and the Law: Does 'Best Interests' Really Work?
Wednesday 15 July 2026
When an elderly person loses the ability to make decisions for themselves, who decides what happens next and how can we be sure those decisions are truly in their best interests?
This thought provoking session explores one of the most important principles in modern healthcare and welfare law: the requirement that decisions made on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity must be made in their best interests. Drawing on real cases and legal developments, the lecture examines how the Mental Capacity Act 2005 operates in practice when decisions need to be made about the care, treatment and welfare of elderly individuals.
Led by an expert in healthcare law, the session will explore how courts, healthcare professionals, local authorities and families navigate complex and often sensitive decisions. It will also consider whether the current legal framework strikes the right balance between protection and autonomy, and whether reform may be needed to better support an ageing population.
Relevant for anyone considering law, healthcare, social policy or related disciplines at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Real World Questions
As a student, we give you the space to explore current issues in:
Law, Criminology, Psychology, Business, Computer Science and more.
We equip you with the professional knowledge you need to go out and excel in your chosen career and shape the world around you. Read on to explore the issues through expert opinion blogs or join one of our Real World Lectures above.
Find out more