Bill Morris LVO
Student spotlight details
Bill embarked on our part-time MSc in Sustainable Urban Development to find new inspiration and enhance his consulting work on making cities more sustainable, despite the challenges of returning to academia after 40 years.
'Before undertaking the MSc, a rewarding BBC career in journalism and production morphed into major events, festivals and state occasions which, in turn, led to the London 2012 Olympic Games (Director of Opening/Closing Ceremonies, Culture etc). Since then I have consulted on major events and ways they can better drive long-term benefits to their host cities.
'Life, at every stage, is about adventures. I'm in my mid-sixties and wanted to stretch myself and find new inspiration to help my consulting work. I was probably too young to relish higher education and post-grad study the first time – this time I was determined to live it to the full – and what better than Oxford?
'With the first essay deadline looming, I sat hunched over a laptop for more than an hour, paralysed – intellectually and physically! I remember it so vividly. I've written for a living, but it has been 40 years since any form of academic study, let alone Oxford. Adapting to the rigours and the mindset of scholarship was far from easy. But eventually, I found a way, and like most tough endeavours, getting there in the end feels all the better!
'The topic itself is so current and apposite that the course feels grippingly relevant to so many aspects not just of professional life, but to the context of all our lives. My course cohort and the teaching staff could not have provided more beguiling, stimulating or diverse company – even without formal lectures, it would be a sad human being who would not feel enriched and educated in their company. And then there's Oxford – what's not to like?
'I work with the hosts and organisers of global mega-events to see how they can contribute to making cities and communities more sustainable. Whilst I didn't embark on the course primarily for career reasons (a bit late at my stage of life…), it injected fresh stimulus and energy to share with clients and colleagues. I'm also delighted to stay in contact with friends and wider alumni from the course.
'Beyond that, I'm always on the lookout for the next adventure. For the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, I have a number of different responsibilities, but perhaps the most relevant one during the Games itself is to facilitate the IOC's Executive Leadership Observation Programme – in which the Directors and leaders of future games (and some potential games hosts) attend the Paris Games to learn. As the Paris 2024 Games are innovating with a number of sustainability initiatives, I hope this will help future games organisers along this path.
'Whether you have a direct career requirement or perhaps you're just curious about such a pertinent and compelling topic, if you want to return to academia (even after a very long pause) or you're seeking an intellectual adventure, the MSc has so much to offer. Highly demanding though the course is (at least for me!), its modular format and the support offered by the teaching and admin team, make it possible to relish two years of rewarding study whilst other aspects of career, family and life can continue to flourish. The Oxford experience is as special as I could have hoped.'
