ABSTRACT
The working population numbers nearly 50 percent of the total population. Currently unemployment stands at close to 3 millions. The nation is one of the largest importers of agricultural products, raw materials and semi-manufactures, and is amongst the largest exporters of aerospace products, electrical equipment, finished textiles and many types of machinery. The post-war expansion of higher education saw the number of universities increased from 17 in 1945 to 45. Expansion has now ceased and in 1981 the Universities’ funding body, the University Grants Committee, has recommended extensive cuts in provision in many institutions. Higher education is also provided on advanced courses at polytechnics and other establishments of higher and further education. The Robbins report on Higher Education (1963) stated that there was an untapped pool of adults in the United Kingdom who could benefit from a university education but had ‘missed out’ earlier in their lives.
