ABSTRACT
The attainment of Robbins' 'unitary system of higher education' was slow but gradual from the establishment of the Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA) finally to the 1992 Further and Higher Education Act, when polytechnics were re-designated universities. This chapter outlines the many ways in which universities have changed from some ideal type of 'teaching universal knowledge' in response to changing social and economic circumstances. It also explores the widening of purpose and the relevance of university education to community engagement, enhancing the quality of local economic and cultural life, as pioneered by Sir David Watson's University of Brighton. The chapter then explains gradual encroachment on the early, carefully protected autonomy of universities through funding and governance has led to a burgeoning cost of administration. Finally, it discusses the massive development of part-time, online and virtual learning, together with credit accumulation and transfer of qualifications.
