ABSTRACT
In this chapter we examine this conjunction of factors. Focused upon fulltime, first degree entrants and preparation for them, we range from the ‘macro’ level of national higher education demand and supply conditions, through the ‘meso’ level of regional competition and institutional differentiation, to the ‘micro’ level of educational provision and the student experience. Following a brief résumé of the ‘macro’ level national context, we focus on a ‘meso’ level regional study of competition and differentiation amongst new universities in London; and a ‘micro’ level local examination of some level O academic programmes at one such institution, the University of Greenwich. These local
programmes are aimed specifically at ‘widening participation’ entrants to higher education.
