ABSTRACT
This chapter provides:
An overview of the diversity of higher education provision in the United Kingdom, including the historical background to the development of the sector.
An assessment of the pivotal importance of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.
A review of higher education funding for teaching and research and the quality assurance mechanism to ensure accountability in relation to the latter.
An outline of initiatives in higher education, especially in relation to devolved governance, with prospects for the future.
