ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the theoretical constructs that have been employed in the debate and how they have been reported. It focuses on the Financial Times which has reported extensively on the debate and where broadly, but not exclusively, there was a general support for the introduction of variable top-up fees as a means of increasing the revenue base of universities. The chapter opts to include aspects of the discussion in Scotland where this discussion can illuminate aspects of the broader debate. It begins with a discussion of the meanings of such expressions as public good, diversity and excellence before exploring how these can be interpreted through the prism of risk. On the other hand, diversity and excellence have generally been seen, to be essentially two aspects of the same educational ideal, and consequently to be two elements of the same discourse.
