More means worse? Institutions of higher education are being affected by considerable changes. Student numbers have risen dramatically since 1991 and the composition of the student population has also altered considerably. More mature and part-time students are now entering higher education and the proportion of students with non-standard entry qualifications has increased. There is greater pressure on teaching accommodation and teaching resources are in short supply as a consequence of changes in student-staff ratios. Staff are now being faced with increased assessment loads. The maintenance of quality is becoming a priority in educational institutions and consequently quality audit and assessment systems are being established.