A Compelling Case for Universities

This book unapologetically celebrates the achievements of the University. Major drivers of enlightenment and powerhouses of the economy, universities have evolved and thrived for over a thousand years. While still reflecting their beginnings in medieval knowledge-sharing communities, modern universities have grown exponentially in both size and number. Predictions suggest global student numbers will more than double from 216 million in 2016 to 472 million in 2035. This growth has demanded new models of funding as well as many new providers who have added diversity and complexity to the traditional idea of a university. The author recounts this exciting evolution, before turning to the major issues with which higher education is concerned today, broadly following the student journey from admission to graduation and beyond. A prospective university student first needs to gain a place, the process throwing up important questions about access and equity. Once admitted, they can benefit from not only the education on offer but a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities. And research suggests that, once they leave, the experience of university will enrich their life in numerous ways. With clearsighted chapters on research and innovation and thoughtful excursions into funding and governance, together with some proposals for change, this is a trenchant review of todays university landscape which nonetheless concludes that the current model of higher education is both highly effective and sufficiently adaptive. Whilst facing up to difficult issues which must be addressed, Professor McKellar derives satisfaction from the evidence of great overall achievement.