Financing Higher Education Reforms in the UK: An Institutional Analysis

After the Second World War, with the evolution of the welfare state, the higher education became one of the beneficiary social spheres that attracted additional resources. The expansion of mass higher education was the main feature of the entire post-war period. It is mostly during the 80’s when resources for education and training came under the scrutiny of the British Government. During these years it was realised that the widening of participation of young people in the higher education system can not be achieved without increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the education provision, and without private contribution for higher education. This paper examines the evolution of the higher education reforms in the UK after the Second World War, the changes in the Government intervention, and the changes in the funding mechanisms in the sector. The most recent changes in the institutional framework are discussed in the context of the globalisation of knowledge and education, and the deepening of the equality of educational opportunities for different generations.