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 today's 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.