There’s still no such thing as a higher education market

By Simon Marginson. Years after Thatcher, says Simon Marginson, commerce is marginal to the sector. True competition would destroy its essence. The commercialisation of higher education was first floated in the UK in the Thatcher years, along with the introduction of “user” charges and privatisation in utilities, transport, social services and health. Thirty years later, direct funding of English higher education has been transferred to graduates, higher education institutions have become better at shaving costs and at marketing, and international students generate extra revenue. More...