Introduction

This volume focuses on the changing pattern of tertiary education in the UK and the emphasis of the contributions is on the challenges and opportunities rather than the problems and difficulties of educationists at this level. The contributors are all leading figures in the educational world, and they are concerned in particular with the need for a partnership in the definition of aims and capabilities in higher education, in order to meet future needs. The potential of the (new) polytechnics and the use and interpretation of student/staff ratios, and the difficulties of interdisciplinary education are discussed.