English Universities in Crisis: Markets without Competition

English universities are in crisis. In 2017 the National Audit Office found that only 32% of students consider their course ‘value for money’, that students from lower-income backgrounds are disproportionately attending lower ranked universities, and that there is limited price competition and a limited return to universities for improving their league standings.

This book provides a concrete analysis of why the recent funding reforms did not work, using a unique combination of informed theoretical and empirical analysis and insights gained from running a university. It offers tough policy proposals concerned with how to make the market work in universities by restoring competition and fair student fees, but also traditional academic values and governance.