- Home
- Publications
- University Strategy In An Age Of Uncertainty: The Effect Of Higher Education Funding On Old And New
University strategy in an age of uncertainty: the effect of higher education funding on old and new


This paper explores the effects of changes in funding arrangements, particularly fees, on universities, and their strategic responses to these changes. Using data from interviews with senior managers in four universities, it finds the most prestigious, pre1992, university largely unaffected by tuition fees and the others responding to changes in application patterns and intake. However, the effects of tuition fees on university strategy are not easily separated from other changes in the funding of Higher Education, and universities strategies were strongly influenced by the need to reduce costs and to generate income in a number of areas.
A second major concern of all four universities was quality both of inputs such as students and staff and outputs, in degree results and ratings in employability, research, teaching and other activities. Marketing was assuming a position of increasing importance, with universities striving to develop a Ôbrand' to attract students, staff and funding.
Related Blog Posts

Safeguarding the Safeguards – more Support Needed, But How?
Lucy Stokes
Johnny Runge
Adrian Pabst
02 May 2023
6 min read

Can Texting Parents Help Improve Children’s Development?
Lucy Stokes
Ceri Williams
Anneka Dawson
12 May 2022
5 min read

Covid-19 and the Impact on Early Years Education
Claudine Bowyer-Crane
Adrian Pabst
17 Jan 2022
6 min read

How well do community evidence-based interventions scale up to other communities?
Claudine Bowyer-Crane
20 Oct 2021
5 min read
Related Projects
Related News


Press Release: Targeted home support could be key in children’s early language development
21 Apr 2021
5 min read
Related Publications

Vertical and Horizontal Mismatch in the UK: Are Graduates’ Skills a Good Fit for Their Jobs?
21 Mar 2023
Discussion Papers

Financing Higher Education in England: The Fiscal Implications of Reform
15 Aug 2022
Discussion Papers

NIESR’s Response to the Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021
27 Oct 2021
Budget/Fiscal Event Comment

Migrant students in the UK pandemic – Impacts, school reponses and community approaches
13 Jul 2021
Research Report