Like the rest of the UK, the higher education sector continues to be affected by the downturn in the economy. Research brings much-needed funds into universities.
 
What incentives are there for the sector to focus on learning and teaching? There are several. Perhaps the most obvious is the increase in tuition fees for English students.
 
This will mean that the sector will need to focus more than ever on ensuring educational quality. If that happens then the student community and academic circles will reach a new high.