The Great University Gamble: Money, Markets and the Future of Higher Education - Hardcover

'Andrew McGettigan is in my opinion by far the most knowledgeable person in the country on the government's obscure and yet revolutionary programme of change for universities. He provides us with a full and independent view of the short, medium and longer-term implications of the government's plans. This book is essential and deeply worrying reading.' (Simon Szreter, Professor of History and Public Policy, University of Cambridge)

'Andrew McGettigan is one of the most respected and incisive commentators on higher education. There are no other texts at present that address the political economy of higher education and none that put all the pieces of the jigsaw together to reveal the picture with such clarity.' (John Holmwood, Professor of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nottingham, co-founder of the Campaign for the Public University and editor of A Manifesto for the Public University (2011))

'Whether you agree or disagree with him, Andrew McGettigan’s critique of the Government’s higher education policies is essential reading. He brings a unique perspective to the debate, which is all the richer for it.' (Shabana Mahmood, Shadow Minister of State for Higher Education)

'What a splendid book, bang up-to-date and comprehensive. Anybody wanting to understand the present UK policy framework and wanting to have a critical account of it could not do better than start with this book; and so engagingly presented and written too. It deserves to be a winner.' (Ron Barnett, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education, Institute of Education, University of London.)

'In the 1960s student activists argued that books are weapons. Today student activists and trade unionists require an arsenal of weapons to fight back against the Tories' assault on higher education.  Andrew McGettigan offers just that. McGettigan like no other has been able to draw out the contradictions and the Tories' weaknesses. Clear in form and content this book should be a weapon in the second round of the battle over the future of higher education in Britain.' (Mark Bergfeld, NUS National Executive and spokesperson for the Education Activist Network)

'This is a must-read book for those who work in higher education and are interested in current education policies.' (Samantha A. Shave, Journal of Social Policy)

In 2010 the UK government imposed huge cuts and market-driven reforms on higher education. Proposals to raise undergraduate tuition fees provoked the angriest protests for decades. This academic year has seen the first cohort of students begin study under the new arrangements. A proposed Higher Education Bill has been shelved, but changes are being cemented and extended through other means.

Displaying a stunning grasp of the financial and policy details, Andrew McGettigan surveys the emerging brave new world of higher education. He looks at the big questions: What will be the role of universities within society? How will they be funded? What kind of experiences will they offer students? Where does the public interest lie?

Written in a clear and accessible style, The Great University Gamble outlines the architecture of the new policy regime and tracks the developments on the ground. It is an urgent warning that our universities and colleges are now open to commercial pressures, which threaten to transform education from a public good into a private, individual financial investment.