Agendas for Change: Universities in the 21st Century

Abstract

This article provides a critical discussion of two recent policy documents on tertiary education: the Tertiary Review Green Paper in New Zealand and the Dearing Report in the United Kingdom. Brief reference is also made to the interim report of the West Committee in Australia. Pivotal differences between the Green Paper and the Dearing Report are identified under four headings: the concept of education, resourcing, globalisation, and the role of the humanities. The authors argue that the Green Paper represents a further step toward a fully consumer-driven system of tertiary education in New Zealand. The Dearing Report provides a more expansive educational ideal in the notion of “The Learning Society”. While not devoid of potential problems, the Dearing Committee's ideal recognises both the need for change in a globalised world and the importance of preserving intellectual and cultural traditions through the arts and humanities.