What is a university? How have universities and colleges evolved over the centuries? What will be the impact of digital- and distance-learning; of commercial for-profit new entrants to the higher education market; of government austerity; and of globalization on universities and colleges?

Exploring the origins and the concept of the university, this Very Short Introduction discusses one of the world's oldest, most resilient, and most adaptable institutions. Considering examples of universities and colleges across the world, David Palfreyman and Paul Temple discuss the issues...