The committee was asked to report on and make recommendations in regard to how higher education should develop over the forthcoming two decades.  The committee was asked to take account of a number of contexts including the following - ‘links between higher education and other parts of the education and training system, particularly further education, are increasing in importance’ (1997). 

In Chapter 6 Future demand for higher education - the committee stated that ‘much of the further growth of higher education, at least in the short term, should be in the Higher National Certificate, the Higher National Diploma and other analogous awards’ (1997: 6.14).

Chapter 16 The pattern of institutions which provide higher education - considers the structure of higher education and also higher education offered by further education colleges (16.39).  Partnerships, franchises and qualification levels are discussed.  The committee recommended that ‘in the medium term, priority growth in sub-degree provision should be accorded to further education colleges ...’ (Recommendation 67).

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