An experiment in market‐led higher education: The case of the Buckingham 'licence'.

This article discusses the case of the University College at Buckingham, which operated as a market-led higher education institution without degree-awarding powers and government regulations. Established in 1976, the university offered two-year undergraduate programs that allowed students to complete their degrees earlier and enter the job market sooner. Despite awarding 'licences' instead of degrees, the university experienced significant growth in student numbers. The article explores the negotiations with the Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA) and the challenges faced due to the two-year program duration. Ultimately, the University College at Buckingham gained recognition from various end-users and was awarded a Royal Charter in 1983, solidifying its status as an independent university. While seen as a victory for independence, some argued that it compromised the university's founding principle of being free from state control. Today, Buckingham serves as an example of the regulatory challenges faced by universities and explores potential alternatives. [Extracted from the article]