Issues pertaining to the prospect of decline in British higher education are considered. The following topics are addressed: The 1963 report of the Committee on Higher Education (Robbins Report), the pattern of change in higher education over the past 20 years; the basic issues of scope, diversity, access, and public service; patterns of participation in college--demand and access; degree programs; grants and loans; autonomy, tenure, and the academic profession; the quality of teachers and instruction; the relationship between research and teaching; management models; and higher education policy and resource allocation. It is projected that in the future there will be a call for research and development for industry and government, for continuing education for adults, and for public service to meet the needs of local and national communities. Two-year degrees are recommended to help survive the harsh climate. Further essential ingredients would be robust institutional management, fixed-term contracts for senior academic posts, together with systematic evaluation of performance. An article on international comparisons in higher education by Ladislav Cerych is appended. (SW)