Higher Education Leaders Predict a Two-Tier Higher Education System of 'Super League' Universities and No Frills Providers PR Newswire LONDON, June 21, 2012 LONDON, June 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PA Consulting Group launches annual survey on the outlook for universities Almost all (90 per cent) of higher education (HE) leaders predict a dramatic polarisation of the HE system, according to PA's latest annual survey of higher education leaders. HE leaders predict the emergence of an elite 'super league' of large research-intensive institutions, able to secure the lion's share of research funding and the most academically able students, coupled with substantial growth in low-cost, 'no-frills' provision at the other end of the market. A number of respondents also expressed fears for institutions in the 'squeezed middle' that may find it difficult to compete at either end of this bi-polar market. Almost 50 per cent still expect to see institutional failures and two thirds foresee forced mergers. What is driving these changes? While some institutions still expect traditional degree programmes to sustain their future growth plans, the majority believe that Government policies are forcing them to look outside public teaching and research for business growth. Over two-thirds see no prospect for growth in undergraduate teaching and grant-funded research and only six per cent expect to secure growth from publicly-funded research, down from 40 per cent in 2011.