This book examines the relationship between higher education policy and the state in the United Kingdom, discussing how changing concepts of the nature of the state and its role have affected the development of higher education policy. The book studies shifts from state-subsidized independence to ambiguous but increased dependence on state policies. It examines changes in higher education policy; changes in the nature of the state; changes in state machinery for policy implementation; how policies emerge and continue; the influence of interest groups and elites on policy making and implementation; and changes in institutional government. Chapters are organized into three parts: "Themes, Methods, and Theories"; "Changing Nature of Higher Education: Main Policy Movements"; and"Theoretical Perspectives, the Exercise of Influence and the Role of the State." The nine chapters are titled: (1) "Our Main Themes and Methods"; (2) "Our Project and Theoretical Position"; (3) "The Reform Movement: Contexts and Massification"; (4) "The Reform Movement: Objectives and Policies"; (5) "The Ending of the Binary System"; (6) "The Changing State Apparatus"; (7) "The Impact of Policy Changes on Institutional Government"; (8) "The Exercise of Influence"; and (9) "Reflections and Some Emerging Conclusions." A glossary of acronyms is appended. (Contains approximately 305 references.) (SM)