This report builds on the time series data produced annually since 2001 under the title Patterns of higher education institutions in the UK. It offers a unique overview of provision at publicly-funded higher education institutions in the UK. All charts and tables in the report are now also available to download from the Universities UK website.

Section A shows sector-level trends over the last 10 years from 2000/01 to 2009/10. For the first time, this offers a true time series provided by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), accounting for changes to the way student numbers are counted.

Section B looks at patterns of institutional diversity covering students, staff and finance.

The report provides a very helpful insight into high-level trends during a decade of significant expansion and change. Among other things, the report tracks the rise of student numbers, the changing popularity of different subject areas, and a notable shift in the funding regime. It also demonstrates how higher education institutions continue to make a large contribution to civil society and the economy in the UK.