This is a timely, expertly curated volume that examines the evolving landscape of large-scale higher education. The book, published in August 2025, brings together leading international scholars, including Sir John Daniel, to revisit foundational ideas from Daniel’s seminal 1996 book, Mega-Universities and Knowledge Media, while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by a rapid acceleration of digital technologies and the rise of Generative AI. 

A core strength of the book is its multidimensional approach: it is organized into sections that explore the roots and theories behind mega-universities, strategic considerations for their ongoing evolution, and real-world case studies such as Southern New Hampshire University and the Open University of China. The contributors analyze mega-universities not just as large institutions but as dynamic systems designed for availability, inclusivity, scalability and sustainability. The text argues persuasively that mega status is no longer the sole preserve of institutions born out of open and distance education — any university, with the right strategy and vision, can achieve scale by foregrounding access, flexibility and student-centred design. 

Although the book is clearly targeted at educational leaders, policymakers and researchers, its accessible style, use of “TLDR” chapter summaries and digital resources make it useful for a broader readership interested in the future of global universities. In sum, Mega-Universities and Opening Education by Design is an essential, forward-looking resource that reframes scale as an opportunity for more open, responsive and equitable higher education systems.