AbstractThe variety of TQM approaches are briefly explored and some core elements specified. The application of TQM to the higher education context is examined. The ‘generic’ problems of TQM are analysed along with the particular problems of attempting to relate it to higher education. The analysis is not intended to merely demolish a fragile model of TQM but to show that there are aspects of TQM that are portable to a collegiate setting while illustrating the inapplicability of a TQM approach in higher education. Collegialism is reassessed in the light of the ‘lessons’ of TQM and a new collegiate model is outlined.