⊿ Point. {R} Glossary. ◢ Keyword: U. ◥ University. {q} PhD. {tr} Training. ⚫ UK. ↂ EndNote. ✊ Harvey (2009) Unitary System - Analytic Quality Glossary - Quality Research International. Unitary system core definition A unitary system is one that has higher education located in a single type of institution.. explanatory context Unitary systems are compared to binary systems where higher education is delivered in academic/research oriented institutions (usually called universities) and more vocationally-oriented institutions referred to as technikons, polytechnics, Fachhochschulen, and hogescholen. The unitary versus binary division, in practice, is only indicative. In the UK, for example, the changing of polytechnics to universities supposedly ended the binary system, yet higher education is still split between universities and non-universities (institutes of higher education and some further education colleges). analytical review Campbell and Rozsnyai, (2002, p. 133) define unitary system as: Higher education in a country offered in one type of institution, consisting of universities or university-like establishments (cf., binary system). associated issues related areas See also.