Quality assurance conventions are being challenged by emerging business scenarios with alluring economies. This paper analyses shaping contexts, resulting hybridised forms of higher education, and consequences for quality assurance. It devotes sustained attention to unpacking what, as a result of contemporary reconfigurations, would appear to be pressing current change/differentiation frontiers--engineering an engaged learning experience, and authenticating learning outcomes. These parameters are analysed, with consideration of development options. The paper concludes by emphasising the consequent and urgent imperatives for workforce development.