The RAF went all-graduate crazy in the 80s, ISTR.
The RN had also been quite keen - all those skills learned late at night writing essays would make excellent staff officer material.
The Falklands had an interesting impact though. Quite a few of the bright, sociable, well-educated younger officers went to pieces in the battle, while the slightly dull, ordinary guys stuck to the task, carried on, and showed what they were made of. A number of careers slowed to a halt post 1982.