Institution

The Danube University Krems is the first public university in Europe which specializes in postgraduate continuing education. The programs of study concentrate on scientific postgraduate education in numerous fields of science, leading to academic degrees.  The University meets the challenges of lifelong learning in the European field of education and operates on a private enterprise basis. The current core areas of interdisciplinary scientific teaching and research include economics, information technology, telecommunications, law, health, environment and culture. The study programs, based on research and practical application, promote professional qualification as well as personal development. They comprise a synergy of research and practical experience, both in the development and the implementation. In teaching and research, Danube University Krems is devoted to internationality, cultural variety and an interdisciplinary approach. Cooperation with selected universities and research institutes, on a national as well as an international level, guarantees and promotes an ongoing close contact to the scientific community.

Involved

Dr. Eva Cendon is researcher at the Department for Continuing Education Research and Educational  Management. She is deeply involved in issues concerning Lifelong Learning (in strategic terms) as well as in new challenges the HE-sector is facing (Bologna, EQF, University Continuing Education).  One important  basis of HE_LeO is a current study with the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Vienna, on "EQF in the Context of Tertiary Education in Austria".

Dr. Katharina Prager is researcher at the Department for Continuing Education Research and Educational  Management. She focuses on EU projects currently running at the Department - apart from HE_Leo that is mainly HEMARD (Higher Eductaion Management and Regional Development) and EHEMD (European Higher Education Management and Development).

Bologna and NQF

Through focus on continuing postgraduate education the Danube University Krems operates at the intersection of professional and scientific education and hence differs from basic university courses. The study programs at the DUK have been currently restructured in three ECTS credited formats: in certified programs (30 ECTS), expert programs (60 ECTS) and master programs (90 to 120 ECTS), the last concluding with internationally recognized Master’s degrees.  Although being postgraduate Master programs correspond to the second cycle of the Bologna study architecture. Especially with the focus on in-service training of the students (part time study programs) the focus on competencies and learning outcomes has been quite high since many years. Modularisation of the study programs has become a standard at the DUK.

Role and Expectations

In this project the Danube University mainly concentrates on the project management and on scientifically monitoring the project. Guidelines for learning outcomes and copmetence orientation will help the university to strengthen and enhance the learning outcome approach within its own study programs.

Eva Cendon and Katharina Prager are responsible for the project management - if you have any questions, please fill out our contact form (press "contact" on the top of the page, right).