Continuing higher education and lifelong learning: An international comparative study on structures, organisation and provisions

Abstract

This comparative survey was conducted in 2006 and shows the structure, organisation and types of provisions of continuing higher education in six countries (in alphabetical order): Austria, Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. In addition to that, other "important players" in the field of lifelong learning are included, such as corporate universities and research associations. All country studies analyse the functions and restraints of continuing higher education. This is done by analysing a) the relevant framework conditions in each country, b) the management (organisational structures, financial management, marketing, quality assurance, programme portfolios, learn settings etc.) and c) the types of provisions (face-to-face lessons, online learning, blended-learning; admission to courses; accreditation of prior learning; credit points etc.). The summary of the country studies finally shows a survey of the individual situations and displays the similarities and differences. It draws conclusions for the activities of higher education institutions as lifelong learning institutions. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.