Examination arrangement

Course content

Academia changes - it always has.

The changes that we experience today have fostered higher education researchers to critically question the consequences for organization, imagination and implementation of teaching and learning practices, societal aims and impact, as well as the very underlying principles of higher education.

Are higher education institutions still recognizable as academic institutions?

How valid are the historical, e.g. the Humboldtian, models of higher education?

What understanding of knowledge is promoted through higher education practices?

What kind of society is higher education contributing to?

In this PhD course we aim to address key perspectives on ideas and practices of higher education in past, present and future. This means research perspectives that both ask what the university is for and in what ways we imagine a future for the university (or not), as well as research perspectives that address the actual practices of educating at universities. In this course we bring in national and international scholars and their ongoing research, and the specific topics which will be announced in the program each semester.

Learning outcome

• Knowledge:

The candidate has acquired advanced knowledge of relevant issues and questions in the field of higher education research.

• Skills:

The candidate can formulate relevant research questions and discuss complex academic issues concerning higher education as a research field.

• General competence:

The candidate can carry out his/her research with scholarly integrity and curiosity, and approach own and others’ research independently and critically.

Learning methods and activities

The course will be conducted over two days in the autumn semester, including lectures, seminars and discussions.

There will be a digital session the following spring semester, in januar. Participation in this session is voluntary.

The first day of the course will be an open, lecture-based seminar, inviting a broader audience.

The second day of the seminar will focus on the work of the PhD researchers, with feedback and discussion of their draft papers/blogs submitted before the course.

The course will be taught in English.

The course can be changed or cancelled if less than 5 PhD candidates are registered. Maximum: 15 PhD candidates. PhD students are prioritized for admission.

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory participation at lectures
• Mandatory submission of a draft paper/blog before the seminar

Further on evaluation

Compulsory assignment

Mandatory submission of a draft paper/blog (ca 1000 words) before the seminar, outlining theme and a main line of reasoning. It should be within the broad realm of the course theme and something you are currently working on. The drafts will be discussed in small groups with tutors on day 2.

Evaluation, course credits and participation

Attendance on campus is mandatory. Submission after the seminar of a final paper (max. 10 pages) or an academic blog post within the realm of the course content and relating to the course literature.

Required previous knowledge

To be admitted to our PhD courses, you must have completed your master’s degree or equivalent education.

PhD students are prioritized for admission.