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Graduation
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
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ECTS-Points
180
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Learning format
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Duration
6 semesters
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Start
Winter semester 2025/26
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Admission requirements
According to curriculum
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Language
English
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Study location
Krems (AT)
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Curriculum
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You benefit from our program by
Students benefit by acquiring advanced interdisciplinary research skills and deep expertise in lifelong learning and continuing education. The programme prepares them to:
- Design and conduct independent, high-quality research on complex educational challenges.
- Integrate theories and methods from education, psychology, technology, and organizational studies.
- Develop innovative solutions for the evolving demands of education and work in a global context.
- Communicate and publish research in international academic and professional communities.
- Build professional networks and gain experience in collaborative, cross-disciplinary environments.
The goal is to empower graduates to drive evidence-based progress in lifelong learning and to address societal and technological challenges of the 21st century.
Curriculum
The PhD program „Interdisciplinary Studies of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning“ takes three years or six semesters to complete.
The scope of the PhD program is 180 ECTS points, distributed as follows:
- The three PhD colloquia comprise 6 ECTS points.
- The courses in modules 2, 3, and 4 comprise a total of 26 ECTS points.
- The completion of the research project and the writing of the dissertation comprise a total of 143 ECTS points.
- The final examination ("Rigorosum") comprises 5 ECTS points.
Module
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Contents
PhD colloquia are annual meetings with members of the PhD committee to discuss and evaluate the progress of the academic pursuit. The choice of courses, conference participation, or publication opportunities can also be discussed during PhD colloquia. In preparation, PhD students write a progress report including questions for the PhD committee and send this report to the committee before the meeting.
- PhD Colloquium 1 (2 ECTS)
- PhD Colloquium 2 (2 ECTS)
- PhD Colloquium 3 (2 ECTS)
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Contents
- Epistemological Foundations and Research Methods of Transdisciplinary Educational Research (4 ECTS)
- Research Seminar I (2 ECTS)
- Research Seminar II (2 ECTS)
- Advanced Research Methods (2 ECTS)
The course “Epistemological Foundations and Research Methods of Transdisciplinary Educational Research” provides an overview of research practices and thought patterns in the various disciplines in the field.
The two research seminars serve to provide methodological guidance and needs-based support to students in the research process. In-depth study of selected research methods serves to acquire the methodological knowledge relevant to the students' own research work and is chosen by the students in consultation with the respective PhD committee.
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Contents
The Module “Fields of Research in Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning“ serves to deepen knowledge in the subject areas that are the focus of the PhD program. The course “Foundations, Historical Context, and Current Issues in Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning” covers the common content of the field and is compulsory for all students. Two elective courses totaling 8 ECTS points must be selected from the four available courses in consultation with the PhD committee.
- Foundations, Historical Context, and Current Issues in Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (4 ECTS)
elective courses:
- Teaching and Learning Processes & Professional Development (4 ECTS)
- Educational Technologies & Human-Centered Design (4 ECTS)
- Education Systems, Organizations, and Management (4 ECTS)
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Contents
Within the module 'Complementary Subjects', students are required to complete courses totaling 4 ECTS credits.
elective courses:
Science Communication (2 ECTS)
Project Management (2 ECTS)
Entrepreneurship (2 ECTS)
Selected Topics (2 ECTS)
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interdisciplinary
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unique
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international
PhD Coordinator
Faculty
Core Faculty
Univ.-Prof. Dr.phil.habil. Monika Kil
Head - Center for transdisciplinary Continuing Education Research
PhD Projects
The study program serves as a collaborative platform for seasoned researchers, aiming to optimally enhance students' skills. Students will actively participate in externally funded research projects at the University for Continuing Education Krems.
From the outset of the PhD program ‘Interdisciplinary Studies of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning’, we will feature here both current PhD students and summaries of their respective research projects.
Application
To apply for the PhD program "Interdisciplinary Studies of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning", applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold a relevant diploma, master’s degree, or a master’s degree from a university of applied sciences.
2. English Language Proficiency
English proficiency at B2 level or higher (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR) is required. The PhD coordinator will assess the submitted proof of language skills.
3. Research Funding
Admission is contingent upon the availability of sufficient research funding. This may include project-based funding, scholarships, or other financial sources. A financial plan for the dissertation project must be submitted to the PhD coordinator.
4. Relevant Experience
Applicants should demonstrate prior experience and knowledge relevant to the program’s themes. This may include participation in related courses or research projects. Documentation of this experience must be submitted in writing and will be evaluated by the PhD coordinator.
5. Final Admission Decision
The final decision on admission is made by the Rectorate.
Required application documents are:
- application form, incl. Europass CV and letter of intent;
- proof of identity (passport, identity card);
- school-leaving certificate;
- graduation, diploma or master's degree certificate and
- if necessary: legalization of foreign documents.
Students will be admitted to the program once all requirements have been met.
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