Glossary

Academically Certified Expert - AE

"Academic Expert" is an academic denotation awarded to students who have completed continuing education programs - so called "Academic Expert Programs" (AEPs) - of at least 60 ECTS-Points according to the University Act 2002. “Academic Expert” is an academic term and not an academic degree, and as such it is not recorded in official documents (e.g. passports). The denotation can be supplemented to indicate the content of the respective university course.

The main continuing education objectives of Academic Expert Programs can be the transfer of professionally oriented and in-depth knowledge in specialist subjects and the integration into fields of application.

In addition to the Academic Expert Programs, the University for Continuing Education Krems also offers continuing education bachelor's and master's programs as well as shorter continuing education programs (Certificate Programs and Micro-Credential Programs). The PhD programs are linked to the research focus areas of the University for Continuing Education Krems.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a process in which a range of courses and study programs are evaluated at the level of officially recognized institutions of higher education, to assure and assess quality and to increase the transparency of university courses. Austrian law does not require public universities to undergo an accreditation process.

However, the University for Continuing Education Krems has had several university courses accredited by international agencies. The PhD programs at the University for Continuing Education Krems have been accredited by AQ Austria in accordance with §§ 18 ff and 24 ff of the Act of Quality Assurance in Higher Education (HS-QSG), BGBl. I Nr. 74/2011.

Admission

The general prerequisite for admission to study at an Austrian university is evidence of general qualification for university entrance. Everyone having achieved a general matriculation standard is eligible to enroll in a bachelor’s program. However, some study programs have restricted admission. A university entrance qualification exam entitles EU and EEC citizens to gain entrance to a university.

As a university for continuing education, the University for Continuing Education Krems only admits post-graduate students (with at least a bachelor’s degree). However, in many cases it also offers candidates with equivalent professional qualifications an opportunity to study. Before students with “equivalent qualification” i.e. without a formal bachelor’s degree but with non-formal or informal competencies, are admitted to a master’s program, the admission competencies are assessed in accordance with the EQR/NQR descriptors for the bachelor level (Federal law on National Qualification Framework 2016, NQR Law). Individual, course-specific equivalence assessment procedures are used (e.g. pre-tests, competence maps, admission interviews, portfolios). The admission requirements are described in the respective Curriculum.

The University for Continuing Education Krems does not conduct university entrance qualification exams.

Alumni

Alumni (plural of Alumnus and Alumna or, in the case of female graduates, Alumnae) denotes university graduates. The network of university graduates is often called Alumni Club.

Alumni Club

Alumni clubs or alumni societies are networks of students who have graduated from an institution of higher education. The main objective is to keep graduates connected with their alma mater. For this purpose, therefore, events are organized to foster contacts, continuing education is offered at concessionary rates, cooperation with companies are organized and further useful information is provided.

The various events the Alumni Club of the University for Continuing Education Krems organizes and services it provides unite more than 27,000 graduates, teachers and over 8,000 students. The Alumni Club's activities are dedicated to strengthening and fostering the connection between graduates and their university on the long run. Members enjoy a variety of online and offline events to broaden their knowledge and skills, as well as numerous other opportunities to build professional and personal contacts.

Audimax

The Audimax (Auditorium maximum) is usually the largest lecture hall at institutes of higher education.

At the University for Continuing Education Krems, the Audimax is used for lectures as well as symposia, conferences or events.

Austrian Student Union - ÖH

The Austrian National Student Union (ÖH) is the statutory representative body for all students at Austrian universities. In addition to its political representation work, the ÖH tries to improve the conditions and everyday situations of students by providing a wide range of services. Every student enrolled at an Austrian university is obligated by law to pay an ÖH membership subscription.

The main task of the student union representatives at the University for Continuing Education Krems is to represent the interests of the students in university boards – University Senate, Curricula-Commission, Committee for Equality Issues and Honorary Committee – and to support all students with information, counseling and services during their studies. Students having questions about social welfare, or legal and general issues in connection with their studies, are invited to go to the student union’s drop-in center.

Bachelor in Continuing Education

After the amendment of the University Act passed in 2021, bachelor studies in continuing education can be carried out at the University for Continuing Education Krems as of winter semester 2023/2024.. The extra-occupational bachelor studies conclude with a "Bachelor of Arts (Continuing Education)", abbreviated BA (CE), "Bachelor of Science (Continuing Education)", abbreviated BSc (CE) or also "Bachelor Professional", abbreviated BPr.

Campus

Campus refers to the complex of buildings and free spaces surrounding an institution of higher education. It provides students scope for individually designing their study and leisure environments.

Campus Krems encompasses a compound jointly used by IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Karl Landsteiner Private University for Health Sciences, and other institutions. Students benefit from good travel connections and a varied gastronomic infrastructure with a hotel at “Campus West” for an inspiring working environment for studying and living. The University for Continuing Education Krems Campus is located at Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500 Krems. You will find a detailed Campus map to help you find your way around here.

Certificate Program – CP

A Certificate Program is a specialized continuing education program typically earning 15 to 30 ECTS points. Certificate Programs are short programs lasting one to two semesters, depending on workload and ECTS points. On completing this university course the participants receive a graduation certificate that lists the completed modules and grades. If they continue their studies later, successfully completed modules will be accredited.

The continuing education goals of Certificate Programs could, for example, be: overview and introduction to a specialized field or consolidating expert competencies in a particular field.

At the University for Continuing Education Krems you can enroll in the following continuing education programs as Certificate Programs: LINK.

In addition to the Certificate Programs, the University for Continuing Education Krems also offers continuing education bachelor's and master's programs as well as shorter continuing education programs (Academic Expert Programs and Micro-Credential Programs). The PhD programs are linked to the research focus areas of the University for Continuing Education Krems.

DFP - Diploma Training Program

The Austrian Chamber of Physicians (ÖAK) offers the Diploma Training Program aiming to ensure a high-quality, well-structured medical continuing education. DFP points are awarded for individual trainings proving the training’s amount and structure. The program completes with the training diploma (DFP).

DFP points of the Austrian Chamber of Physicians can be attained for some of the University for Continuing Education Krems’ courses and events. You will find detailed information on the subject in the pertinent studies description.

Distance learning

Distance learning means engaging with learning materials remotely, by means of online learning. Distance learning is ideal for working people because they can largely decide when and where to study, and set their own pace.

Distance learning

Distance learning means engaging with learning materials remotely, by means of online learning. Distance learning is ideal for working people because they can largely decide when and where to study, and set their own pace.

Doctoral Program

According to the University Act 2002, doctoral programs are regular studies with the objective to further develop the ability to conduct research independently, and to train and promote next generation academic and scientific professionals. The academic title “Dr.” and “PhD” is the highest achievable academic degree. The prerequisite for enrolling in a doctoral program, according to the University Act 2002, is successful completion of a diploma program or a Master’s degree. The universities regulate the respective admissions individually.

Since the accreditation by AQ Austria in May 2015, the University for Continuing Education Krems offers PhD programs. These support the university's main research areas, namely in the fields of “Regenerative Medicine”, “Migration Studies“, Evidence-Based Health Research", and "Digital Transformation, Health and Innovation in Cohesive and Sustainable European Societies". The PhD students are integrated into an active research team at the University for Continuing Education Krems. The duration of the PhD program is at least three years and not subject to course fees. Admission to a doctoral program at the University for Continuing Education Krems is subject to a selection procedure.

In addition to the PhD programs, the University for Continuing Education Krems offers continuing education master's and bachelor's programs as well as shorter continuing education programs (Academic Expert Programs, Certificate Programs and Micro-Credential Programs).

E-Learning

E-learning/online learning is a defining of all forms of technology-supported teaching and learning activities. Learning processes take place in virtual space and support flexible learning in terms of time and place, being particularly relevant for part-time students. The didactic specifications are manifold. Digital learning resources (eBooks, scripts, videos, podcasts, quizzes, ...) support to individually acquire knowledge in self-study phases. The virtual groups are equipped with collaboration tools (virtual classrooms, forums, wikis, ...) and tutorial mentoring to support the joint acquisition of competencies.

The University for Continuing Education Krems offers selected programs in the form of distance learning (pure online teaching). The predominant format is blended learning, which combines the advantages of online and on-campus learning. The Division of Teaching Development and Digital Transformation provides the educational technology infrastructure, accompanies innovative projects for digital teaching and supports teachers at the University for Continuing Education Krems by providing media-didactic advice.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System)

ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer System and was introduced as part of the European Bologna Process. The basis for this European system for transferring scholastic credits and accumulating ECTS points is the workload that students must have completed in order to achieve the goals of the study program.

By means of the European Credit Transfer System students can compare study programs and the associated workloads. The system facilitates progression through the Union and recognition of existing academic achievements/ performance.

The European Credit Transfer System is based on the agreement that the workload of fulltime students in one academic year corresponds to 60 ECTS points. In Austria, one ECTS point is defined as 25 hours of students’ workload. Fulltime studies correspond to a workload of 30 ECTS points per semester. The workload includes preparation and follow-up for courses, lectures and classes (= face-to-face or classroom attendance expressed as instruction units), exams and exam preparation, independent work and e-learning activities.

The ECTS points awarded in the University for Continuing Education Krems study programs are indicated in the respective course descriptions.

Enrollment

Enrollment refers to registering for a particular study program. Enrollment is only possible after successful matriculation. In Austria it is necessary to enroll anew for every semester. Nowadays, instead of the term enrollment, Continuation Notification is used.

To register and gain admission to a study program at the University for Continuing Education Krems, please contact the Service Center for Students.

Extraordinary Studies

According to the University Act 2002, §51(20) all continuing education studies and shorter continuing education programs (university courses) are classified as extraordinary studies. Hence, students enrolled in these programs are extraordinary students. Unlike regular studies, extraordinary studies are part-time and extra-occupational. Admission to extraordinary studies depends on the respective study program. The University Act 2002 stipulates that attendance fees must be charged for continuing education (see Course Fees).

The University for Continuing Education Krems holds various extraordinary study programs: master’s programs, courses to qualify as Academically Certified Expert and Certified Programs. The PhD programs offered at the University for Continuing Education Krems are regular studies, connected to the main fields of research.

Faculty

A faculty is an organizational unit at a university that combines and administrates several departments. It is headed by a Dean. (“Faculty” can also refer to the body of lecturers.)

At the University for Continuing Education Krems, currently three faculties are the backbone of education and research:

• Faculty of Health and Medicine
• Faculty of Business and Globalization
• Faculty of Education, Arts and Architecture

Please visit the Faculty pages for an overview of the departments and centers.

Master in Continuing Education

Following the amendment to the Universities Act passed in 2021, continuing education studies are being reorganized in Austria. As the continuing education study programs are in line with the Bologna structure (Bachelor's - Master's - PhD), the reform enhances permeability between regular and continuing education study programs.

According to the University Act 2002, the future degrees of continuing education master studies will be "Master of Arts (Continuing Education)", abbreviated to "MA (CE)", Master of Science (Continuing Education), abbreviated to "MSc (CE)", "Master Professional", abbreviated to "MPr", "Master of Laws", abbreviated to "LL.M.", "Master of Business Administration", abbreviated to "MBA" or "Executive Master of Business Administration", abbreviated to "EMBA".

Master’s degree in continuing education

The University for Continuing Education Krems offers Master's programs of 120 ECTS credits, which are equivalent to regular Master's programs, as well as Master's programs of 60 to 90 ECTS credits, which are comparable to several international Master's programs in terms of both their scope and their requirements. 

Regardless of these differences, all Master's degrees obtained through studies at the University for Continuing Education Krems are Austrian academic degrees that can be used without restriction (e.g. use on business cards) and entered on certificates in Austria. If they are identical to Master's degrees from regular studies, they bear the suffix (CE) for "Continuing Education". This ensures the visibility of continuing education studies and provides evidence of specialized expertise.

Matriculation

First-time admission to studies at a university is called matriculation. After admission to studies students receive a matriculation number valid all over Austria. Canceling admission to studies is referred to as ex-matriculation. Nowadays, instead of matriculation, the terms enrolment or admission are used.

Please contact the Service Center for Students if you wish to enroll and gain admission to studies at the University for Continuing Education Krems.

Micro-Credential Program (MCP)

Micro-Credential Programs are compact continuing education programs that can be completed within a few weeks. They provide a focused, flexible acquisition of skills that are currently in demand in societal, labor market or academic contexts. The completion of such a shorter continuing education program can be referred to as a "micro-credential": This is formal evidence of a learning outcome that has been achieved according to transparent, clearly defined criteria. As such, micro-credentials are subject to quality assurance based on the standards agreed in the respective sector or business area. 

At the University for Continuing Education Krems, micro-credential programs can be conducted as stackable programs. These can be combined with each other and can lead to an academic degree (Bachelor or Master). Detailed information can be found on the study pages of the respective programs.

The University for Continuing Education Krems offers Micro-Credential Programs ranging from 3 to 9 ECTS credits. In addition to Micro-Credential Programs, more extensive continuing education programs (Certificate Programs and Academic Expert Programs) as well as Master's and Bachelor's programs in continuing education can be taken at the University for Continuing Education Krems.

Notice of Continuation

From the 2nd semester onwards a notice of continuation is required for the rest of the course duration.

At the University for Continuing Education Krems, this is done by paying the course fees within the duration of studies stipulated in the curriculum. You will find more information here.

Rectorate

The Rectorate is one of the university’s highest bodies along with the University Council and the Senate. The Rectorate is the university’s face to the public. The Rectorate’s tasks, as defined in § 22 (1) of the University Act 2002 include:

• Presenting an organization plan for adoption by the University Council
• Formulating a draft of the service agreement
• Nominating the heads of organizational units
• Issuing teaching licenses
• Student admissions
• Ordering and publishing evaluations
• Presenting the annual financial accounts and activity report to the Federal Minister.

Reform for Continuing Education

As part of the amendment to the Universities Act, the reform package for continuing education in higher education (Higher Education Legislation Package) came into force on 1 October 2021. As a result, this reform package for continuing education at universities standardized the framework conditions for continuing education studies in Austria and integrated them into the Bologna structure (Bachelor’s – Master’s - PhD).

At the University for Continuing Education Krems, continuing education study programs have been carried out in accordance with the new legal framework since the winter semester 2023/2024.

Regular Studies

Regular studies refer to all bachelor, master‘s, diploma and doctoral programs. In Austria, admission requires evidence of general qualification for university entrance (secondary school leaving certificate and similar). All university courses are extraordinary studies according to the University Act 2002, §51(20).

In addition to PhD programs, which are regular study programs, the University for Continuing Education Krems holds extraordinary studies in the form of university courses with master’s degrees, as well as courses to qualify as Academically Certified Expert, and Certified Programs.

Semester

Semester refers to half a term at the university. The academic year is divided into the winter semester, the summer semester, and a recess.

Senate

The Senate, next to the Rectorate and the University Council, is one of the university’s highest governing bodies. Its tasks, as defined in the University Act 2002, include:

• Issuing curricula for programs of study
• Defining academic degrees and titles for students completing university courses
• Advertising vacancies for the Rector's position, and presenting a shortlist of three candidates for final selection
• Approving the development and organization plan
• Participating in appointment processes
• Establishing committees for equal opportunities issues
• Nominating a female and male member for the Arbitration Commission

The Senate’s members are university professor representatives, including the heads of organizational units with research and teaching tasks or tasks involving development and improvement of the arts and teaching of the arts that are not university professors, the groups named in the University Act 2002, general university staff and students.

Service Center for Students

The Service Center for Students team at the University for Continuing Education Krems advises and assists students and potential students with course administration. It is responsible for Admission and the Continuation Procedure, student administration and statistics, and formal course completion administration.

Stackable-Program

Different continuing education programs can be combined as "stackable programs" and lead to an academic degree (bachelor's or master's). This allows for flexibility in breaking down a continuing education study program into smaller steps rather than completing it all at once. A continuing education study program can also be tailored more accurately to personal needs, interests and career goals by combining shorter continuing education programs. Stackability allows students to develop their skills and keep their knowledge up to date on an individual basis and with flexibility in terms of time.

Student ID

Every student receives a student ID or “StudentServiceCard” at the start of their course. This certifies the status as a student of a university.

The “StudentServiceCard“ provided by the University for Continuing Education Krems entitles all students to a number of discounts at local companies, serves as a library card, gives access to the parking garage at “Campus West” and entitles students to take part in the extensive programs of Campus Culture and the University Sports Institute Krems. You will be issued your StudentServiceCard at the beginning of your studies at the Service Center for Students.

Studying while working

Studying alongside work gives students a chance to obtain certificates of higher education or academic degrees during employment. Among other things this means that the theory learned in the courses can be applied directly in practice.

The university’s range of courses is specifically oriented towards the needs of adult students. With lecturers from the fields of science and practice, and by deploying the appropriate teaching and learning methods, the University for Continuing Education Krems’ lifelong learning model focuses on knowledge and competencies development relevant to practical application. This facilitates implementing the acquired knowledge and appropriated skills in the professional environment while pursuing personal and professional development at the same time. The combination of on campus phases and e-learning in the form of blended learning particularly accommodates the requirements of working people.

The University for Continuing Education Krems offers continuing education master's and bachelor's programs as well as shorter continuing education programs (Academic Expert Programs, Certificate Programs and Micro-Credential Programs). The PhD programs are linked to the research focus areas of the University for Continuing Education Krems.

University Council

Alongside the Rectorate and the Senate, the University Council is one of the highest governing bodies at the university. According to the University Act 2002 it functions as a monitoring and forecasting supervisory body. The University Council is responsible, among other things, for the university’s development plan, organization plan and draft service agreements and approving the Rectorate’s rules of procedure. The University Council elects the rector from a shortlist of three candidates prepared by the Senate, and the Vice Rectors based on proposals by the Rector and the Senate’s counsel. The members of the University Council may not belong to the university, work for the university nor be employees of the federal ministry in charge of university-related matters.