Competencies at university – a theoretical perspective

Fostering competencies is a hot topic in the context of higher education. However, one fundamental question is to what extent the concept of competencies offers possibilities for describing the aims of academic studies. This essay suggests that the idea of developing competencies in higher education is based on specific assumptions about science and humanities. It argues that a theoretical point of view is needed when thinking about competencies at university, and that the need for a competency-based higher education cannot only be answered by empirically oriented approaches.

23.01.2013 | Rüdiger Rhein (Hannover)