engleski

Practice-Oriented Education as an Advantage for Universities of Applied Sciences

Concept of universities of applied sciences was established in Germany in 1968 as institutions called Fachhochschulen. Since then, many countries in Europe adopted this type of universities. Universities of applied sciences moved away from classical idea of universities known as “research and teaching” and adopted “theory and practice”. Today in Germany more than 33% of students are students of Fachhochschulen, and this number is growing around 5% every year, while number of students in classical Universities is growing around 2.5%. Therefore, it is clear that university of applied sciences found their place in high education market. Both classical universities and universities of applied sciences aim towards same group of students. Th us, universities of applied sciences had to adopt different approach in order to attract more students. Most important advantage of these universities is their practically- oriented education. One of the key features of practiceoriented education is connection with private sector companies. Th is way, universities of applied science can shape their curriculum to fi t labour market, what shall result with attracting more students. Away from German example, universities of applied sciences in Croatia still did not gain such a reputation. Croatian universities of applied sciences still struggle with attracting best students. Therefore this paper aims to question practice-oriented education as an advantage for universities of applied sciences, as well as to show how practical part of education is organised in Croatia and other European countries, and how it should be organised.

university of applied sciences ; university ; practice-oriented education ; students ; internship ; companies

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