KursKurse

KursKurse is a network of short, modular courses designed to support lifelong learning across disciplines. The initiative emphasizes flexible pacing, stackable credentials, and broad accessibility, with courses offered in multiple languages and hosted on a shared platform.

The program originated in the mid-2010s as a collaboration among universities, continuing education providers, and government-funded adult education programs in several German-speaking countries. It began as a pilot with a dozen courses focused on professional skills and digital literacy and expanded through partnerships and open licensing.

Courses typically run four to twelve weeks, combining video lectures, readings, practical assignments, and periodic assessments. Learners earn micro-credentials, certificates, or digital badges. In many partner institutions, these credentials can be counted toward degree requirements or used toward professional qualifications, subject to institution-specific policies.

The content is hosted on a common platform that supports multilingual access, user analytics, and interoperability with university learning management systems. It relies on a governance model that includes partner universities, instructional designers, and student representatives to ensure quality and relevance.

Research on KursKurse indicates improved access to education for non-traditional students and adults balancing work and study. Critics note challenges in consistent quality assurance, credit recognition across institutions, and sustaining funding. Overall, the initiative is viewed as a practical complement to full-degree programs.

See also: Micro-credentials, MOOCs, Lifelong learning.