The open master: A new model of transnational higher education

Abstract

In this article, we conceptualize a new model of transnational education: the open master. Arising from higher education for emerging fields such as quantum technology and artificial intelligence, the open master addresses the urgent need for advanced digital skills. We consider how, using distance education, specialist courses can cross borders to reach students for whom they would otherwise not be available. Within the pantheon of transnational education modalities, the open master, based on the principles of open, distance, and flexible learning, is not limited by pairwise institutional partnerships, instead relying on local accreditation, the means by which students receive credit for their studies conducted through the open master. Within European universities, these primarily utilise special courses (A) and opening new courses (B and C). Here we reflect on the role of the open master on the path toward the future: creating a truly open ecosystem for specialist higher education.

Keywords:

• transnational education
• accreditation
• internationalization
• credit transfer
• quantum technology
• future and emerging technologies

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was declared by the author(s).

Funding information

This work was supported by the Horizon 2020 project Coordination and Support Action for Quantum Technology Education under Grant Agreement ID 951787.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Simon Goorney

Simon Goorney began this research operating the QTOM pilot, the first testbed of the open master in practice. The principles of the open master are now used in Europe’s largest quantum technology education project, DigiQ. Simon is managing DigiQ while researching future models of education for advanced digital fields.

Matoula Sarantinou

Matoula Sarantinou is a researcher in the Center for Hybrid Intelligence, Aarhus University. She studies user experiences in a qualitative research framework, with interest in investigating structural approaches of participatory design and action research through the subjective experiences of actors.

Jacob Sherson

Jacob Sherson is professor of management at Aarhus University and of physics at the Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen University. He is director of the Center for Hybrid Intelligence and coordinator of European projects based in quantum technology industry and education development, including DigiQ and workforce development within the Quantum Flagships.