Vectors of change in higher education curricula

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to examine key change vectors shaping the undergraduate curriculum in the third decade of the twenty-first century. The paper begins by outlining selected definitions, foundational theories and conceptual frameworks underpinning this analysis of the undergraduate curriculum and its influences. Three key external forces shaping the undergraduate curriculum are examined: universalization; national policy and legislative frameworks; and the influence of technology as disruptor and enabler. While some of these socio-political, economic and geopolitical forces are longstanding and familiar, a number of influential factors that have gained prominence in the last 10 years, including the disruptive influence of technology, new approaches to curriculum design in the form of micro-credentialing, and changing expectations of the undergraduate curriculum. The paper calls for a conceptually robust, long-term approach to examining the various factors shaping the undergraduate curriculum, with a particular focus on macro-level factors external to an institution. The paper concludes by considering policy and practical implications of these forces for the future shape and purpose of undergraduate curricula.

KEYWORDS:

• Curriculum
• undergraduate
• higher education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kerri-Lee D. Krause

Professor Kerri-Lee D. Krause (PhD) is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Life) and Deputy Provost at the University of Melbourne. She is an experienced university executive who is internationally recognized for her contributions to higher education policy, research and practice. Professor Krause is an Honorary Professorial Fellow, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, a lifetime fellow of the international Society for Research in Higher Education and is internationally recognized for research on the contemporary student experience. Her research program spans higher education curriculum renewal, the changing nature of academic work, and factors influencing higher education quality and standards.

Professor Krause holds the Ministerial appointment of Deputy Chair, Higher Education Standards Panel and also led the Ministerial Implementation Working Group for the Transparency of Higher Education Admissions. Recent sector-wide leadership roles include Chair, Universities Australia Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Committee.

Professor Krause has a track record of leading university-wide strategic change and organizational renewal, underpinned by a deep commitment to engaging students and staff through cultural transformation. Experience includes: systemic improvement of the student experience and outcomes; whole-of-university curriculum renewal; and extensive work on reshaping academic staff promotion policies and processes to recognize and reward contemporary academic work.