University college

The term university college is used in a number of countries to denote institutions that provide tertiary education but do not have full or independent university status. Precise usage varies between countries.

Sweden

In Sweden, "University College" is the recognised translation into English of the Swedish term högskola, which denotes an independent institution that provides tertiary but not quaternary education. In contrast to universities they do not themselves conduct research or generally grant degrees above Bachelor. They can how ever participate in research projects which are under the supervisory authority of a university. Under special dispensation they may also award a limited number of Master's degrees.

Related Topics:
Sweden - Swedish term - Tertiary - Quaternary education - Universities - Research - Degrees - Bachelor - Master's degree

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"University College" is the proper terminology to use, since a literal translation of the term högskola would be "high school", and as such misleading. However, as many of the university colleges aspire to full university status, several have chosen to omit the word college when translating their names to English. This can make it difficult to distinguish the Swedish universities proper from the university colleges.

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The term högskola is also used by a number of specialized universities, especially the technical universities, which provide both tertiary and quaternary education, as well as conduct research. These are not considered as university colleges, but rather as specialized universities.

Related Topics:
Tertiary - Quaternary education

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