The University of Siegen as a Center for Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important in a changing society. New scientific findings, technological developments, and changes in the workplace and daily life require a willingness to continually expand one’s knowledge and further develop one’s skills.
The University of Siegen sees itself as a hub for lifelong learning. It provides people in different stages of life and with diverse educational backgrounds with access to academic education, research, and personal development. To this end, its programs are tailored to the diverse needs of students, working professionals, alumni, teachers, researchers, and members of the public.
Knowledge for Different Stages of Life
Attractive educational opportunities should be accessible not only during years of study, but also before and after. Furthermore, lifelong learning encompasses more than just professional qualification. It also includes general academic continuing education, personal development, social participation, and an open exchange on current topics. The University of Siegen therefore aims to support learning and educational pathways across various stages of life.
These include:
- programs for academic orientation,
- flexible study formats, both full-time and part-time,
- academic and part-time continuing education,
- opportunities for developing subject-specific and interdisciplinary skills,
- programs for children and schools,
- public events and general continuing education programs.
Lifelong learning can take place in various formats: in person, online, or in a hybrid format—as a single event, a certificate program, a part-time degree program, or a long-term learning process involving regular interaction within a community.
A Learning Culture Characterized by Openness and Dialogue
The University of Siegen’s understanding of Lifelong Learning is rooted in the mission statement on Learning Cultures. In addition to subject-specific competencies, the focus is also on fostering interdisciplinary skills, responsible behavior, and critical thinking. To this end, the university supports processes of individual and collaborative learning as well as dialogue between learners and instructors.
The University of Siegen views the field of teaching and learning as the joint creation of a culture of lifelong learning—that is, promoting attractive educational opportunities not only during one’s studies, but also beforehand and, in particular, afterward—through professional development programs as well as general continuing education offerings for people in the region and beyond.
Lifelong Learning as Part of the Third Mission
Lifelong Learning is an important component of what is known as the “Third Mission” of universities: the transfer of scientific knowledge to society. Through continuing education programs and public science communication initiatives, knowledge and research are made accessible to external audiences. At the same time, universities also benefit from the exchange with participants: professional experiences, diverse perspectives, and concrete questions arising from real-world practice can provide new impetus for research, teaching, and university development.
Continuing Education as a Future Mission
Changes in the world of work and society are placing new demands on education and professional development: digitalization, demographic shifts, environmental challenges, and new forms of collaboration make it necessary to regularly update knowledge and further develop skills.
Continuing education at universities makes an important contribution to this. It combines academic high quality standards with a strong practical focus and innovative strength. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) also states in its updated Higher Education Act of 2026 that universities should evolve into institutions of lifelong learning. The University of Siegen aims to fulfill this mandate by expanding its existing range of educational and continuing education opportunities.
In recent years, several projects in the field of lifelong learning (LLL)—developed in cooperation between the University of Siegen and regional project partners—have already been funded and implemented. You can find more information here.
In addition, the University of Siegen is a member of various organizations and associations, as well as (supra)regional and international networks focused on LLL. An overview can be found here.
