FAQ

Who can participate in Lifelong learning at Palacky University?

To study Lifelong learning you have to fulfil the official requirements of the programme or course you have chosen (see czv.upol.cz for more information on requirements).

What should I do if I want to study Lifelong learning at Palacky University?

First choose a programme or course (see the "Overview of open courses") and fill in the application form.  You will then be asked to sign a participation agreement. For one-time courses (for example, lectures, lecture series, seminars, camps, etc.) it is enough to fill in the application and wait for it to be confirmed.

Who can I contact if I have questions, comments, or suggestions about Lifelong learning at Palacky University?

If you have any questions, please contact the Department for Lifelong learning.  You can either email us on czv@upol.cz, or visit the centre for Lifelong learning at the faculty where the course you are interested in is taught.

What about final exams and degrees after the courses?

All courses except those carried out within accredited degree programmes have a final exam or some other form of test to validate the results. Evaluations (partial or final) can also be in the form of a written assignment. For students who study Lifelong learning parallel to other studies (for example if the Lifelong learning course is implemented as part of an accredited study programme), the results are verified in the same form as the results of the degree program.

What can I do if I fail an exam or the final exam?

Every student has the right to try two more times. However, if the final exam partially or fully is a written assignment, students are only allowed one more attempt.

Can I take a programme or part of a programme that I failed again?

Yes, but only if the same programme is offered again, and if the maximum number of students has not been exceeded.

When do I have to pay the course or programme fee?

The fee usually has to be paid latest at the start of the programme, but can also be paid at the beginning of each part of the programme if this is specified.

Are students of Lifelong learning officially counted as students?

Students of Lifelong learning do not have official student status according to the law, which means they do not have access to financial support for student dormitories, discounted meals in the mensas, and are not entitled to other student benefits.

Can a student in Lifelong learning receive a degree?

Lifelong learning does not lead to an academic degree. To get a degree students have to transfer to normal academic studies. If a student is accepted at an accredited university programme (usually through following the normal application process) they can be awarded academic credits for courses passed within Lifelong learning if these are necessary for the degree.

What legal framework is Lifelong learning based on?

Lifelong learning in higher education is governed mainly by § 60 of Act No. 111/1998 Coll., On universities and amendments of other acts, as amended. In addition there are also a number of legal standards governing Lifelong learning and further education for different professions or areas of operation. More information can be found under Programmes and Courses of Lifelong learning - Types of Lifelong Learning programmes at UP.

What is the difference between formal, non-formal, and informal education?

Formal learning is characterized as intentional learning that takes place in educational institutions and in an accepted educational system. The target groups of formal learning are certain groups of people, often determined by age, level of education and specialisation. Advances in learning are usually monitored and evaluated, and the output is a certificate or diploma of some kind. Formal education is often compulsory. Non-formal education is intentional but voluntary learning, offered in a variety of environments and situations in which teaching, training and learning is not necessarily the sole or main activity. The environment or situation may be temporary or alternating. Activities and courses are planned, but do not have the structure of a traditional lesson or subjects. Focus is usually on specific target groups. It is less common with evaluation of outputs and learning outcomes. Informal learning is unintentional learning that takes place in the context of everyday life at home, at work, during leisure activities and in public. The outcomes of non-formal education are not usually recorded, never certified and are usually not immediately visible even for the learner. It is not recognized for the purposes of education, training or employment.

In what way is non-formal and informal education important?

Given the current situation in Europe, with growing unemployment and a lack of economic growth, it is necessary to show the advantages of the new opportunities for learning outside the formal system. Involvement and empowerment of learners through knowledge they have gained is a prerequisite to managing rapid economic and technological changes. People should be empowered to put the knowledge gained outside school to use in their professional life and further learning. Training and qualification systems could be used to verify and evaluate the results of non-formal and informal learning, that is to confirm that an individual has achieved a certain level according to the appropriate standard. This target is defined in the Europe 2020 strategy.