Quality Assurance in an International Higher Education Area : A Case Study Approach and Comparative Analysis

Rethinking the purpose and the aim of higher education has led to new and alternative ways to assure the quality of different higher education systems. The case studies of six OECD countries exemplify the ongoing trends and changes along peer-reviewed country reports and interviews with national and international experts in terms of quality assurance in higher education. The comparative analysis is based on international, descriptive, discursive and analytical aspects concentrating on the theoretical concepts of massification, diversification, privatisation and internationalisation. This study highlights the ongoing and leading trend towards quality assurance within an international higher education area.