Designing a Competency-Based Curriculum in Higher VET Education (Case Study: University of Applied Sciences)

The purpose of this study was to design a competency-based curriculum in VET higher education system based on a paradigmatic model. The present study is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and researcher notes and observations and analyzed using the grounded theory strategy. The statistical population consisted of curriculum experts who selected 16 individuals by purposeful sampling. Validity and reliability were ensured by using member checking, transient coding agreement, expert review of results, and peer review techniques. Findings were divided into six groups of categories: 1. Causal factors or conditions 2. Core phenomenon 3. Strategic categories 4. Background conditions 5. Mediating categories, and 6. Outcome categories as identified and explained. Suggestions graduates were made to improve the quality of the production and implementation process of higher education VET curricula, especially at the University of Applied Science to increase the employability of the graduates.