The document summarizes the international research project Opening Universities to Lifelong Learning (OPULL) from 2009 to 2013. The project aimed to identify best practices for transitions between vocational and academic study and full-time and part-time education to enhance lifelong learning opportunities. It involved universities from Germany, Denmark, Finland, and the UK. The research had several phases including mapping education systems, student surveys, interviews on recognizing prior learning, and developing models for a European open university. Preliminary findings showed different approaches to open universities across countries. The current phase involves interviews with students and stakeholders to understand views on recognizing prior learning for higher education qualifications.

1. First results from the international research project Opening Universities to Lifelong Learning OPULL, 2009 to 2013