Globalisation and Higher Education Research

Globalisation has become one of the key concepts in the social sciences today. In higher education research, too, the term is used frequently. Maybe even so frequently that it sometimes seems possible to pronounce virtually anything under the heading of globalisation. This article attempts to identify the various interpretations of globalisation in general, as well as in higher education research. It will do so in an interdisciplinary manner. The different interpretations of globalisation are related to the different past realities that are taken as a point of departure. Four different conceptualisations are identified and will be further explored. These are also explored for the field of higher education research. The following broad topics are identified in this field: the changing nature of international linkages, government authority over higher education, threats to diversity, and the loss of national identities.