CAS Adult Education as a Field of Research and Practice
Designing successful courses and workshops is a key skill in adult education. Building on this, the latest findings from teaching and learning research are examined and evaluated. Historical and comparative educational research highlight the social significance of continuing education programmes and the changing educational and advisory needs of adults.
- Application deadline
- 15 September 2026
- Duration of study
- one term
- Scope
- 15 credit points
- Qualification
- Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
- Start of studies
- 16 October 2026
Target audience
The certificate programme is aimed at individuals who, as part of their professional roles, are responsible for continuing professional development and training, and who wish to acquire expertise in educational science at Master’s level. It can also be undertaken to deepen prior knowledge of educational science within the context of adult education.
Career prospects
The certificate programme
- equips participants to design courses and workshops professionally and
- provides a foundation in educational theory for the justification and evaluation of educational programmes.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for the degree programme are
- a first degree or evidence that the necessary aptitude has been acquired in some other way, and
- at least one year’s professional experience in the education sector, as a rule.
Application
Please send your application and the required documents by email to zww(at)ph-karlsruhe.de
Legal basis
Organisational consultancy
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
A023
Phone
Learning outcomes and skills
As a participant,
- you will gain a deeper understanding of approaches to adult education and teaching methods;
- you will familiarise yourself with the findings of current research into teaching and learning;
- you will develop and test a competence-based model of cognitive activation and sustainable learning for the design of courses and workshops;
- practise learning assessment and feedback;
- distinguish between and apply studies from historical and comparative educational research;
- recognise the socio-political and economic significance of further training;
- discuss changing educational and counselling needs;
- reflect on your professional self-image.
Course structure and dates
The certificate programme is designed to be undertaken alongside work, concludes with a written examination and lasts one semester. This module comprises three face-to-face sessions, supplemented by digital learning materials and self-study periods.
All face-to-face sessions take place at weekends – on Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
| Module component | CP | Date |
|---|---|---|
Seminar 1: Sustainable learning: Findings from teaching and learning research Building on basic research into the effectiveness of continuing education for adults, the seminar presents academic findings on learning, the creation of a positive learning environment, teaching and learning arrangements, and the quality of teaching. Building on this, a framework for success in developing practical competence will be developed. The seminar systematically alternates between input sessions and active learning sessions. | 5 | 16–17 October 2026 |
Seminar 2: Successful Teaching: Principles, Concepts and Methods Numerous studies have identified the so-called ‘sandwich principle’ as a positive learning environment in adult education. This principle is introduced and enriched through various teaching and learning methods such as advance organisers, cognitive maps, different ways of introducing and concluding sessions, and similar approaches. The aim is to engage the participants and thereby enhance the effectiveness of further training. The seminar itself will be conducted according to the sandwich principle. | 5 | 13–14 November 2026
|
Seminar 3: Training Adults: Needs and Requirements Teaching and learning arrangements are based on specific conceptions of education and the learning needs of adults. At the same time, they respond to the growing demand for continuing professional development in the world of work and civil society. Building on this, an overview will be developed of key areas of adult education, the tasks of adult education, and the perspectives and findings of educational and social research. This will provide a framework for reflecting on one’s own professional self-image. | 5 | 11–12 December 2026
|
Study Management
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B307
Phone
Availability
By arrangement
Advice on content
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B304
Phone
Availability
By arrangement via email
Fees
The total fee is 1,300 euros. This includes the following services:
- Face-to-face seminars and e-learning modules,
- advice and support from the lecturers throughout all stages of the course,
- use of the university’s information and communication platform, and
- a recognised certificate (Certificate of Advanced Studies) upon successful completion of the programme.
Legal basis for fees
Leaflet
Any questions?
Our Centre for Academic Continuing Education is here to advise you on all matters relating to admission, the organisation of your studies, funding and the recognition of prior learning.
Centre of Continuing Education
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
A023
Phone
Updated on 22 October 2026 by Central Web Editorial Office