CAS Democracy Education
How can democratic skills be taught and fostered in educational settings? Which methods are suitable for effectively countering anti-democratic attitudes in different learning environments?
Our ‘Democracy Education’ professional development programme equips you to support groups in democratic learning processes and to design, deliver and critically reflect upon democracy education programmes in a methodologically and didactically sound manner, based on academic research. You will receive a fundamental and comprehensive introduction to the field of democracy education and will be given individual guidance in developing democracy education programmes.
Upon completion of the training programme, you will be able to act as an advocate for democratic education in various educational contexts and thus contribute to the further development of a democratic society.
- Application deadline
- 15 March 2027
- Duration of study
- one term
- Scope
- 15 CP
- Qualification
- CAS
- Start of studies
- April 2027
Target audience
The CAS is aimed at people who support groups in democratic learning processes and wish to independently design and deliver programmes in the field of democracy education. It is therefore particularly suitable as a continuing professional development programme for tutors in all areas of adult education, as well as for schoolteachers and those working in vocational training.
Career prospects
The continuing professional development programme in democracy education provides a qualification for the future challenge of democracy education. As a graduate, you will know how to deal with anti-democratic attitudes in educational settings, and you will be able not only to design democracy education programmes yourself, but also to facilitate them in practice.
This knowledge can be applied in many different professional fields.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for the certificate programme are
- a completed university degree comprising at least 180 CP
- at least one year’s professional experience in the field of education
Application
Please email your application and the required documents to the Centre for Continuing Academic Education. We require proof of your degree and evidence that you have at least one year’s professional experience.
Legal basis
Organisational consultancy
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
A023
Phone
Learning outcomes and skills
You will gain an understanding of
- key debates surrounding democracy education and the range of methods used;
- various approaches to democracy education;
- planning models for teaching and learning units in democracy education;
- democratic teaching and learning methods.
Upon completion of the certificate programme, you will be able to
- discuss current, socially relevant topics in democracy education from an educational science perspective;
- analyse and evaluate social and educational contexts against the backdrop of current research debates on topics relating to democracy education;
- design, implement and reflect on a practical project.
Course structure and dates
The certificate programme runs for one semester and can be undertaken whilst working. The programme consists of three seminars, comprising a total of five days of face-to-face teaching, distance-learning elements and self-study periods, and concludes with a written examination. Upon successful completion of the programme, the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Democracy Education, worth 15 credit points (CP), will be awarded.
All face-to-face sessions take place on Fridays or Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on the dates listed below. The dates for the synchronous online elements will be agreed with the participants.
| Seminar | CP | Date |
|---|---|---|
Seminar: Introduction to Democracy Education The course covers the theory and practice, as well as the meta-knowledge and methodological aspects of democracy education, and these are tested through experiential learning in democratic learning groups. | 5 | in planning
|
Seminar: Practical Project in Democracy Education The course imparts methodological and professional knowledge. Participants develop programme concepts tailored to specific target groups, which are discussed within the context of the course. | 5 | in planning |
Seminar: Current Topics in Democracy Education This course provides meta-knowledge on current topics in democracy education (anti-racism, anti-Semitism, anti-sexism, democracy and digital media, etc.) and introduces participants to the relevant research debates. | 5 | to be announced |
Programme management and academic advice
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B226
Phone
Availability
By arrangement
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