Small group size, diversity, close contact with the lecturers, friendly and full support in every respect, and a very good exchange of professional ideas.
CAS Educational Work with Older People
If you work in education for older people, you need the ability to design educational programmes and teaching methods that are appropriate for their age group.
Our certificate programme qualifies you to work professionally in the field of education for older people and prepares you appropriately for this responsible yet rewarding role. By working in education for older people, you will be entering a promising career field.
Currently suspended
We do not currently have any dates available for this CAS.
- Application deadline
- -
- Duration of study
- one term
- Scope
- 15 CP
- Qualification
- CAS
- Start of studies
- -
Target audience
The certificate programme is aimed at those who support (older) learners, both individually and in groups, and wish to expand their skills to include geragogical aspects. It is aimed at professionals who work in the education sector, adult education, staff development or social counselling, either on a full-time or voluntary basis.
Career prospects
Upon completion of the certificate programme, you will be qualified for
- roles in educational, counselling and social services organisations, as well as in the leisure and cultural sectors, e.g. as a person responsible for tasks relating to in-company further training.
- roles in adult education.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for the certificate programme are
- a first degree or evidence that the necessary aptitude has been acquired in some other way;
- at least one year’s professional experience in the field of education, as a rule.
Application
Please send your application and the required documents by email to the Centre for Academic Continuing Education.
Legal basis
Organisational consultancy
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
A023
Phone
Learning outcomes and skills
This certificate programme focuses on the education of older and elderly people. You will gain in-depth knowledge of ageing, development and learning processes from the perspectives of educational theory and geragogy. You will learn to engage with the social circumstances and individual life situations of older people. In doing so, you will broaden your understanding of cultural perceptions of ageing and the changing attitudes towards old age, against the backdrop of the growing importance of educational provision. You will be equipped to address the specific requirements of education in later life, both in theory and in practice.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to:
- apply in-depth knowledge of educational theories and geragogical discourse;
- to critically evaluate concepts in terms of their applicability to practical educational work;
- to support older people in their learning process through your experience as a practitioner-researcher and to facilitate social participation for older people.
Course structure and dates
The certificate programme (15 CP) is undertaken on a part-time basis, concludes with a written examination and lasts one semester. It comprises three face-to-face sessions, supplemented by digital modules 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 | CP | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Geragogy from the perspective of social gerontology: ageing from a life-course perspective, ageing as an opportunity for learning, educational, gerontological and didactic foundations of geragogical learning arrangements, the geragogical view of human nature, learning and education | 5 | 4–5 December 2026 |
| Intergenerational learning: effects of the ageing process on human (learning) behaviour, learning theories and learning in later life: phenomena, challenges and resources; dealing with differences (objectives, content and methods of intergenerational learning); the concept of generations and their specific characteristics; learning and new media; intergenerational learning: design, conditions for success, justifications and criticism | 5 | 6–7 November 2026 |
| Concepts of geragogy: Theories and methods of geragogy, designing educational processes whilst taking into account learning needs and educational challenges in later life, physical and mental capacity of older people in the context of geragogical interventions (particularly sensory impairments). | 5 | 5–6 February 2027 |
Programme management and academic advice
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