CAS Leadership Skills
The quality of leadership has a lasting impact on the productivity, quality standards and innovative capacity of a company or institution. However, leadership quality cannot be conjured up from simple ingredients and recipes. Rather, good leadership stems from psychological and specialist knowledge, from effective and goal-oriented communication, and from a willingness to engage with people, recognise their goals and motivate them.
The ‘Leadership Skills’ (CAS) certificate programme highlights these interrelationships and the opportunities available to you. With the expertise you gain, you will lead your company’s staff using motivational strategies. You will qualify for leadership and decision-making roles, for organising and developing training programmes, and for advisory roles in the consultancy sector.
- Application deadline
- 15 September 2026
- Duration of study
- one term
- Scope
- 15 credit points
- Qualification
- Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
- Start of studies
- 6 November 2026
Target audience
This programme is aimed at professionals who hold leadership roles as part of their work, or who advise and support those in leadership roles, such as heads of departments or specialist teams, team or project leaders, trainers in industry or the skilled trades, and technical consultants working in companies or on a self-employed basis.
Career prospects
Upon successful completion of the CAS, you will be able to
- take on senior roles in the management of staff;
- to take on roles involving leadership and decision-making responsibilities in the organisation and development of training programmes;
- to take on advisory roles in the consultancy sector.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for the degree programme are
- a first degree and
- at least one year’s professional experience, as a rule, in the field of adult education, human resources management or advisory and support services in a comparable professional field.
Application
Please email your application, together with the required documents, 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
- An understanding of and reflection on one’s own leadership style to date,
- an understanding of the psychological and social interrelationships between leadership and collaboration, as well as
- knowledge of leadership tools and leadership concepts, and the ability to apply these as appropriate to the situation.
Course structure and dates
The certificate programme is designed to be undertaken alongside work and runs for one semester. A total of 15 credit points are awarded. The programme comprises three face-to-face seminars, which take place as block sessions. Upon attendance of the face-to-face seminars, completion of the self-study material and passing the final examination (documentation assessment), the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) will be awarded.
The face-to-face sessions take place on Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on the following dates:
| Module components | CP | Date |
|---|---|---|
Seminar 1: Principles of Leadership You will learn the psychological foundations of motivation, power and the legitimisation of power, as well as group dynamics. You will explore the fundamental theories of communication and conflict management, thereby preparing yourself for the social aspects of your leadership role. An important and fundamental component is reflecting on your leadership experience to date. | 5 | 6–7 November 2026 |
Seminar 2: Building a Leadership Relationship Dealing with values and leading in the context of generative or cultural shifts in values determines the mutual acceptance between managers and staff. You will learn to understand the psychological links between the fulfilment of needs and reward or incentive systems, and to apply them in a goal-oriented manner. Through practical training, you will learn to communicate under pressure. | 5 | 20–21 November 2026 |
Seminar 3: Leading Groups and Developing Staff You will learn about methods of job enlargement and job enrichment as tools for motivation, as well as methods for facilitating and structuring information. You will also gain insights into project management and practise conflict resolution discussions. | 5 | 4–5 December 2026 |
Academic guidance and supervision
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
3
Room
120
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
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