CAS Learning and Biography
Biographical learning is an educational concept that explicitly places learners and their specific life stories at the centre. This further training equips you to apply methods of memory work in your professional practice and to support people in learning from their life experiences, helping them to discover these as a source of self-awareness and personal strengths.
You will acquire evidence-based knowledge on how to facilitate the development of life planning skills when working with children, young people, adults and older people, and will be equipped to guide individuals or groups in tapping into their potential for resilience. Through a highly practical approach, you will learn how to empower people to reflect on the different stages and experiences of their lives and to assign new meanings to them.
- Application deadline
- 15 March 2027
- Duration of study
- one term
- Scope
- 15 credit points
- Qualification
- Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
- Start of studies
- 23 April 2027
Target audience
This training programme is aimed at people who wish to work with biographical methods in counselling and/or educational contexts. The skills taught can be applied
- in work with children and young people,
- in adult education,
- in various fields of social work,
- in counselling and supporting migrants,
- in senior citizens’ centres and the care sector, as well as
- in work with people with disabilities.
Career prospects
This further education programme equips you to facilitate the development of life planning skills when working with children, young people, adults and older people, and to guide individuals or groups in tapping into their potential for resilience. Through its broad contextualisation and the interweaving of the theme of ‘biographical learning’ with issues relating to lifelong and intergenerational learning, the programme is open to people from a variety of educational backgrounds and appeals to a wide range of professional fields.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for the certificate programme are
- a completed university degree comprising at least 180 CP and
- at least one year’s professional experience.
Application
Please email your application and 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
This continuing professional development programme explores various subject areas and the links between learning and personal history. With a focus on the fundamental aspect of learning through one’s own personal history, the programme examines theories and techniques of biographical exploration within the context of lifelong and intergenerational learning.
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 six days of face-to-face teaching, distance-learning components and self-study periods, and concludes with a written examination. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Learning and Biography, worth 15 credit points (CP).
The 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 component | CP | Date |
|---|---|---|
Seminar 1: Lifelong Learning Historical development of the concept and socio-political context, research approaches and conceptual development, reflection critical of ideology | 5 | 7–8 May 2027 |
Seminar 2: 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 generational specifics; learning and new media; intergenerational learning: design, conditions for success, justifications and criticism | 5 | 23 April 2027 and 24 July 2027 |
Seminar 3: Theories and techniques of biographical exploration Theories, themes and fields of memory work, as well as practical engagement with various methods and potential applications of biographical exploration | 5 | 24 April 2027 and 23 July 2027 |
Academic advice and supervision
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
3
Room
223
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