Master's Degree Programme in Adult Education

The Master’s programme is aimed at individuals with a university degree who, in their professional roles, undertake tasks in adult education, further education and professional development, and who are seeking to acquire expertise in educational science at Master’s level.

This degree qualifies you to pursue a PhD.

This degree programme will qualify you for senior roles within educational institutions and in cultural and educational administration – for example, as a head of department or educational officer – as well as for positions of responsibility in in-company training, human resources development and educational research.

Graduates of other training programmes and degree courses in the social and healthcare sectors, as well as teacher training students, can use this programme to expand their skills in adult education and open up new career and progression opportunities.

The entry requirements for admission to this Master’s programme at our university are

• a first degree
• at least one year professional experience in the field of education, as a rule

Admission is available each winter semester.

The successful design of courses and workshops is a key competence in adult education. It forms the starting point for a thorough examination of learning research and didactics, social and educational research, digital education, as well as broader issues relating to programme development and public relations, people management and coaching. These course contents, together with the final module, form the core requirements of the degree programme.

The course content is divided into several modules (study units) worth 15 credit points (CP). Students must complete six modules, which are combined to form the academic qualification following the successful completion of the Master’s thesis. In total, you will earn 120 CP. 60 CP are allocated to compulsory areas 1 and 2, and 60 CP to the elective area. 

You largely determine the course of your studies yourself. You are not bound to a specific sequence. However, we recommend that you first fulfil the programme’s core requirements, which means taking modules 1 and 2 from the compulsory area. It is also possible, however, to start with modules from the elective area (currently modules 3 to 12).

If you have already completed one or more CAS programmes at our university prior to commencing your Master’s programme, you can have these fully recognised, thereby reducing the overall scope of your studies.

Each module, worth 15 CP, comprises at least three face-to-face sessions at weekends (Fridays and Saturdays), alongside digital formats and self-study periods. 

If required for professional or personal reasons, you can extend your four-semester programme to up to six semesters at no extra cost. This gives you maximum freedom when planning and undertaking your studies.

The fee for the standard duration of the programme (four to six semesters) totals 8,200 euros. It is payable in four instalments. The fee covers the following:

• Face-to-face seminars and e-learning modules
• Advice and support throughout all stages of study
• Use of the university’s information and learning platform
• Academic supervision of the Master’s thesis

In addition, the semester fee must be paid. This comprises an administration fee, the student administration fee and the fee for the Karlsruhe Student Services Organisation. You will receive a fee notice to this effect.

Does a full degree programme seem like a mountain you’d rather not climb all at once? Would you like to find out first whether an academic further education programme meets your requirements and expectations, or are you not yet ready to commit to a longer period of four to six semesters?

That is why we have developed our modular system. You can study elements of the Master’s programme in Adult Education as Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS) with specific thematic focuses and have these credited towards the degree programme at a later date. Depending on your interests and professional background, this allows you to either start your degree from the very beginning or begin at a specific point by having the CAS modules you’ve completed recognised as Master’s modules.

Our Student Services Centre can advise you on all matters relating to applications, admission and the organisation of your studies. For enquiries regarding course content or the recognition of prior learning, please contact the programme co-ordinator directly.