I benefit greatly from the knowledge I have gained whilst studying geragogy. The academic insights from my geragogy studies help me to address issues relating to ageing in my professional life.
Master’s Degree Programme in Geragogy
part-time master's programme
Those working with older people should have the skills to support educational programmes and social initiatives in a way that is appropriate for their age group. Older people generally have a wealth of experience to draw upon. Integrating this potential into the educational process in a meaningful and structured way requires comprehensive knowledge of geragogy. In this part-time degree programme, geragogical skills are taught, reflected upon and further developed through a close integration of theory and practice, based on current pedagogical research.
- Application deadline
- 15 July
- Duration of study
- 4 semesters
- Scope
- 120 CP
- Conclusion
- M. A.
- Start of studies
- Winter term
Target audience
This programme is aimed at professionals who work in the education sector, either full-time or on a voluntary basis, and who have already obtained an academic qualification, for example in educational and nursing sciences, gerontology, psychology, social work/social pedagogy, teaching professions, or the humanities and cultural studies, such as languages or theology.
Career prospects
With a Master’s degree, you will be qualified for:
- positions and management roles in educational, counselling and social care organisations
- roles in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with a social policy and cultural focus on older people
- management roles in educational, counselling and cultural organisations
- roles in in-company continuing professional development and intergenerational management
- roles in adult education.
This degree qualifies you to pursue a PhD.
For me personally, the breadth of the topics was the most appealing aspect. It significantly broadened my perspective on the subject as a whole. Working in a small study group in close contact with the lecturers was simply a unique experience.
What I like about my degree is that it gives me an insight into academia and research; I’m acquiring and developing new skills that will help me better understand the lives of older people.
Application
The entry requirements for this Master’s programme at our university are
- a first degree
- at least one year professional experience in the education sector, as a rule
Admission takes place at the start of the winter semester.
Learning objectives and skills
The programme focuses on the education of older and elderly people. As a student on the Geragogy degree programme, you will gain in-depth knowledge of ageing processes from a medical perspective, as well as of lifelong developmental processes from an educational and sociological perspective.
You will learn to engage with the individual life circumstances and social situations of older people, as well as with the ethical challenges involved in intergenerational relations. You will also broaden your understanding of cultural perceptions of old age and the changing images of ageing, as well as the importance of educational provision. In addition, you will acquire a grounding in philosophy and theology.
Upon successful completion, they will also be able to:
- apply in-depth knowledge of educational theories, geragogical discourse and subject-specific teaching methods
- critically examine concepts with regard to their applicability in practical educational work
- support older people in their learning process through their experience as practice-based researchers and to promote social participation for older people
Course structure and dates
The degree programme, comprising 120 credit points (CP), is organised on a modular basis and divided into four compulsory study areas.
Dates during the term
Face-to-face sessions usually take place at weekends, on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm or 5:00 pm. Please refer to the tables detailing the course structure on the website of the relevant CAS programme for the exact dates and times of all sessions. If you have any questions, please contact the Geragogy programme co-ordinators.
| Foundations (45 CP) | CAS in Educational Work with Older People | 15 CP | Winter semester 2026/27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS Ageing in Today’s Society | 15 CP | Winter term 2026/27 | |
| CAS Theology and Philosophy of Ageing | 15 CP | Summer term 2027 | |
| Subject Didactics (30 CP) | CAS Music – Literature – Language: Subject-Specific Pedagogical Perspectives in Geragogy | 15 CP | Summer semester 2027 |
| CAS Technology – Media – Physical Education: Subject-Specific Pedagogical Perspectives on Geragogy | 15 CP | Winter term 2027/28 | |
| Practical module (15 CP) | Practical Studies | 15 CP | every semester |
| Master’s module (15 CP) | Final module involving the completion of the Master’s thesis | 30 CP | Available every semester |
Almost all modules (15 CP) include three weekend attendance periods (Fridays and Saturdays), alongside digital formats and self-study periods.
The modules designated as a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) can be booked and taken separately, thus offering you flexible access to the Master’s programme: getting started made easy.
Fees
The fee for the standard duration of study (four semesters) totals 6,400 euros. It is payable in three 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.
Legal basis
Getting started made easy
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 Geragogy as Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS) with specific thematic focuses and have these credited towards the Master’s programme in Geragogy. Depending on your interests and professional background, this allows you to either commence your studies from the very beginning or join at a specific point by having the CAS modules you have completed recognised as Master’s modules.
Any questions?
Programme Director
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B208
Phone
Availability
By arrangement
Programme Coordination
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B304
Phone
Availability
By arrangement via email
Leaflet
Central point of contact
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.
Study Service Centre
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
3
Room
118
Phone
Availability
Monday to Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
During the lecture-free period from 9 February to 12 April:
Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Updated on 17 September 2026 by Kordula Manegold