Degree
Miscellaneous / No degree
Semester fee
71
Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
3
Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
Yes
The KU’s Postgraduate Program in Adult Education provides interested students and adults who are already in employment with the opportunity of a comprehensive pedagogical further qualification to face the challenges of a dynamic and diverse society and to actively participate in shaping the educational landscape. The focus of this program in postgraduate studies is on diversity in pedagogical settings. The program therefore also explicitly offers migrants and refugees the opportunity for further qualification.
The program can be studied in full-time (3 semesters) or part-time (6 semesters).
Admission requirements
- Proof of a first university degree
- Proof of German language skills at B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Degree
A continuing education certificate can be obtained. This requires proof of at least 4 months of work experience, gained between graduation and before starting postgraduate studies. Otherwise, a Transcript of Records will be issued upon successful completion of postgraduate studies.
The program in detail
Contents
The increasingly rapid social and technological transformation processes make lifelong learning a necessity – even in adulthood. In this context, there is the increasing necessity of a further professionalization in adult and continuing education in the context of an academic training that prepares for specific task and fields of activity adequately. The offer gives students the possibility of acquiring a fundamental subject-scientific, pedagogical qualification based on their initial training, which ensures both acquisition of founded knowledge from adult education and skills related to the respective professional fields. Building on the theories of adult and continuing education, the program enables students to acquire basic pedagogical skills, methodological-didactic skills in the context of diversity and practical professional knowledge from the field of dialog-based HR and organizational development. The overarching qualification goal is to enable students to act professionally as teachers in different areas of adult and continuing education taking into account the conditions of social heterogeneity.
Structure
This postgraduate program comprises 9 modules, which are divided into basic modules, specialization modules on interculturality, advanced modules and a final module.
Basic modules
The two basic modules cover the acquisition of basic pedagogical competences, methodological-didactical skills and the interdisciplinary qualification through theoretical foundations of adult and continuing education.
Specialization modules on interculturality
The specialization modules deal with the fields of action of adult and continuing education in the context of diversity and practical professional knowledge from the field of HR and organizational development, supplemented by a diversity-related approach. The intertwining of theory and practice is reinforced by an internship phase. Here, theoretical knowledge can be translated into practice and at the same time analyzed, reflected and utilized against the background of one's own professionalization. In addition, against the background of interdisciplinarity, the students have the possibility to form their individual profiles accordingly.
Advanced modules
In the elective area, students can choose a subject relevant to adult and continuing education. This contributes to a better understanding of educational processes in adulthood and their interdependence with different subject didactics.
Final module
In the context of the final thesis, students set their individual focus, in which they deal with a selected topic in depth, applying the technical and methodological knowledge they have acquired up to that point.
Rankings and assessments
KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.
"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.
Practical connection
The Postgraduate Program in Adult Education includes a four-week internship phase. This contains, among other things, work shadowing in the practice field, practice consultation and practice guidance by full/part-time coworkers of the local institution. At the same time, it enables self-guided learning in vocational practice. In addition, students have the opportunity to analyze and reflect on their practical experience against a theoretical background in a seminar accompanying their internship.
Career possibilities and professional fields
Career prospects
Numerous employment opportunities are open to graduates in state and non-state institutions (e.g. church sponsors, independent sponsors, associations, trade unions, commercial enterprises), including (departmental) management of an educational institution, lecturing and lecturing activities, activities in the field of HR, team and organizational development, in educational management and (continuing) educational counseling.
Alumni testimonials
"In the 2019/2020 winter semester, I completed the continuing education degree program "Postgraduate Program in Adult Education" in part-time. One argument why I chose this program as a career changer in education was the variety of employment opportunities after graduation, e.g. in in-company continuing education, in…
"In the 2019/2020 winter semester, I completed the continuing education degree program "Postgraduate Program in Adult Education" in part-time. One argument why I chose this program as a career changer in education was the variety of employment opportunities after graduation, e.g. in in-company continuing education, in educational and academic staff development or working for independent educational institutions. The certificate program, which can also be completed in part-time, offers the possibility to complete all modules as block seminars, which take place at times that are well feasible for working professionals. As regards contents, the program offers a broad spectrum of fields of activity in adult education, such as didactical methods for organizing lessons, organizational management techniques in educational facilities, intercultural aspects of inclusive education as well as digital teaching elements for the conceptualization of advanced training formats, to just name a few. The examination types are usually very competence-oriented and focus on the conception, documentation and implementation of interactive teaching formats. I can recommend the three- or six-semester (full- or part-time) degree program because of the well-founded and practice-oriented teaching of methods, the freedom to choose the topics to be worked on, and the insightful group work with students from different fields and with different life experiences.”
"What I particularly appreciated about the Postgraduate Program in Adult Education was the balanced combination of practice-oriented courses and interesting insights into the research landscape of adult education. Thanks to the commitment of the teaching staff, we were able to carry out our own research project, so that…
"What I particularly appreciated about the Postgraduate Program in Adult Education was the balanced combination of practice-oriented courses and interesting insights into the research landscape of adult education. Thanks to the commitment of the teaching staff, we were able to carry out our own research project, so that we could put what we had learned in theory into practice and gain our own insights in the field of adult education research. The small groups in the seminars made intensive discussions possible. And outside of the seminars, I also appreciated the close contact with and good supervision by the lecturers. In the context of field trips and in special seminar formats, we came into contact with regional employers in the area of adult education and extra-curricular youth education, so that we got an overview of work possibilities after graduation, which facilitated and speeded up job entry enormously.”
The KU
Campus
Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town. Although the University and its campus has grown, it is still characterized by short distances: In Eichstätt, everything can be reached within ten minutes’ walking distance. On campus, green spaces such as the Hofgarten are the perfect places to relax. The garden of the Kapuzinerkloster is also used by different student initiatives for their projects. The canteen is located at the heart of the Eichstätt campus and has a sun deck and cafeteria that leave nothing to be desired.
What sets the KU apart
Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.
It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.
Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?
No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.
At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.
As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.
This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.
Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation.
Isn’t Eichstätt quite small for a university town?
With a population of around 15,000, it is probably the smallest university town in Europe. For our students, this means living and learning in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Whether it is on the way to a lecture in the morning, at the canteen for lunch or in the pub in the evening, you will often come across people you know. It is easy to meet people in Eichstätt! By the way, the KU’s “living room” is the Theke, a bar run by students for students. Here, people meet for parties, jam sessions, karaoke evenings or a cozy round of table football.
A small town also means short distances: The library, the swimming pool, the cinema or the supermarket – everything can be reached in a few minutes on foot or by bike. The town is located right in the heart of the Altmühltal natural park – a real paradise for climbers, canoeists, hikers and cyclists just around the corner.
Should you still reach a point when you feel too cooped in, you can breathe big city air easily near Eichstätt. Ingolstadt with its 135,000 inhabitants is only a few kilometers away and offers a variety of shopping and nightlife options.
The location
![[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten](/fileadmin/22/Studiengaenge/Bilder_fuer_Studiengangwebseiten/Biergarten.jpg)
Eichstätt and the surrounding Altmühltal natural park are not only a popular destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also for cyclists, climbers, canoeists and fossil collectors. Located between Munich and Nuremberg, the city impresses with its Baroque setting and southern flair combined with modern and prizewinning architecture as well as a broad variety of cultural offerings and leisure activities.
The Baroque park at the heart of the campus and the nearby banks of the Altmühltal river are the KU’s “green living room”. Another big advantage: all University facilities are just a short walk away from each other.
Advisory Service
Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!
David
Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building
Domplatz 8
|
Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Application
Requirements
Bachelor
German proficiency level B2 CEFR
German proficiency level B2 CEFR
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01
-
Jul 15
Enrollment period summer semester
Mar 29
-
Apr 09
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
No
The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.
Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!
Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.