Master's Programme in Adult Learning and Global Change, 60 credits

Internationellt masterprogram i vuxnas lärande och globala förändringar, 60 hp

L7MLG

Teaching language

English

Campus

Distance

Degree

Degree of Master of Arts and Social Science (60 credits)  with a major in Adult Learning

Pace of study

Half-time

Introduction

The programme comprises six course modules, each comprising 7,5 credit points and one course module of 15 credit points. One course module is divided into two parts – one part in the beginning of programme and another which ends the joint activities between all students of the collaborating universities. The introductory module deals with integration of the course and leads up to the development of a capability envelope, which continues over the two years. Four of the modules focus on different content themes or ‘perspectives’, designed to be applicable to students with interest or background in any context. On module focuses on research methods and is followed by a research project in those universities where this is required for a Master's degree. If this is not applicable, the research project is replaced by local optional courses, relevant to the programme.

Purpose

The aim is to provide a high quality Master’s degree in Adult Learning, which in both content and process gives students an insight into globalisation and cross-cultural collaboration. The programme should also enhance the understanding of different contexts and provide experience of working in a variety of study modes.

Aim

Knowledge and understanding

  • to encourage understanding of commonalities and differences across different contexts for adult learning
  • to understand knowledge based societies and the implications for learning
  • to develop understanding of the globalisation discourses
  • to appreciate the historical context of present developments and link these to one’s own sites of practice
  • to challenge orthodoxies in adult learning theory and practice

Skills and abilities

  • to learn to use teaching and learning technologies globally
  • to learn how to learn and work globally

Values and attitudes

  • to develop cultural sensibilities and sensitivities
  • to adopt a multifaceted equity perspective on all issues of learning
  • to engage in reframing of one’s own professional practice
  • to create networks of relationships across countries and help establish a global community of adult learning practitioners

Content

Nedan ska ny text in:

The programme comprises eight course modules, each comprising 7,5 credit points. The introductory module deals with integration of the course and leads up to the development of a capability envelope, which continues over the two years. Four of the modules focus on different content themes or ‘perspectives’, designed to be applicable to students with interest or background in any context. One module focuses on research methods and is followed by a research project in those universities where this is required for a Master's degree. If this is not applicable, the research project is replaced by local optional courses, relevant to the programme.

The name and sequence of course modules over the programme is shown below:

  • Locating oneself in Global Learning, part 1, 4,5 hp/ECTS
  • Adult Learning: Perspectives and Contexts, 7,5 hp/ECTS
  • Work and Learning, 7,5 hp/ECTS
  • Fostering Learning in Practice, 7,5 hp/ ECTS
  • Global/Local Learning, 7,5 hp/ECTS
  • Understanding Research, 7,5 hp/ECTS
  • Locating oneself in Global Learning, Part II, 3 hp/ECTS
  • Researching Adult Learning: Project work, 15 hp/ECTS

Content, modes of presentation, learning objectives, and examination for each course module are described in more detail in separate course outlines.

Teaching and working methods

The programme is a distance learning programme in collaboration between Linköping University, Sweden, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada and the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.

Entry requirements

  • Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, with a major in adult education, adult learning or other subject relevant to the field of adult learning 
    or 
    Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, and additional academic studies relevant to the field of adult learning of at least 60 credits
    or 
    Teacher’s degree for Upper-Secondary School
    or
    Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, and additional clearly documented work experience of at least one year, full time, in adult education and/or adult learning.
  • English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
    Exemption from Swedish

    Degree requirements

    Completed studies will lead to a Master’s degree; Master of Arts and Social Science with a major in Adult´s Learning.  A diploma certificate will be issued on request after the reported completion of all prescribed courses and the concluding Master’s thesis provided that the student meets with the general and specific admission requirements. Students who do not fulfil all requirements to receive a Master of Arts and Social Science will receive a Transcript of Record of courses completed satisfactorily. 

    Degree in Swedish

    Filosofie magisterexamen med huvudområde Vuxnas lärande

    Degree in English

    Degree of Master of Arts and Social Science (60 credits)  with a major in Adult Learning

    Specific information

    Credit System

    Credits are given for each course in terms of credit points (hp). 1,5 hp/1,5 ECTS credits corresponds to one week of full-time studies, and full-time studies require at least 40 hours per week.  A full academic year is thus 60 credits/60 ECTS credits.

    Accreditation of previous studies

    The Faculty Programme Director decides whether previous studies could be accredited as a part of the Master’s programme or not.

    Examination and grading

    The requirements for examination for each course are specified in the course descriptions.

    The Grades used in the programme as described in each syllabus respectively. The students also a given grades according to the ECTS grading scale    A-F.

    Diploma Certificate

    Completed studies will lead to a Master’s degree; Master of Arts and Social Science with a major in Adult´s Learning.  A diploma certificate will be issued on request after the reported completion of all prescribed courses and the concluding Master’s thesis provided that the student meets with the general and specific admission requirements. Students who do not fulfil all requirements to receive a Master of Arts and Social Science  will receive a Transcript of Record of courses completed satisfactorily. 

    Deviations from programme syllabus.

    If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this programme syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

    Semester 1 Autumn 2025

    Preliminary courses
    Course code Course name Credits Level Weeks ECV
    945A02 Adult learning: Perspectives and Contexts 7.5 A1X C
    LIVLD2 Locating Oneself in Global Learning, Part I 4.5 A1X C
    LIVLD4 Work and Learning 7.5* A1X C
    *Kursen läses över flera terminer

    Semester 2 Spring 2026

    Preliminary courses
    Course code Course name Credits Level Weeks ECV
    LIVLD4 Work and Learning 7.5* A1X C
    *Kursen läses över flera terminer
    LIVLE2 Fostering Learning in Practice 7.5 A1X

    Semester 3 Autumn 2026

    Preliminary courses
    Course code Course name Credits Level Weeks ECV
    945A05 Understanding research 7.5* A1X C
    *Kursen läses över flera terminer
    LIVLD6 Global/Local Learning 7.5 A1X C

    Semester 4 Spring 2027

    Preliminary courses
    Course code Course name Credits Level Weeks ECV
    945A05 Understanding research 7.5* A1X C
    *Kursen läses över flera terminer
    945A10 Researching Adult learning: Project work 15 A1X C
    LIVLE1 Locating Oneself in Global Learning, Part II 3 A1X C