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Adult Learning and Global Change, Master's Programme

60 credits

Do you work, or wish to work, with adult learning — in education, with in-service training or in social movements? Explore its global impact and develop your professional practice in an award-winning international programme.

Adult Learning and Global Change, Master's Programme, Distance

Autumn 2025 / Half-time / Distance

Adult Learning and Global Change, Master's Programme, Distance

Autumn 2026 / Half-time / Distance

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Application period 16 Oct - 15 Jan
In today’s rapidly changing world, lifelong learning is more important than ever. This international master’s programme explores how adult learning can make a difference in times of global transformation. You will study asynchronously with professionals from around the world in a digital environment that promotes reflection and collaboration across borders.
The programme is designed for those who work, or wish to work, with adult learning in education, business, or organisations. You will gain new perspectives on how learning can contribute to social, cultural, and organisational change, while developing your own professional practice.

An online programme in an international context

Our programme is a collaboration between three universities on three continents: Linköping University (Sweden), the University of British Columbia (Canada), and the University of the Western Cape (South Africa).
All course activities take place on a digital learning platform, where you will study together with students from all participating universities in a global class.

An award-winning programme

The programme won the 2005 Curriculum Innovation Award, awarded by the Commission of Professors of Adult Education of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education, and the e-Learning Excellence Award (2015) at the 14th European Conference on E-learning, held at Hertfordshire University, UK.

Syllabus and course details

A detailed syllabus, curriculum, and information on the courses you may take can be found in our study information database via the link below. Entry requirements and tuition information can be found by selecting the drop-down ''Admission requirements'' available under the Autumn 2024 tab.
Syllabus and curriculum

Career opportunities

Following the final examination, you will have theoretical knowledge of globalisation and its impacts in different locations. This knowledge that is needed when you work in different formal and informal adult learning organizations.

Graduates of the programme will be able to: learn and teach globally, use global connective technologies, understand knowledge-based societies and their implications for learning, understand globalisation discourses, develop cultural sensibilities and sensitivities and develop an equality perspective for learning and re-framing their own professional practices.

Students may also continue their academic career in further projects.

Webinar 

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Different aspects of the online master’s programme

This two years program with a 50% study pace will provide students with previous studies in education or adult learning with the ability to challenge traditional perspectives on globalisation. Organising partners of the programme are Linköping University (Sweden), the University of British Columbia (Canada) and the University of the Western Cape (South Africa). Recorded in October 2022.

Research

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Division of Education and Adult Learning (PVL)

The division is one of the world’s most prominent university settings in the area of adult learning and hosts Sweden’s only Folk High School Teacher Training. Our research focuses on adult education as well as on vocational education.

Application & admission

Applicants who do not have the required degree could be eligible by documenting work experience of at least one year, full time, in adult education and/or adult learning.

An experience certificate typically includes details such as the employer’s name, the employee's name and date of birth, dates of employment, number of hours per week, position held, a brief description of responsibilities linked to adult learning. The signature and contact details of the employer are required.

Application document checklist

  1. Diploma(s) of your degree(s) from an internationally recognized university, or a Final year certificate.
  2. Transcripts of completed courses and grades for each semester included in your degree. If you have had courses credited/transferred from previous studies, you must also submit official transcripts for those courses.
  3. Proof that you meet the specific entry requirements, for example relevant pages of course syllabuses (course descriptions), if the required courses/subjects are not clearly stated on your transcript.
  4. Proof of English language proficiency.
  5. A copy of your passport.

Much of what you need to submit – and how – is based on where you completed your studies. Find out how to do things right on University Admission: Country instructions. University Admissions: Provide application documents.

Related information

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How to apply for master's degree studies at LiU

A step-by-step guide to everything you need to know about applying for LiU's international master's degree programmes using the application system in Sweden.
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Master's level requirements

In order to be considered for admission for a master's degree programme at Linköping University you must meet certain general and specific entry requirements.
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Supporting documentation

Along with submitting an online application, you must submit a number of supporting documents that show that you meet the general and specific entry requirements.

Studying at LiU

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Distance education

Linköping University offers several international courses and programmes via distance education.

Degree studies

Join us on a journey towards new discoveries, with one of our groundbreaking international degree programmes, taught in English, at a world-class Swedish institution - Linköping University.

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