Adult Education and Adult Educators in Transition 2027

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dult education plays a central role in shaping Europe's future. The new European Agenda for Adult Learning outlines a vision of how adult learning should develop in Europe by 2030. Nevertheless, adult education's social, cultural, civic, and educational mission remains unchanged. 

The need for critical and creative thinking, adaptability, and the capacity to lead change, as well as the need to upgrade and broaden skills, is constantly growing.

The International Online Microdegree Programme "Adult Education and Adult Educators in Transition" offers space for thoughtful exploration and mutual learning within a diverse international learning community.

The programme will run from 09 February to 15 June 2027, with 1–2 sessions per month. The detailed schedule will be confirmed in December 2026.

This programme is grounded in two key foundations:

1. The impact of global changes and ongoing crises on adult education and adult learning
2. The need to explore the changing roles and professional identities of adult educators. 

The programme creates opportunities for an explorative, interactive, creative and collaborative learning process involving a variety of practices and processes through which participants can reflect on, refine, extend their professional practice, deepen their personal experience, and build their inner collaborative networks.

What does the programme offer?

This microdegree programme offers a dynamic learning experience in an academic setting that is explorative, interactive, creative, and collaborative. 

Through a variety of learning practices and processes, participants are invited to:

• extend and deepen understanding of adult education developments and supporting adults in different learning settings;
• reflect and refine their professional identity;
• engage in meaningful exchange with fellow adult educators across contexts.

Meeting experts and practitioners 

As part of the programme, participants will:

• meet and engage with leading experts in the field of adult education;
• hear real-life stories and experiences from adult education practitioners;
• explore the development of national professional and assessment standards for adult educators;
• be introduced to the latest research results and learn about Estonia's high rate of participation in lifelong learning, among the highest in Europe;
• gain insight into Estonia's qualification framework for adult educators.

Who are we looking for?

This microdegree programme is for:

• adult education professionals,
• adult educators,
• prospective adult educators,
• adult learning specialists,
• community leaders,
• learning facilitators,
• staff from organisations working in adult education outside traditional and formal education,
• students, including PhD students,
• educators and leaders of the adult education community centres,
• representatives of non-governmental organisations and local communities.

Why study with us?

Tallinn University is one of the new universities in the world where adult education and andragogy are taught at both bachelor's and master's levels. This programme is a unique international microdegree programme that is based on master's-level degree study courses.

The programme consists of three modules (13 ECTS):

• International Developments in Adult Education (6 ECTS)
• Adult Educators as Learning Professionals and Leaders of Change (6 ECTS)
• Reflection of Adult Educator (1 ECTS)

Partners and experts from partner organisations will be involved in the programme to enrich the international content of the programme and bring critical views on the main themes of the modules.

The curriculum is registered in the Estonian Education Information System (curriculum code 259689) and meets the requirements of the current Continuing Education Standard and the Adult Education Act.

Programme design

This programme takes place using Zoom and the web-based learning environment Moodle. Studying includes:

• seminars and interactive sessions,
• critical and moderated discussions,
• creative and reflective practices,
• meetings with international experts and professionals from the field of adult education and virtual study visit. 

Between the sessions, independent learning will take place in peer groups and study circles. Through the study circles, we support the possibility of experiencing learning in an international learning group.

Admission requirements

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent from an accredited institution.
A minimum B2 level of English language proficiency.

Application deadlines

We look forward to learning and reflecting alongside you, as both an educator and a changemaker.

This application process is an opportunity for us to get to know you better: your motivation, your journey, and what drives you to apply to the programme.

The period for submission of an application form is open from December until January 20, 2027! 

The application form consists of the following:

Basic information on a Google Form;
creative task that includes sharing your story as an adult educator and reflecting on questions related to your motivation, current questions and personal development.

The application form is evaluated by the following criterias:

1. Clarity of Motivation and Purpose
We are looking for applicants who can clearly express their motivation for joining the programme, along with their goals, challenges, and areas for growth. Strong applications will demonstrate clear articulation of why this programme matters at this point and bring out any insights into how participation will support both personal and professional development.

2. Relevant Experience
Applicants should bring out relevant work and life experiences that connect meaningfully with the focus of the microdegree programme.

3. Presentation and Readability
We value applications that are clear, well-structured, and thoughtfully presented. Strong submissions will demonstrate clarity of language and expression of ideas, attention to presentation quality, including formatting and readability.

Admission deadlines

November - January 20, 2027 Period for submission of an application.
January 26, 2027 Selection of the participants and feedback to candidates. 
January 29, 2027 Confirmation of your attendance.

Study sessions in 2027 

Study period: 09 February - 15 June 2027
1 - 2 sessions each month on Tuesday
15.00 - 18.00 CET (16.00-19.00 Estonian time)

The detailed schedule will be confirmed in December 2026.

Academic Staff

The programme involves academic staff from Tallinn University and from partner universities, the University of Tampere and Malta University, and partner organisations.

Contact information