MEd in Adult Learning & Education

Understanding and enhancing adult learning in workplaces, social movements, cultural institutions, communities, and more.

The MEd in Adult Learning and Education (ALE) is a professional degree for those who want to enhance their knowledge and skills as practitioners in any setting where adults are learning.

This program introduces students to the broad and diverse field of ALE, the research and theory that underpins its work, and current views on effective practice. The field of ALE has an important role to play in addressing many current “wicked problems” plaguing the globe. The program will explore the role of ALE in addressing—for example—the climate crisis, social and economic dislocation due to disruptive technologies, growing inequality, forced migration and displacement, and assaults on democratic institutions.

From basic literacy to continuing professional development, ALE has a role to play in empowering adults everywhere.

A master’s degree ALE has proven valuable to those who work in—or hope to work in—health education; post-secondary institutions; community centres and non- profit organizations; social movements; business, unions, industry and government; public safety; adult basic education; literacy; English as an additional language; international and/or community development; museums, libraries, art galleries and other cultural organizations; and professional associations.

ALE students come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds and many have no formal preparation in education. We have found that diverse cohorts create a stimulating learning environment for everyone. Some previous experience working with adult learners is an asset because it provides a starting point for discussions about the relationship between context, theory and practice. If you are interested in teaching, planning, administration, policy, advocacy or just want to deepen your understanding of ALE, consider applying.

Testimonials

“I completed my UBC MEd, with a focus in adult education, through attending classes at the Point Grey campus while working full-time as an instructor at the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s old Jericho campus. Not only was taking this program a great education choice as it related directly to my work at that time as an instructor, curriculum developer and manager, but it was likely the best career choice I made as it helped move me into many different positions and opportunities at JIBC. The faculty were excellent and open to working with students in their areas of interest, and to this day I still refer to some of my textbooks from that time.”
Colleen Vaughan
Vice-President, Academic, Justice Institute of British Columbia
MEd, Adult Education, 1998

 

Proposed Schedule

*Courses and schedule are subject to change.
START
DATE
COURSE
TITLE
COURSE
CODE
Sept. 2021 Foundations of Adult Learning and Education EDST 503 (online)
 Jan. 2022 Adult Education Program Planning Theory EDST 514 (online)
May 2022 Theory and Research on Adult Learning EDST 518 (online)
Jul. 2022
(1 week)
Special Course in Subject Matter Field: Role of ALE in Addressing Social and Educational Programs EDST 565A
(on campus)
 Sept. 2022 Research Methodology in Education EDUC 500
(online)
 Jan. 2023 Comparative and International Adult Education EDST 534
(online)
 May 2023 Open Elective*          –
Jul. 2023
(1 week)
Group Inquiry into Educational Practices EDST 553
(on campus)
Sep. 2023 Program Evaluation in Adult and Community Education EDST 525
(online)
Jan. 2024 Special Course in Subject Matter Field—Professional Learning and Work EDST 565
(online)

*Electives to be determined but may include ADHE 327, ADHE 328, ADHE 329, ADHE 330, ADHE 412, & EDST 590. Electives can be fully online, offered face-to-face, or in a blended mode.

PROGRAM DETAILS

The program is designed using a blended approach that combines online and face-to-face coursework. The aim is to make the program as accessible as possible to a broad range of participants. The program requires two one-week intensive periods on the UBC campus at the end of each course cycle, during each July, COVID-19 permitting.

Students have the option of completing the program with 30 credits of coursework (10 courses) or completing 27 credits of coursework (9 courses) plus a graduating paper/project (EDST 590 which would serve as the open elective) focused on an issue or concern in their field of practice, provided they identify a faculty member to supervise their project.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Normally, applicants for a master's degree program must hold the academic equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree from UBC including one of the following:

  • A minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year courses.
  • Academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year courses in the A grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in the field of study.

Alternatively, applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had other significant formal training, relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in a specific graduate program, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the ALE program and approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Your application must also include:

  • A resumé/CV.
  • A 600-word statement of intent clearly outlining your experiences and interests in the program. Specify your interest in this subject matter and outline how the specialization in Adult Learning & Education supports your professional goals.
  • Three letters of recommendation from educators, supervisors, colleagues, or clients who can speak to your engagement with this subject matter, your ability to complete a graduate degree, and other relevant professional experience.

Application Status: TBA
Application Deadline: TBA


Tuition

Refer to the UBC Calendar "Master of Education (program off-campus)" for confirmed and up-to-date fees.

The proposed schedule of courses for this cohort allows for program completion after 8 tuition installments.

Tuition fees are in Canadian dollars, are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors, and are subject to change (typically 2% in May of each year).

Have questions? We’ve got answers!

Meet the Program Advisor and Senior Program Assistant, and learn more about this program and about applying to become a UBC graduate student.


There are currently no info sessions scheduled for this program.

Did you miss one of our info sessions?

Please view the PowerPoint Presentation from last session:

ALE-Online-Info-Session_2020

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This program is offered by the Department of Educational Studies.
Learn more about EDST programs.