[Qualifying a broad range of professionals to master the demographic challenge: the Master's course of Gerontology at the University of Applied Sciences in Cottbus].

Our new five-semester MA course in gerontology has been designed as a programme of continuing education for professionals from various fields being confronted with hitherto unknown challenges by "the greying of societies". While many services are directed to meet the needs of older clients, the elderly also represent a huge potential of various resources indispensable to society. Coming from various fields of study and different positions (mainly management or self-employed), our students engage in an interdisciplinary discourse from the beginning which helps them acquire knowledge and competencies to later deal with the complex tasks requiring interdisciplinary problem solving skills and establish "best practice" models. Universities are expected to engage in continuing education, thus being the places of choice for postgraduate studies in gerontology, which also offer research opportunities. Universities of Applied Sciences, intended to foster regional development, integrate students into applied research projects thereby transferring knowledge and skills to reach out to the community. During the first four semesters, each student enrolled in the MA Gerontology course plans, implements and evaluates a project of his/her own. This ensures the integration of gerontological knowledge and research methods and helps to extend and improve practical skills. We support students by regular coaching and supervision.