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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Social Management under the number 160615c. Who is the Bachelor’s degree in Social Management at APOLLON University suitable for?
The distance learning course in Social Management is aimed at working professionals and career changers who wish to take on leadership or management roles in the social economy. Typical target groups include educators, home and family carers, social assistants, employees in social institutions, professionals in the healthcare sector, as well as individuals with professional experience in the non-profit sector or public service. The course is also suitable for those interested in acquiring scientifically based knowledge for social entrepreneurial action and economic management of social organisations. Thanks to the distance learning format, the course can be completed flexibly alongside work.
What formal admission requirements apply for the Bachelor’s degree programme?
Access to the Bachelor’s degree in Social Management is possible via two routes:
- Admission route 1: You hold a general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), a university of applied sciences entrance qualification, a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (with relevant subject matter), a passed master craftsman’s examination, a state-certified business administrator qualification or an advanced training qualification, a university degree, or an equivalent foreign university entrance qualification. A completed three-year vocational training relevant to the subject also entitles you to start your studies directly.
- Admission route 2: If you can prove a completed vocational training of at least two years or comparable professional qualifications, admission after passing a placement test is possible. After successfully passing the test, you will obtain the subject-specific higher education entrance qualification and can commence the Bachelor’s degree course, even without the Abitur.
Recognition of previously acquired qualifications (e.g. as a state-certified educator or through specific APOLLON certificate courses) is possible. This shortens the duration of the course.
For a successful course of study, you should have a strong interest in social economic contexts and management tasks. Important are communication skills, empathy, as well as the willingness to take on responsibility in social fields of action. Independent working, good self-organisation and resilience are essential for distance learning. Prior experience in social, care or health professions facilitates entry but is not mandatory.
What Study Content Awaits You in the Bachelor’s Degree in Social Management?
In the distance learning programme Social Management at APOLLON University, you will receive a comprehensive combination of business management knowledge, fundamentals of social work science, and practical management skills for the social economy. The core contents are structured as follows:
- Social Economy and Social Management: Insight into structures, actors and framework conditions, introduction to academic work
- Business Administration: General business administration, internal and external accounting, investment & financing, controlling, organisation, quality and process management
- Social Work and Social Law: Theories and methods of social work, social policy, social law (I and II), ethics, civil society and voluntary work
- Management and Leadership Skills: Project management, human resource management, competence-oriented leadership, communication, presentation and moderation
- Methodological Skills: Quantitative & qualitative social research, evidence-based social work, academic writing
- Elective Modules: You choose two specialisations from the areas of elderly and disability care, child, youth and family support, health and social work, neighbourhood and community development, fundraising as well as migration work
- Practical Relevance: An integrated internship (20 ECTS) links the knowledge acquired during your studies with professional practice
- Final Thesis: In the bachelor’s thesis, you work on a practice-relevant topic of your own choice in social management
The content is complemented by digital learning formats, regular seminars (a total of 12 days, optionally online or in person) and web-based trainings. This way, you develop key skills for responsible positions in social organisations.
How Is the Course Structure and Organisation Designed?
The programme is designed as a flexible distance learning course with an online campus. You can start at any time and choose between two time models:
- Standard period of study 36 months: Monthly workload approx. 30 hours (equivalent to about 180 ECTS)
- Extended model with 48 months: Same total scope, reduced monthly workload
The organisation adapts individually to your life situation:
- Flexible scheduling: Start your studies at any time, individual learning pace, free extension (up to 18 or 24 months beyond the standard period of study possible)
- Digital learning materials: Study booklets available digitally, partly also as print version, supplemented by videos, e-books and audios
- Online examinations: Exams can be taken online as open-book or at examination centres throughout Germany; seminars optionally online or on site
- Practical phase: Practice-oriented project and internship to apply knowledge in the professional field
- Community and support: Support provided by the APOLLON Online Campus, tutors and fellow students
The total of 12 seminar days are mandatory and convey practical content in interactive formats. The course concludes with the bachelor’s thesis, which has a strong practical focus.
What Career Opportunities Does a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Management Offer You?
With the Bachelor’s degree in Social Management (B. A.), you are qualified for diverse management and leadership positions in the social sector. Your knowledge combines social, economic and legal competences and makes you attractive for numerous professional fields:
- Leadership roles in social institutions: Organisations in child, youth and family support, elderly and disability care, migration and integration, neighbourhood management
- Management and administration: Public authorities, associations, non-profit organisations, foundations as well as social enterprises
- Project management: Development, coordination and control of innovative social projects
- Personnel and quality management: Responsible roles in personnel management, quality development and controlling
- Fundraising, public relations and community work: Positions in fundraising, social marketing and networking
Graduates are particularly in demand as they combine social, business and methodological skills. Moreover, the degree provides a solid foundation for a master’s degree in social or health care.
What Is the Location and Study Place Like?
The distance learning programme takes place completely location-independent and online. The APOLLON Online Campus forms the centre of your study organisation:
- Learning platform: Access to all materials, community, exam dates and personal advice wherever you are
- Examination locations: Optional on-site exams throughout Germany, in Austria, Switzerland or at international Goethe Institutes/consulates; online exams are also possible
- Seminars: Optional attendance at on-site days or completely online
- Bremen as legal seat of the university: APOLLON University is state-recognised and accredited with headquarters in Bremen; as a distance learner no change of residence is necessary for you
You benefit from maximum flexibility and can ideally combine your studies with work or family commitments.
What Costs Are Involved in the Distance Learning Course in Social Management and What Financing Options Are Available?
The tuition fees for the Bachelor Social Management at APOLLON University start at €268 per month. The total costs amount – depending on the chosen study model – to a minimum of €11,844 (prices may vary slightly depending on current discounts and model selection):
- 36 months study period: Monthly rate starting at €268
- 48 months study period: Monthly rate adjusted lower
- No additional fees: All study materials, examination fees and personal support are included
- Free extension: Up to 50% of the standard period of study without additional fees
Flexible financing options are available to you:
- BAföG: If the requirements are met, funding through BAföG is possible (also for part-time distance learning programmes)
- Tax benefits: Tuition fees can often be claimed for tax purposes
- Funding programmes: Scholarships, education funds and possibly support from employers or external sponsors
- Instalment payment: Tuition fees payable in monthly instalments without interest surcharge
- Discounts and credit: Reimbursement or reduction granted by crediting previous achievements or educational training
A four-week trial period at the start of studies allows you to begin without risk and to get to know all services and learning offers.
Advisory Service
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