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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Social management under the number 1156223c. Who is the Bachelor’s Degree in Social Management suitable for?
The distance learning course in Social Management (B.A.) is aimed at individuals who want to combine social responsibility with business thinking. It targets school leavers, employees in the social sector, and career changers from administration or business who want to take on leadership or coordinating roles in social institutions – without being directly involved in care work. The course is particularly suitable for people who seek meaningful tasks and value humanistic principles, but at the same time want to acquire management skills in the social sector.
What formal requirements do you need to meet for the course?
For admission to the Bachelor’s in Social Management, you do not necessarily need general higher education entrance qualification. There are three admission pathways:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or advanced technical college entrance qualification
- Subject-specific advanced training qualification (e.g. master craftsman’s certificate, specialist business administrator, IHK exams or comparable advanced training according to the Vocational Training Act)
- Completed vocational training (at least two years) plus at least three years of professional experience in a related field
Recognition of previously completed further training and continuing education is possible depending on prior achievements and can shorten the duration of study.
You should have organisational skills and an interest in social issues. Self-motivation, diligence, communication skills and a sense of responsibility are key personal requirements. It is helpful if you have experience in administration, project work or the social environment. For distance learning, independence, time management and openness to digital learning formats are necessary. The willingness to connect complex interrelations between business and social work is an advantage.
What content does the Bachelor’s degree in Social Management cover in detail?
In the Bachelor’s degree programme in Social Management at Euro-FH, you combine business administration with basic social work principles and develop competencies in the planning, organisation, and financing of social institutions. The programme links economic, legal, and psychosocial content. Central study modules include:
- Fundamentals of Social Work: theories, fields of action, and basic principles of the social economy
- Business administration content: accounting, financing, controlling, personnel and project management for social organisations
- Legal framework conditions: social law, labour law and relevant organisational laws
- Psychology, pedagogy and sociology: understanding group processes and individual life situations
- Remuneration management: methods for calculating and negotiating service fees with health insurance funds, authorities or municipalities
In addition to the compulsory modules, you choose an individual specialisation in one of four areas of activity:
- Child and youth welfare & family work
- Adult work
- Social work with elderly and very elderly people
- Migration, integration and inclusion
Additionally, you can sharpen your professional profile through specialisations such as digitalisation in social work or specific remuneration management (for example for disability assistance, child and youth welfare or care).
What is the process and organisation of the Social Management distance learning programme?
The degree at Euro-FH is designed as a flexible distance learning programme that you can complete alongside work or full-time. The standard period of study is 36 months (full-time) or 48 months (part-time) and includes a total of 180 ECTS. Entry is possible at any time.
- Self-study with study booklets (printed, digital or as audio versions) forms the basis
- Digital learning formats: videos, online teaching films, digital learning units, podcasts and the AI learning assistant KILEA
- Virtual tutorials and webinars for in-depth study and exchange with lecturers
- Compact seminars: choice between up to 10 days of on-campus seminars in Hamburg (80 teaching hours) or 12 online seminars (maximum 87 teaching hours)
- Flexible examinations: monthly online or at nationwide examination centres
- Recognition of prior achievements: time and cost savings possible, e.g. for IHK qualifications, specialist or business administrator qualifications
You can manage your studies via app and online campus, access learning materials and plan your study time individually. A free extension of the study period by up to 18 or 24 months is possible.
What career prospects and development opportunities open up after graduation?
As a graduate of the Bachelor’s degree in Social Management, you have a broad qualification profile for leadership, management and administrative tasks in the social sector. The acquired knowledge in business administration and social work opens the door to various positions, including:
- Leadership and management of social institutions (e.g. care facilities, counselling centres, welfare associations)
- Administration and organisation in authorities, social welfare offices or public sponsors
- Remuneration management and financial planning in social enterprises
- Specialist and leadership careers in non-profit organisations, projects or foundations
- Self-employed work, e.g. as a consultant for remuneration negotiations
Important note: The degree does not qualify for work as a social worker or a social pedagogue in direct client work. The focus is on management, organisation and economic control of social services.
Where does the Social Management degree take place and how is the spatial organisation designed?
The Social Management distance learning programme at Euro-FH is conducted independently of location. You primarily study via digital and printed study materials from your own location. For the few on-site components, the following apply:
- On-site seminars: up to 10 seminar days take place at the Euro-FH campus in Hamburg
- Online seminars: alternatively, a maximum of 12 seminars can be completed online – location independent via video conference
- Examinations: monthly flexible online or at nationwide examination centres possible
The full study organisation is done via the online campus, which gives you access to learning materials, study management and support at any time.
What costs and financing options do you need to consider?
The total costs for the Bachelor’s degree in Social Management at Euro-FH amount to €15,216 for a standard study period of 48 months (€317 per month). For the 36-month full-time variant, there are adjusted conditions. Fees can be reduced by up to 50% through recognition of prior achievements.
- Individual payment models possible (from €209 per month depending on the variant)
- Free extension of the standard study period by up to 18 or 24 months
- Funding options: BAföG for distance learning programmes, educational bonuses, scholarships, education loan programmes
- Discounts and promotions (such as temporary reductions)
Note: It is possible to save time and money through recognition of further training and prior study achievements.
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