Social Work, Bachelor of Arts

Who is eligible for the dual Bachelor's degree in Social Work?

The dual degree programme in Social Work (Bachelor of Arts) at the University of Social Work and Education in Berlin is aimed at anyone interested in a solid academic and practice-oriented education in the field of child and youth welfare. It particularly addresses people who want to take on social responsibility and enjoy working with children, young people and families. The target group includes both school leavers with university entrance qualifications and career changers who wish to qualify for work in the social sector. The programme is especially suitable for those seeking a varied professional daily routine between theory and practice and who want to gain practical professional experience in social institutions during their studies.

Admission requirements: What do you need to apply?

• University entrance qualification: Required is the (subject-specific) Abitur, a subject-related higher education entrance qualification, or an equivalent qualification recognised in accordance with the Berlin Higher Education Act.
• Existing training or practical placement: You need a job or practical placement in a suitable social institution. The university concludes a cooperation agreement with your employer or practical partner – this is a central requirement for admission to the dual degree programme.
• Application procedure: There is a selection or application procedure by the university, which often includes a motivational letter as well as a personal interview for getting to know each other.

All admission requirements are based on the provisions of the Berlin Higher Education Act as well as the internal requirements of the University of Social Work and Education.

Personal requirements: What should you bring with you?

• Social competence: Empathy, communication skills and the ability to work in a team are essential for social work.
• Interest in social issues: Commitment to social justice, equal opportunities and dealing with societal challenges.
• Capacity for reflection: Willingness to self-reflect as well as to receive feedback and develop further through practical guidance and supervision.
• Resilience and organisational skills: The balance between work and study demands a structured approach and personal resilience.
• Motivation for practical work: Enjoyment of direct work with people and interest in applying what has been learned immediately in practice.

What Do You Study in the Bachelor of Social Work (dual) with a Focus on Child and Youth Welfare?

In the dual Bachelor’s degree programme in Social Work with a focus on Child and Youth Welfare at the University of Social Work and Pedagogy, you acquire comprehensive knowledge of the social, educational and legal fundamentals required for working with children and young people. The programme places a special emphasis on the integration of theory and practice.

• 1st Year (Theory): Topics such as academic work, basics of pedagogy and psychology, group work, language promotion, aesthetic education, public administration, as well as the legal foundations of professional practice.
• 1st Year (Practice): Application and deepening of theoretical content as well as targeted development of professional practical competences.

• 2nd Year (Theory): Engagement with educational and upbringing concepts, school in the social environment, different fields of social work, learning support in all-day schools, analysis of problem situations and intervention strategies, as well as introduction to empirical social and educational research and advanced legal issues.
• 2nd Year (Practice): Further deepening and practice-oriented application, expansion of your action competences.

• 3rd Year (Theory): Social change, socialisation processes, methods of social work and social pedagogy, social-pedagogical diagnostics, work in all-day schools and aspects of interculturality. Additionally: Legal foundations of professional practice Part II.
• 3rd Year (Practice): Implementation of the study content in practice, accompanied by professional guidance.

• 7th Semester: Focus on project work and management, leadership and evaluation, as well as writing the Bachelor’s thesis. In the parallel practical component, skills in project management are practically tested.

How Does the Dual Degree Programme Work?

The programme comprises seven semesters and is organised into 28 modules. You study at the university on two fixed weekdays (mostly Mondays and Tuesdays). The remaining days are devoted to practice in your social institution or with a cooperation partner. Learning and processing times for coursework are also scheduled during lecture-free periods.

• Practical experience is continuously complemented by qualified professional guidance at the workplace as well as accompanying specialist and methodological seminars.
• Regular reflection on your practical experiences takes place in seminars together with lecturers and fellow students.
• Digital learning platforms enable time-flexible working methods and collaboration in small groups.
• Examinations are varied (written exams, coursework, presentations, portfolios, online events).

The degree is completed with the title Bachelor of Arts. Additionally, you receive state accreditation as a social worker or social pedagogue.

In Which Areas Can You Work After Graduation?

With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work specialising in Child and Youth Welfare, a wide range of professional fields open up for you. You qualify for employment in:

• All-day schools and school-related facilities
• Child and youth welfare institutions
• Social services and counselling centres
• Day nurseries
• Leisure and cultural education projects
• Parent counselling centres
• Community work and social environments

The dual degree programme prepares you both for direct work with children and young people as well as for coordinating, advisory and leadership roles in the field of child and youth welfare.

Where Does the Programme Take Place?

The course is offered at the Berlin campus. The University of Social Work and Pedagogy provides you with modern seminar rooms and infrastructure for the dual degree programme. You complete the practical phases at cooperating institutions in the Berlin metropolitan area or in regions where the university has signed cooperation agreements.

What Are the Costs of the Dual Social Work Degree and How Can You Finance It?

The tuition fees amount to 1,650 euros per semester. Over the entire duration of study, this results in corresponding total costs for seven semesters.

• Often, practice partners cover part of the tuition fees or pay training allowances, depending on your contract.
• You can utilise state funding options such as BAföG or scholarships for financing.
• Payment modalities and individual funding opportunities are explained during academic advising.