Social Work, Bachelor of Arts

These are the requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work

With your Bachelor's in Social Work, you can work, for example, as a social worker for the social service in hospitals, as a social pedagogue in child and youth welfare, or as a social worker for contact point work and street social work.

You can be admitted to the Dual Study program at IU International University if you have either a high school diploma (general university entrance qualification), a technical college entrance qualification, or a subject-specific university entrance qualification.

Furthermore, you can study Social Work without a high school diploma. For the Dual Study program without a high school diploma, you need to have completed an advanced training course, such as becoming a state-certified business economist, or have a master craftsman's certificate. Or you have completed vocational training and worked full-time for at least 3 years after this training.

Bachelor in Social Work (B.A.) dual at IU: Overview of Contents and Focus

In the dual Bachelor's program in Social Work at IU International University, you combine academic theory with practical experience. The aim is to comprehensively prepare you for the diverse challenges in the social sector. The study program is modular and covers central content from social pedagogy, social law, psychology, and other disciplines.

• Foundations: Introduction to Social Work, Development of the Professional Field, Academic Work, Pedagogy, Social History, Ethics, Philosophy.
• Reflective Practice: Mandatory reflection events every semester (online) on your own practical experiences.
• Communication & Counseling: Methodological skills for working with individuals, groups, and communities.
• Education & Psychology: Development and Socialization, Diagnostics, Case Understanding, Childhood Pedagogical Approaches, Professional Relationship Work.
• Social Law and Social Policy: Legal Foundations, Special Legal References, Social Policy, Social Area Orientation.
• Empirical Methods: Qualitative and quantitative research methods, Application of scientific procedures in practice.
• Elective Specializations:
  • Social Work with Adults
  • Child and Youth Welfare
  • Childhood Pedagogy
  • School Field of Action
• Bachelor Thesis: For graduation, you work on a scientific question with practical relevance.

How does the Dual Study program in Social Work work?

At IU, you study in the Dual Study Program in one of the following two study models: In the Dual Study Program, classes are held two days a week on campus – occasionally also online via live video conferencing. Subsequently, the learned material is deepened through learning materials. The Dual myStudy program combines flexible self-study with digital learning formats. Through myCampus, you independently acquire the theory – supported by innovative learning materials and Syntea, your personal AI learning assistant. Optionally, you can participate in weekly virtual accompanying events and use other interactive live formats for deepening knowledge.

• Duration: Typically, you study for 7 semesters (approx. 3.5 years).
• Study Model:
  • Dual On-Campus Study: Two days a week lectures/seminars on campus or virtually; the remaining time in self-study.
  • Dual myStudy: Self-study supported by AI learning, regular events on campus or virtually.
• Practical Component: You work 20 hours per week with a practice partner of your choice – in social services, at authorities, institutions, or facilities.
• Specializations: Depending on your interests, you choose your focus for specific professional fields.
• Start Dates: Three times a year depending on the model (January, April, October).

What professions can you work in after graduation?

• Childhood Pedagogy: Tasks in child day-care centres, nurseries, after-school care, family centres, special education facilities.
• School Field of Action: School social work, support at all-day schools, support and counseling for children and youth, parental work, support for teachers.
• Work with Adults: Activities at social and youth welfare offices, in social psychiatric services, in disability and elderly care, outpatient services, and workshops.
• Other Classic Fields: Integration and migration, open and stationary child and youth welfare, community work, counseling, social management.
• Professional Title: You also acquire state recognition as a social worker or social education worker – often a requirement for career entry.

Where can you study Social Work in a dual mode?

• Locations: You have a choice of 25 study locations nationwide, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich, Hamburg, and many more.
• Virtual Campus: Alternatively, you can complete classes online in live sessions regardless of location, supported by a learning platform and digital tools.
• Practice Partner Network: IU collaborates with over 15,000 practice partners and supports you in the search – optional including application training and counseling.

What are the costs of dual studies and how is it financed?

• Tuition Fees: Usually, there are no tuition fees for you – your practice partner covers them entirely.
• Additional Benefits: You receive all the advantages of a private university, such as small study groups, modern learning materials, and personal support, at no extra cost.
• Study Start: You can start flexibly several times a year.