Social Work, Bachelor of Arts

Distance learning program @ Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 

👉 The distance learning programme in Social Work (B.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at individuals who wish to professionally support people in challenging life situations. It imparts scientific theory as well as methodological and practical skills, particularly in communication, case understanding, and reflective ability. The course content includes child and youth welfare, the diversity of social work, as well as professional and ethical issues. The practical semester is integrated and comprises 30 ECTS credits. The programme is flexibly structured, with monthly start dates, and does not require a high school diploma if suitable qualifications are held. Upon completion, students are awarded the state-recognised Bachelor of Arts degree as well as the professional titles of Social Worker and Social Pedagogue. International certificates and individual support complement the offer.

At a Glance

🏫 University Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Idstein (Germany)
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany's largest private universities with campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich and Wiesbaden. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs in the fields of chemistry & biology, business & media, health & social affairs and design, as well as training and continuing education. Studies are possible on a full-time, part-time and distance learning basis.
🎓 Field of Study Social SciencesSocial Work
📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 6 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Past, Present and Future of Social Work, Social Science Foundations of Social Work, Economics and Law, Academic Work and Theory of Science, Action and Method Competence in Dealing with Clients, Diversity and Plurality in Social Work, Law II, Child and Youth Welfare, Research Methods in Social Work, Deviance and Social Control, Law III, Social Work in Healthcare, Action and Method Competence in the Organisational Context, Individual Behaviour and Experience, Current Theoretical Discourses in Social Work, Social Work with Elderly and/or Disabled People, Internship in the Professional Field, Social Exclusion and Participation in Field-Related Reflection, Culture, Aesthetics and Media in Social Work (Elective), Upbringing, Education and Learning (Elective), Bachelor's Examination
📚 Electives Culture Aesthetics and Media in Social Work, Education Training and Learning
📍 Location online
📅 Enrollment Anytime
💶 Fees
from 235 € monthly
from 13500 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.hs-fresenius.de

Requirements and Target Group

The distance learning programme in Social Work (B.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at individuals who want to establish a professional career in the social sector or further qualify themselves. It targets working professionals, career changers, as well as school graduates interested in psychosocial counselling, child and youth welfare, working with elderly or disabled people, or activities in education, health, or social administration. The programme is particularly suitable for those who wish to take on social responsibility, support people in difficult life situations, and acquire practical skills. The offer is directed at individuals who want to complete a flexible, online-based course alongside their job or at their own pace.

What Admission Requirements Do You Have to Meet?

The following formal criteria apply for admission to the distance learning programme in Social Work (B.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius:

  • General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or subject-specific university entrance qualification (Fachabitur): entitles direct admission to the programme.
  • Subject-related higher education entrance qualification: entitles study in the corresponding subject area.
  • Professional qualification: at least a two-year completed vocational training and at least two years of full-time employment in a field professionally related to Social Work. In addition, a subject-related university entrance examination is required.
  • Career advancement training: master craftsman’s examination, specialist business administrator or technician qualification with at least 400 hours of instruction and a subsequent subject-related entrance examination.
  • For intermediate school-leaving certificate: at least three years of vocational training (grade 2.5 or better, otherwise university entrance examination) and a study agreement, whereby a certain number of ECTS credits must be achieved in the first year.

Personally, you should have an interest in social issues and working with people. Empathy, communication skills, and willingness to reflect are helpful for successfully completing the programme. You should be open to different life situations and problems, able to work in a structured way, and bring self-motivation and self-organisation, as this is a distance learning programme. Previous experience in the social field, for example through voluntary work, internships, or employment, is advantageous but not a mandatory requirement. Determination and the willingness to actively take on social responsibility are further important personal qualities in this field.

Detailed Study Contents

In the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work at Hochschule Fresenius, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of societal challenges and individual problems. The curriculum covers essential topics:

  • Fundamentals: Social sciences, economics, law, academic work and theory of science
  • Action and method competence: Communication skills, case understanding, reflective ability in dealing with clients
  • Special fields: Child and youth welfare, work with elderly and/or disabled people, social work in healthcare
  • Diversity and inclusion: Intercultural competence, dealing with heterogeneity and inclusion
  • Research: Methods of empirical social research, deviance and social control
  • Career orientation: Practical placement in the fifth semester (30 ECTS), direct connection between theory and practice
  • Specialisations: Elective courses such as culture, aesthetics and media in social work or education, learning and upbringing

The course teaches you the ability to recognise social problems, analyse them, and develop solutions together with those affected. Additionally, you will be sensitised to current theoretical discourses and receive the necessary tools to engage with future developments in social work.

Course Structure: How is the Degree Organised?

The degree programme is designed as a flexible distance learning course, allowing you to plan your time individually. The standard period of study is 6 semesters (180 ECTS), but you can choose between different time models and extend the duration of study up to 72 months.

  • Start anytime: Start of studies possible on the 1st of any month
  • Purely online study: All content via the learning platform, including scripts, videos and online seminars
  • 24/7 exams: Exam dates flexible online or at examination centres
  • Practical relevance: A firmly integrated practical placement in the fifth semester
  • Individual support: Study coaches and lecturers accompany you throughout the entire course

All modules are based on the recommendations of the Federal Association of Social Work and the German Society for Social Work. Upon completion, you will receive, in addition to the academic degree Bachelor of Arts, the titles "State-recognised Social Worker" and "State-recognised Social Pedagogue".

Career Opportunities & Employment Prospects for Social Workers

A successful degree opens up a wide range of professional fields in the social sector. The opportunities for deployment are varied and not limited to a specific area of work:

  • Child and youth welfare: Care and counselling of families, children and young people
  • Social services: General social counselling, debt counselling, integration of people with disabilities or migration background
  • Healthcare: Social work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres or care facilities
  • Care for the elderly: Support and counselling of older people in inpatient or outpatient facilities
  • Education and community work: Work in schools, educational projects and neighbourhood management
  • Offender support, addiction help and prevention work

With the Bachelor's degree, you are qualified for management and specialist tasks. Further training at Master’s level or specialisations in areas such as social management, supervision or counselling are possible. In addition, there is the possibility to work as an employee in public, non-profit and private organisations or to be self-employed.

Place of Study: Online Degree with Optional Practical Locations

You complete your studies entirely online, independent of your place of residence. Lectures, exercises and exams are flexibly accessible via the internet and the learning platform. You can complete your placement with a recognised social organisation at a location of your choice, provided the professional requirements are met. Hochschule Fresenius thus enables you to study independently of location with flexible integration of practical training.

Costs and Financing: What to Expect?

The tuition fees depend on the chosen time model:

  • 36 months: €375 per month
  • 48 months: €325 per month
  • 72 months: €235 per month
  • Total costs: from €13,500 (for the 36-month model)

The fees include:

  • Access to the Canvas learning platform, digital teaching materials, online seminars
  • Use of the online library and various e-books
  • Individual support from study coaches and examiners
  • Examination fees

Possible financing options include, among others:

  • KfW study loan
  • BAföG, if the personal requirements are met
  • Scholarships, e.g. Deutschlandstipendium
  • Employer funding for part-time studies

With discount codes, you can receive permanently reduced fees. Individual advice on financing options is available to you before and during your studies.

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