Social Work, Bachelor of Arts

Who benefits from studying Social Work (B.A.)?

The part-time and dual Bachelor’s degree programme "Social Work" at FOM University is aimed at everyone who wants to professionally support and accompany people in social, psychological or financial distress situations. It is particularly targeted at professionals and trainees from the fields of health, education, pedagogy, administration, integration or social services who want to specifically expand their academic skills for activities in family assistance, rehabilitation, integration support or counselling. Career changers with a social interest or related professional experience also find an academic perspective here to qualify for work in the social sector.

What formal admission requirements apply?

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific university entrance qualification or other recognised equivalent prior education, e.g.:
  • completed vocational training with three years of professional experience or
  • completed advanced training (e.g. master craftsman’s examination, specialist business administrator)
• Additionally: Current employment (regardless of whether full-time or part-time) or ongoing company-based training, trainee programme or internship.
• Those who do not have a suitable practical placement at the start of their studies can participate in the "Study into the Job" programme and will be supported by the university in finding a suitable position (valid for the first three semesters).

For the state recognition as a social worker or social pedagogue, proof of practical experience of at least 100 full working days in a social institution (no later than two years after graduation) as well as a current extended certificate of good conduct are additionally required.

Which personal requirements are advantageous?

• Interest in social, educational and counselling activities
• Empathy, communication skills and intercultural openness
• Willingness to self-reflect as well as motivation for theoretical and practical development
• Self-initiative and sense of responsibility – especially in working with people in challenging life situations
• Organisational talent and time management – important when combining work and studies
• Responsibility and integrity, especially for providing proof of a clean (extended) certificate of good conduct

What Awaits You in the Bachelor of Social Work?

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Social Work (B.A.) at FOM University provides you with solid knowledge and practical skills for professional work in the social sector. You will engage with the fundamentals, methods and fields of activity of social work as well as relevant legal, psychological and management-related aspects. Upon successful completion, you are entitled to use the title “state-recognised social worker” provided you demonstrate the required practical components.

Study Content: Which Topics Are Covered?

The curriculum is divided into seven semesters. Each semester focuses on different thematic areas of social work. Important contents include:

• Fundamentals of Social Work and Social Policy: Theories, structures, actors and fields of activity of social work in Germany.
• Life-phase and Life-situation-oriented Fields of Activity: Work with children, adolescents, adults as well as special life situations such as poverty, addiction or unemployment.
• Methods and Practice: Professional relationship building, counselling, communication, social work methods such as case management and mediation.
• Law and Ethics: Social law, civil law, ethical and profession-related issues.
• Management & Organisation: Social management, financing of social institutions, project management.
• Diversity and Participation: Dealing with diversity, structural discrimination, inclusion.
• Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Medicine: Pedagogical and psychological fundamentals, social medical aspects, prevention and rehabilitation.
• Research Competence: Academic work, qualitative and quantitative research methods, own research projects.
• Digital Competences: Digital transformation, innovation and new fields of activity in social work.

In the 7th semester, you will write your bachelor’s thesis and complete a colloquium.

How Is the Study Programme Organised?

The programme is designed for seven semesters (approximately 3.5 years) and takes place alongside work or in a dual format. Various time models are available – for example evening and Saturday study, daytime and evening study, or classic evening study. This allows you to flexibly align your study times with your professional and private situation.

• Start in March (summer semester) or September (winter semester).
• Modules are offered at 30 locations across Germany and as Digital Live Study.
• You can switch semester-by-semester between Campus Study+ (on-site) and Digital Live Study.
• Practical phases are part of the curriculum. At least 100 days of practical experience in the social sector are required for state recognition.
• Optionally, you can participate in international programmes or specialisations (e.g. personnel psychology, corporate social responsibility, labour law & compliance).

Before your actual study start, you can already take basic modules via the “SmartStart” programme.

Career Opportunities: What Can You Do After Your Studies?

With this degree, you are qualified for numerous professional fields in the social sector. Typical tasks and areas of application include:

• Support and counselling of families (e.g. in youth welfare offices, educational counselling).
• Social law advice as well as assistance with official contacts.
• Design and implementation of needs assessment plans.
• Conducting case conferences and team meetings.
• Collaboration with municipalities, specialised services, therapists and schools.
• Integration and individual support of migrant pupils.
• Career prospects in child, youth and family support, disability services, addiction counselling, offender support, healthcare and social management.
• Advancement opportunities through further master’s programmes such as Social Work (M.A.), Medical Management (M.A.), Public Health (M.Sc.) or Social Management (M.A.).

The occupational profile and career paths are oriented towards current social challenges (for example inclusion, demographic change, diversity).

Where Can You Study?

You can start this degree programme at many locations across Germany, for example in Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bonn, Bremen, Dortmund, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Gütersloh, Hamburg, Hanover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Neuss, Nuremberg, Saarbrücken, Siegen, Stuttgart, Wesel and Wuppertal. Additionally, you have the option to study fully online via Digital Live Study or to change the form of study depending on the semester.

What Are the Costs and What Financing Options Are Available?

The tuition fees for the Bachelor of Social Work (B.A.) at FOM University amount to 14,490 Euro, payable in 42 monthly instalments of 345 Euro each. A tuition examination fee of 500 Euro is also due upon registration for the final thesis. The total cost is thus 14,990 Euro.

• Installment payment possible.
• Individual recognition of already completed achievements can reduce the duration and cost of study.
• Various financing and support options are available – these include, for example, BAföG, advanced training BAföG, scholarships and education loans.

You can receive individual advice on study financing at FOM University.