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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Social Work under the number 1102619c. Who is the Social Work degree at APOLLON University suitable for?
The distance learning Social Work programme is aimed at people who want to take social responsibility and actively contribute in social institutions, authorities or projects. It is especially directed at educators, graduates from social or health-related vocational training professions, professionals working in social, educational or counselling fields as well as career changers with an interest in social justice. The degree course is also suitable for anyone seeking a flexible qualification as a state-recognised social worker or social pedagogue and who wish to combine work, family or other commitments with an academic degree.
What formal entry requirements apply for the Bachelor's degree?
There are two ways to enrol in the Bachelor's degree in Social Work at APOLLON University:
- Direct entry: You can enrol if you provide evidence of one of the following qualifications:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Advanced technical college entrance qualification or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (in the relevant subject area)
- Master craftsman’s certificate, business economist, advanced training or a comparable qualification
- Completion of a vocational training of at least 3 years relevant to the subject
- Completed university degree
- Equivalent foreign university entrance qualification (after recognition assessment)
- Entry without Abitur: With a completed vocational training of at least 2 years or comparable knowledge, you can take a placement test. After passing, you will receive the subject-specific higher education entrance qualification for this degree programme.
Practical professional achievements (e.g. a state-recognised training as an educator) can be credited towards the degree. Recognition of thematically relevant certificate courses is also possible.
You should have an interest in social issues and enjoy working with people. Independent working, communication skills and a solution-oriented mindset are important. For distance learning, the ability to learn independently in a structured way as well as the willingness to engage with legal and scientific topics are required. Willingness to reflect on one’s own attitude, empathy and resilience are central personal prerequisites for starting a career in social work.
Study Content in Detail
In the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work at APOLLON University, you gain practical and theoretically well-founded knowledge for professional social work. The course equips you with skills in counselling, conflict resolution, systematic concept development as well as presentation and reflection abilities.
- Basic modules: Introduction to Social Work, academic working methods, psychology, pedagogy, ethics and communication
- Methodological competence: Methods of individual case assistance, group work, district work, social space-oriented approaches
- Counselling and interaction: Counselling skills, conflict resolution strategies, moderation, supervision and intervision
- Social law and social policy: In-depth insights into the legal, economic and political framework conditions of social work
- Fields of work and target groups: Modules on child, youth and family support, migration work, neighbourhood and community development
- Specialisation and focus: You choose two out of six elective areas, such as “Social Work and School”, “Poverty and Homelessness” or “Inclusion, Participation and Integration”
- Research methods: Quantitative and qualitative social research, evidence-based practice
- Practical phase: Internships serve to apply and reflect on what has been learned in real work fields
- Bachelor thesis: Final paper on a practice-oriented question from social work
Personal development is specifically promoted – for example, your ability to reflect on yourself, to lead projects and to professionally support different target groups. Through the broad range of electives, you set individual priorities and prepare yourself optimally for your desired areas of work.
Course Structure
The Bachelor’s degree in Social Work is designed as a part-time distance learning programme with digital learning formats. You can start at any time – there are no fixed semester dates. The standard period of study is 36 or 48 months and can be extended free of charge by up to 50%.
- Study materials are provided digitally (optionally also printed) and updated every 3 to 4 months
- Learning via online campus: Access to the learning platform, digital booklets, e-books, audio formats and web-based trainings
- Seminars take place flexibly online or at various locations – you choose the suitable option
- Examinations can be taken online as open-book or at numerous external centres – up to twelve exam dates annually
- Practical phases are an integral part; professional activities can be recognised where applicable
- Individual design: Possibility to recognise prior achievements, e.g. through educational training or certificates
- Free trial study: After enrolment, you can try out the course for four weeks without obligation
The flexible and digitalised structure is especially aimed at working professionals or people with family commitments. Through proven digital learning formats and close contact with lecturers, independent organisation of your study routine is possible.
Career Opportunities & Occupational Fields
With the Bachelor's degree in Social Work, you are broadly qualified for activities in classic and new fields of social work. Your acquired skills enable you to actively shape social challenges and professionally support clients.
- Work as a social worker or social pedagogue in public and independent agencies
- Fields of work in child, youth and family support, migration work, poverty and homelessness, health promotion
- Social space and district work, community development, work in schools or healthcare facilities
- Conception, counselling and project management in social organisations, associations and projects
- Support and care for people with special support needs (inclusion, dementia, integration)
- Professional leadership tasks, team coordination, initiation and evaluation of social projects
Graduates can apply for state recognition as a social worker or social pedagogue after completion, depending on regional legal requirements. Usually, a one-year professional internship with examination is required – prior practical experience can be credited.
Place of Study
The studies at APOLLON University take place mainly online and location-independent. The private university is based in Bremen, and lecturers and student services are always digitally accessible.
- Online campus as the central hub for courses, learning materials, seminars and exam organisation
- Online seminars and events – face-to-face seminars possible on request at various locations
- Examinations and practical phases: Optionally online or at external examination centres in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and internationally
- Practical placements in recognised social institutions of your choice
Whether you study close to home, abroad or on the move – the flexible distance learning approach allows you to organise your studies exactly as it fits with your everyday life.
Costs and Financing
The total costs for the Bachelor’s degree in Social Work by distance learning at APOLLON University amount to €12,780 (for a study duration of 36 months) – this corresponds to €288/month in the standard option. If you opt for a longer study period (48 months), the monthly rate is reduced accordingly.
- Free extension is possible up to 50% of the standard period of study (an additional 18 or 24 months)
- Four-week trial study: Within the first four weeks you can cancel the course free of charge
- Recognition options for prior achievements (e.g. professional qualifications, educational training, APOLLON certificates) enable shortening of the course and thus reduce total costs
- Support and financing: The course is eligible for BAföG funding; furthermore, other financing options are available via scholarship programmes, education loans and employer support
- Special conditions for purely digital study options are available
APOLLON University supports you in finding individual financing options and offers flexibility in organising the funding of your studies.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Social Work? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution APOLLON University of Health Care Management or the editorial team will answer you.