Social Work, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Bachelor of Social Work (part-time) at SRH University suitable for?

The part-time Bachelor's programme in Social Work at SRH University is aimed at those who are already professionally active in the social sector and wish to expand their professional and methodological skills. The target group includes, for example, educators, social assistants, and pedagogical professionals who want to further qualify academically and improve their career prospects. The programme is particularly suitable for professionals employed in the social sector (e.g. youth welfare facilities, disability aid, migration work, or community work) who wish to complete a practice-oriented, academic study alongside their job.

What are the admission requirements?

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification: Application is also possible with a current interim report.
• Alternatively: A completed advanced training (e.g. as a master craftsman, specialist, business administrator) or a completed vocational training in the social sector and at least three years of professional experience.
• Employment in the social sector: Proof of current employment in the social sector with a minimum of 12.5 hours per week throughout the entire course.
• Additional documents:
  • Current CV with passport photo
  • Copy of ID (National Identity Card for international applicants)
  • If applicable, successfully completed selection process

Applications can be submitted continuously via the online portal of SRH University. If all requirements are met, an interview may follow (except at the Hamm location). After successful participation, applicants will receive the study contract and will be invited to an introductory session.

What personal requirements and skills facilitate the study?

• Independent and self-organized learning: As the course is part-time, good time management is essential.
• Reflective ability and empathy: Dealing with complex social issues requires empathy and a willingness for self-reflection.
• Communication and teamwork skills: Beneficial for working with clients, colleagues, and in interdisciplinary project work.
• Motivation for lifelong learning: Social work is a dynamic field - continuous further education and the willingness to engage with new scientific findings are important.

Applicants who already have practical experience in the social sector benefit from the close link between theory and practice in the SRH study concept CORE.

Social Work (B.A., part-time) at SRH University – All Content and Perspectives

What Knowledge and Skills are Taught in the Social Work Programme?

In the part-time Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work at SRH University, you will acquire profound professional, methodological, and social skills for professional social work. The programme is based on the innovative CORE principle (Competence-Oriented Research and Education), which promotes self-responsible and practice-oriented learning. The central study contents include:

• Theories and History of Social Work – You will learn about the development of the field, central paradigms, as well as historical and current approaches.
• Methodological and Action Competences – Conveying classical and modern methods, including counseling techniques, crisis intervention, conflict counseling, and project management.
• Educational Foundations – Topics such as education, training, socialization, and biography work are among the core contents.
• Psychology and Sociology – Psychological and sociological basics as a basis for target group-oriented action.
• Social Policy and Socioeconomics – You will explore the social policy framework conditions and their influence on practice.
• Legal Foundations – You will gain insights into, for example, the KJHG, Civil Code, youth and criminal law, and other relevant legal areas of social work.
• Empirical Methods and Scientific Work – You will learn the basics of scientific research methods and their application in the socio-scientific context.
• Practical Experience – Multiphase internships and work-related projects allow you to link theory and practice.
• Diversity and Professional Ethics – Reflection on one's own actions and professional ethics are integral components.
• Leadership Skills and Quality Management – Preparation for roles in social management and team leadership.

You will conclude your studies with a bachelor's thesis and a colloquium, where you apply the knowledge gained to a self-selected practical and application-oriented question.

How is the Part-time Social Work Programme Organised?

The programme is tailored to the needs of working professionals and is mainly implemented online. You will work on the learning content independently, supported by professional, individual coaching sessions. Three on-site phases per semester offer in-depth workshops, lectures, and exchanges with lecturers and fellow students. The on-site times are concentrated on weekends:

• Thursdays: 12:30 – 17:30
• Fridays: 8:30 – 17:30
• Saturdays: 8:30 – 15:45

By combining professional work and studies, you can immediately apply what you have learned in your everyday work and thus gain double the practical experience. Supervision takes place in small learning groups, ensuring intensive exchange and professional guidance by the lecturers.

What Career Opportunities do you have after Graduation?

Social work is considered a field of the future with a pronounced need for specialists. With a bachelor's degree from SRH University, you qualify for a variety of activities and fields of work:

• Work with children, young people, and families in youth welfare offices, welfare associations, and educational institutions.
• Support and counseling for people with disabilities.
• Social work with people with mental health problems.
• Professional support for senior citizens in the context of elderly care and community-oriented projects.
• Integration work in the context of migration and refugees.
• Work in facilities for people in special social situations (e.g., homelessness, addiction support).
• Tasks in social management, project management, or quality management.

In addition, the bachelor's degree qualifies you for further master's programmes and is recognized as a requirement for state recognition as a social worker (depending on regional regulations).

Where Does the Programme Take Place?

The part-time Social Work programme is offered at the locations of Gera, Hamm, and Cologne. Each of these locations is technically and spatially modern. The on-site times allow you to have direct personal contact with teachers and fellow students, strengthening your professional network.

The digital teaching and learning platform of SRH University ensures that you can participate in the programme regardless of your location and flexibility – ideal for professionals who want to combine family, work, and further education.

What are the Tuition Fees and What Financing Options are Available?

The monthly tuition fees for the Bachelor's in Social Work in the part-time model amount to €490 at all locations (Gera, Hamm, Cologne). The fees remain constant throughout the entire course of study. In addition, there is a one-time registration fee of €750. For students from non-EU countries without a settlement permit, the registration fee is €1,000.

• There are no additional examination fees (not even for resits).
• Payment of fees is possible monthly or per semester.
• For financing, SRH University provides information on educational loans, scholarships, and other funding opportunities.

The tuition fees contribute to the high-quality equipment of the locations, quality assurance, and individual support – factors that are crucial for your study success.