Social Work, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Social Work degree at HKS Ottersberg suitable for?

The Social Work (B.A.) degree at the Hochschule für Künste im Sozialen, Ottersberg, is aimed at individuals who are interested in social challenges and wish to professionally support people in complex life situations. The degree programme is particularly suitable for those who want to integrate artistic-based methods and personal development into their future professional practice alongside technical and legal competencies. It is intended for applicants who enjoy engaging with art, dance or theatre and incorporating these impulses into pedagogical-social contexts, for example when working with people requiring assistance, with a migration background, or with limited linguistic communication skills.

Admission requirements for the Bachelor in Social Work

• General or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification: Usually, the Abitur or the Fachhochschulreife is required for admission. Professionally qualified applicants with appropriate prior education can also be admitted. Precise information is provided by the admissions office.
• Passed aptitude test: The Hochschule für Künste im Sozialen conducts its own aptitude test. There is no Numerus Clausus (NC); selection is based on the aptitude assessment.
• Proof of German language skills: International applicants must provide proof of sufficient German language skills. Details on accepted language certificates are announced by the admissions office.

Applications are possible for the winter semester. More detailed information on deadlines and procedures is provided by the university’s admissions office.

Personal prerequisites and professional requirements

• Interest in social processes: The course content requires a willingness to engage with questions of participation, inclusion and social justice.
• Openness to artistic approaches: The degree includes modules on fine art, dance, theatre and media. Openness and interest in one’s own creative processes are expected.
• Empathy and communication skills: Future professional practice requires the ability to empathise with people and to build sustainable relationships even in difficult contexts.
• Ability to work in a team and willingness to reflect: Group work, case-oriented action and self-reflection are essential components of both the degree and the professional field of Social Work.
• Resilience and conflict management skills: Everyday life in Social Work can be challenging. A certain degree of psychological resilience and conflict management skills are an advantage.

What to Expect in the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Social Work at HKS Ottersberg

What Content Is Covered?

In the Social Work (B.A.) degree programme, you combine a comprehensive academic education with an artistically based personal development. The focus is on developing empathetic, reflective, and creative action competencies for today’s social practice. You learn to analyse social challenges and support people in shaping their everyday lives – especially when participation is difficult.

• Core subjects of Social Work such as case and case management, social law and ethics
• Artistic modules including painting, sculpture, dance, theatre and performance
• Practice-oriented seminars on methods, communication and project management
• Strengthening personal and critical reflection skills
• Interdisciplinary projects with students from other artistic degree programmes at HKS

How Is the Course Structured?

The degree programme is designed over seven semesters and combines theory, practice and artistic development. You commence each winter semester. Close contact with lecturers from artistic practice and small learning groups ensure individual support.

• 1st–3rd semester: Fundamentals of Social Work, introduction to artistic methods, basics of social research
• 4th–5th semester: Advanced modules, elective options regarding artistic priorities, practical projects
• 6th semester: Integrated practical semester – you gain practical experience in suitable institutions; the practical semester is a prerequisite for state recognition
• 7th semester: Final thesis (bachelor’s thesis) on a self-chosen topic from the field of Social Work and Art

Academic teaching is accompanied by cross-programme projects and artistic self-exploration. This prepares you specifically for your future professional life.

What Career Prospects Does the Degree Offer?

After your studies, you will be a state-recognised social worker (B.A.) and can work in a wide range of social fields. The combination of science and art makes you especially suited for areas of work where creative methods, participatory projects and working with people with communication barriers are required.

• Social institutions such as youth centres, counselling centres or facilities for people requiring assistance
• Educational and socio-cultural organisations, independent bodies and municipal authorities
• Project work at the interfaces of education, therapy and culture
• Opportunities for further study, for example through a subsequent master’s degree (e.g. Arts and Community, M.A./M.F.A.)

Both the practical semester and the projects during the course enable early contacts with potential employers.

What Is Studying on Site Like?

The University of Arts in Social Work (HKS) Ottersberg is located in Ottersberg, Lower Saxony, near Bremen. HKS offers a personal atmosphere, small groups and close supervision. You study in an artistically inspired environment and can benefit from Bremen’s extensive cultural offerings – including the culture semester ticket.

• Modern studios, rooms for dance, theatre and artistic work
• Committed lecturers from artistic practice and social work
• Interdisciplinary projects with other degree programmes on site
• Personal advice and support throughout the entire degree

What Costs Can You Expect and How Can You Finance Your Studies?

The course costs 500 euros per month or 3,000 euros per semester. Information on individual financing options, BAföG and scholarships is provided during student advising. The culture semester ticket also allows free entry to many cultural institutions in Bremen.

• Tuition fees: 500 euros/month
• Payment by semester: 3,000 euros/semester possible
• BAföG and other funding options
• Culture semester ticket for free entry to cultural institutions in Bremen