Social Work, Bachelor of Arts

Dual Social Work Degree at SRH University: Who is this Course Suitable For?

The dual Bachelor's degree in Social Work (B.A.) at SRH University is aimed at anyone who wants to take social responsibility and actively support people in challenging life situations. The course combines academic theory at the university with practical experience at a partner organisation, ideal for those interested in gaining early professional insights. It is especially targeted at career starters with a university entrance qualification or subject-specific university entrance qualification, but also at people with professional experience in the social field who want to further qualify. The programme is suitable for anyone passionate about topics such as education, counselling, integration and social justice, and who would like to work in areas such as child and youth welfare, family counselling, disabled support or school social work.

What Admission Requirements Apply for the Dual Social Work Degree?

The following formal requirements must be met for admission to the course:

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or subject-specific university entrance qualification (if the final certificate is still pending, the latest interim report is sufficient).
• Alternatively: Qualification as an educator, a completed advanced training course (e.g. master craftsman, specialist or business administrator) or a completed vocational training in the social field with at least three years’ professional experience.
• Curriculum vitae with a current passport photo as well as a copy of identification (for international applicants: copy of the national identity card).
• Where applicable, a successfully completed selection procedure (selection interview, depending on the study location).

Additional requirements may apply for international applicants, such as proof of sufficient German language skills.

Important Personal Requirements and Attributes

In addition to the formal admission criteria, the following personal qualities are advantageous for the Bachelor's degree in Social Work at SRH University:

• Interest in social contexts, social justice and supporting people in difficult life situations.
• Empathy, communication skills and team spirit, especially for working in multiprofessional teams and with different target groups.
• Ability to reflect on one’s own actions as well as openness towards new experiences and learning content.
• Willingness to take responsibility and to regularly participate in practical placements at the partner organisation.
• Organisational skills, commitment and resilience – especially when combining theory and practical phases.

A strong motivation to work in the social field and with diverse groups of people is an important foundation for successfully completing the course.

What content can you expect in the dual Bachelor's degree in Social Work?

In the dual Bachelor's degree in Social Work at SRH University, you will learn how to analyse social challenges thoroughly and work on solutions-oriented approaches. You will receive a broad education in related disciplines such as psychology, healthcare, and sociology. Important areas of study include:

• Upbringing, education and socialisation
• Foundations and history of social work
• Educational work with different target groups
• Sociological and psychological basics
• Health sciences
• Legal foundations (e.g. child and youth welfare law, social law)
• Social policy and economic framework conditions
• Methods and fields of action in social work
• Inclusion and diversity
• Professional ethics and professionalisation
• Communication and counselling approaches
• Practice-related modules such as writing workshop and reflection

At the end of your studies, you will complete a Bachelor's thesis. You will also gain recognition as a state-certified social worker.

How is the dual study programme structured?

The course links the theoretical phases at the university with regular practical phases at your partner organisation. Various time models are available:

• Day model: You spend 2–3 days per week at the university and the other days in the company.
• Block model: You study for several weeks in a row at the university and then move to a longer practical phase in the company.

Depending on the location, the duration of the course is 6 or 7 semesters. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts with 180 ECTS credits (at some locations 210 ECTS, then 7 semesters).

The study periods are closely interlinked with the practical parts – meaning you can directly apply what you learn in lectures to your professional everyday life.

In the first semesters, the focus is on the basics (education, socialisation, psychology, academic working). From the third semester onwards, legal, ethical and social-political content as well as practical fields of work are the main focus. Practical projects and intensive support for the Bachelor's thesis round off the course.

Career prospects and fields of work after graduation

The dual course prepares you for diverse activities in the field of social work. After graduation, you can work in areas such as:

• Child and youth welfare, e.g. in homes or supervised residential groups
• Family counselling and parenting advice
• Work with people with disabilities
• School social work
• Addiction support and addiction prevention
• Offender support
• Integration projects and refugee work
• Elderly care and senior facilities
• Corporate social work in business and companies

You can work both in public and in independent and private organisations. The course also qualifies you for state recognition as a social worker, which is a prerequisite for many positions in the social sector.

At which locations can you study?

The dual degree programme in Social Work is offered at several SRH University locations. These include:

• Berlin
• Dresden
• Fürth
• Hamm
• Heidelberg
• Cologne
• From 2026 additionally Leipzig and Munich (in accreditation)

Course content and the time model vary depending on the location. This way, you can flexibly combine your studies with your place of residence.

What costs should you expect? How can you finance your studies?

Monthly fees vary by location:

• Dresden, Fürth: €550 per month
• Berlin, Heidelberg, Leipzig: €590 per month
• Hamm, Cologne, Munich: €690 per month

In addition, there is a one-off enrolment fee of €750. Good news: usually your partner organisation covers these tuition fees in full.

Special regulations on fees may apply to international students. In addition, there are various options for financing your studies, for example through scholarships or low-interest educational loans.

All costs are transparent; no additional examination fees apply. For living expenses, you should make solid financial planning.