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Deutsch Which target groups benefit from studying Social Work?
The Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work at Kolping University is aimed at individuals who aspire to a professional career in social work or social pedagogy. It particularly addresses those interested in supporting people in difficult life situations – for example, in the areas of child and youth welfare, adult work, family support, migration, integration, or inclusion. The course is suitable both for school leavers after their Abitur and for professionals who want to expand their qualifications in the social sector and obtain state recognition as a social worker or social pedagogue.
What formal admission requirements apply?
To be admitted to the Social Work programme, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur)
- Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
- Vocational training and work experience in the social sector
- Master craftsman’s certificate or an equivalent advanced training qualification
In addition, proof of German language skills at least at level B2 is required. In the part-time study variant, at least 800 practical hours in the field of Social Work must be completed during the course of study in order to obtain state recognition.
Personal requirements include pronounced social skills, communication ability, and willingness to engage with people in different life situations. A high level of empathy, critical thinking, and resilience is helpful, as well as an interest in social contexts and legal frameworks. For the part-time, flexible study model, you should be able to work independently and be willing to transfer practical experience to your current or future professional field.
Study Content in Detail
In the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work at Kolping University of Applied Sciences, you engage with all aspects of modern social work in a practical way. The curriculum imparts knowledge, methodological skills, and the ability to reflect for professional work in the social sector. The programme comprises 180 ECTS credits and covers, among other topics:
- Foundations of Social Work: Historical, legal, and theoretical fundamentals as well as current fields of activity
- Methods of Social Work: Casework, group work, project work, and counselling techniques
- Psychology and Pedagogy: Developmental psychology, educational diagnostics, and intervention methods
- Social Law: Legal framework of the social system as well as child protection and youth welfare
- Management and Leadership: Management of social organisations, teamwork, personnel management
- Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturality: Working with people from diverse cultural, social and individual backgrounds
- Social Change and Digitalisation: Challenges of modern society, social innovations and digitalisation in the social sector
- Professional Integration and Transitions: Labour market integration, social reintegration, support in migration and inclusion
- Practical Transfer: Close connection between theory and concrete work in the social sector through practical phases and Case Days
With successful completion, you will be broadly prepared both theoretically and practically for all relevant fields of work.
Course Structure
The Social Work degree at Kolping University is designed for 7 semesters (3.5 years) and can be completed part-time alongside employment. The courses are held entirely online in the format of online presence studies. This gives you maximum flexibility and allows you to coordinate your studies with your professional and private life.
- Online learning platform and virtual lecture hall: All lectures, seminars and exams are offered digitally
- Practical units: For state accreditation, you must complete 800 hours of practical work during your studies (e.g. with an organisation of your choice)
- Case Days at the Cologne campus: In addition to the online study, practical days for casework and collegial exchange take place in Cologne
- Learning support: Personal mentors, mentoring and active support are available throughout the entire course of study
- Flexibility: Free extensions of the study period and free sabbatical semesters are possible
The degree concludes with the academic qualification Bachelor of Arts and state recognition as a social worker or social pedagogue.
Career Prospects & Job Opportunities
With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, you qualify for a wide range of socially relevant activities. Graduates are in demand as state-recognised social workers in all classic and innovative fields of work. Possible areas of employment include:
- Child and Youth Welfare: Work in residential and outpatient facilities, educational support, crisis intervention, youth welfare offices
- Family Support and Adult Work: Family counselling, social counselling, debt or addiction counselling, senior citizen support
- Migration, Integration and Inclusion: Support work for refugees, programmes for social participation, diversity management
- Reintegration and Offender Assistance: Care and reintegration of people with special challenges
- Social Management and Leadership Roles: Taking on leadership and controlling functions in social organisations
- Counselling, Prevention and Education: Development and implementation of offers for the prevention of social problems
Due to the shortage of skilled workers in the social sector, excellent professional prospects and development opportunities exist – also for later entry into management positions or further Master’s programmes.
Place of Study
The programme is offered by the Kolping University of Applied Sciences for Health and Social Affairs, based in Cologne (North Rhine-Westphalia). Thanks to the online presence concept, however, you can study from your home location anywhere in Germany. The courses, seminars and examinations take place entirely online.
- Online campus: Access to online library, learning platform and digital tools (Microsoft Office/Teams)
- Practical units at the Cologne campus: You are welcome to attend the campus in Cologne on select occasions for practical phases, Case Days and collegial exchange
- Individual organisation: Practical units can be flexibly completed at an institution near your place of residence
Students benefit from spatial independence and personal support in the digital space.
Costs and Financing
For the part-time Social Work degree (B.A.) at Kolping University, you invest €320 per month with a study duration of 39 months, alternatively €1,805 per semester or a total of €12,634 for the entire course. In the dual model or with other payment options (e.g. €330 monthly over 54 months, €410 over 42 months or a one-time payment of €16,700), the fees vary slightly. Discounts are available for lump-sum payments and reduced durations.
- Prior achievements (e.g. professional qualifications) can reduce the total costs
- Scholarships and concessions for special target groups are possible
- Employer subsidies or financial support from practical partners can often be realised
- Free extensions or sabbatical semesters for financial relief are possible
The university offers comprehensive advice on funding options and further individual financing paths. Due to the online study model, there are no additional relocation costs or travel expenses.
Advisory Service
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