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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Social Work under the number 1156023c. Who is the Master's Degree in Social Work (M.A.) at Euro-FH Suitable For?
The Master's degree programme in Social Work (M.A.) is aimed at graduates with a first university degree in Social Work or a comparable educational discipline. The target group particularly includes professionals preparing for leadership positions in the social sector or who want to actively shape complex change processes in the field of Social Work (for example in the context of sustainability, digitalisation or migration). It also addresses individuals who wish to develop and implement future-oriented concepts for organisations, associations or providers, or who are seeking qualification for scientific or research-oriented activities in Social Work.
Which Formal Admission Criteria Must You Meet?
The following formal requirements are necessary for admission:
- Completed university degree (at least a bachelor's degree, preferably in Social Work, Social Pedagogy, Childhood and Youth Pedagogy, Early or Elementary Education, Curative Education or Educational Science; comparable degree programmes possible after individual assessment)
- Relevant professional experience in the field of Social Work or a related area of activity (details regarding the minimum duration will be individually assessed)
- English language skills at a level that enables academic work with English-language specialist texts
- No Numerus Clausus; admission is not restricted by a NC
Applicants with related degrees or differing prior education may, if necessary, be required to provide evidence of the suitability of their knowledge; a separate continuing education master’s degree is available for lateral entrants.
You should bring openness to societal transformation processes and interest in social and educational scientific issues. Important personal prerequisites are the ability to engage in discourse, moderation and advisory competence, as well as the willingness to tackle complex challenges. Independent working, reflective ability, a high level of self-organisation for distance learning and the ability to use digital learning formats effectively are recommended. Experience in dealing with diversity, enjoyment of interdisciplinary exchange and interest in leadership tasks facilitate entry and sustainable study success.
What content does the Master’s degree in Social Work at Euro-FH convey?
In the Master’s degree in Social Work (M.A.) at the European Distance Learning University Hamburg, you will focus specifically on its current and future challenges, especially in the context of societal transformations such as digitalisation, migration, social change and sustainability. The curriculum is divided into three thematic areas:
- Foundation: You will learn about the relationship of Social Work to related disciplines and deepen your knowledge of research methods, transformation processes as well as academic work.
- Present & Future: Priorities include digitalisation, demographic change, sustainability and migration. You will develop skills to scientifically analyse these topics and translate them into courses of action.
- Social Future: You will design visionary and innovative models for overcoming societal challenges and deal specifically with leadership and management skills in the social work context.
The programme is supplemented by moderation- and advisory-oriented units as well as discussions about the role of Social Work in societal change. This enables you to actively and reflectively shape transformation processes and assume managerial responsibility.
How is the study programme organised in the Master’s in Social Work?
The Master’s degree is designed as a part-time distance learning programme and offers you maximum flexibility: You can start at any time and adjust your learning pace individually. The standard period of study is 3 semesters (18 months), with a workload of approx. 21 hours per week. A free extension of up to 18 months is possible.
- Study materials are available at any time digitally, in print and as audio formats.
- The online campus provides access to all learning media, forums and study organisation.
- Compact seminars can be booked either on-site (up to 6 days in Hamburg) or as online seminars.
- Webinars, teaching videos, podcasts and digital learning units complement self-study.
- Examinations can be taken flexibly every month online or at one of the nationwide examination centres.
You will receive individual support from personal academic advisors, subject tutors as well as the AI learning assistant KILEA, which is available around the clock for any questions.
What prospects open up after completing the Master’s degree in Social Work?
With the Master of Arts in Social Work, you qualify for management positions, concept development and strategic tasks. Typical fields of application include:
- Management and department leadership in organisations and institutions of social work
- Innovation management as well as (re-)organisation of social services
- Development and implementation of sustainable concepts in community work, municipal administrations, child and youth welfare as well as adult education
- Work with older and very old people and in the field of regional development
- Collaboration in associations, major social service providers and research institutions
- Academic career or commencement of a PhD after the Master’s degree
Important: This Master’s degree does not entitle you to acquire state recognition as a social worker or social pedagogue.
Where is the Master’s degree in Social Work conducted and what spatial options are there?
The programme takes place online at the virtual campus of Euro-FH and can therefore be completed independently of location. The personal compact seminars can be attended optionally in Hamburg (up to 6 days, maximum 48 hours of instruction) or completely online (up to 5 online seminars with a maximum of 40 hours of instruction). Examinations are taken online or at one of 10 examination centres in Germany. This makes the programme especially suitable for working professionals and persons with high mobility or special life circumstances.
What costs can you expect for the Master’s in Social Work at Euro-FH and how can you finance your studies?
The total costs for the Master’s degree in Social Work (M.A.) at Euro-FH amount to €12,504. The monthly fee is €521, whereby costs and study duration can be reduced through recognition of prior achievements.
- Flexible payment models are available.
- A free extension of the study period by up to 50% is possible.
- Possible financial support: BAföG for the Master’s programme (under certain conditions), educational bonuses, scholarships and tax deductibility as income-related expenses.
Promotions such as special discounts or spring promotions can reduce the total price additionally. The costs include all study materials, use of the online campus and personal support.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Social Work? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution European Distance Learning University Hamburg or the editorial team will answer you.
Can i pursue my PHD with the MA in Social Work. How can i use my tax to reduce my tuition cost
Hi!
With the M.A. in Social Work from Euro-FH you can generally use the degree as a basis to apply for a PhD or doctoral programme. The degree is a regular Master of Arts from a state-recognised German University of Applied Sciences.
Important: Euro-FH itself does not award doctorates, as is the case with most Universities of Applied Sciences you come across in Germany. You would need to apply to a university or doctoral centre that has the right to award PhDs. The receiving institution decides whether you are admitted. They will usually check:
whether your Master’s degree is relevant to the PhD topic,
your grades,
your research proposal,
whether you can find a supervisor,
and usually your total ECTS credits from Bachelor + Master.
So, for this Euro-FH programme, one point is especially important for a PhD in Germany (and most of European Countries): the Master has 90 ECTS. That is a normal Master’s structure in Germany, but most doctoral regulations expect 300 ECTS in total from Bachelor plus Master. If your Bachelor had 210 ECTS, you would normally reach 300 ECTS together with this Master. If your Bachelor had 180 ECTS, some universities may ask for additional academic credits or individual proof of suitability.
Also note: this programme is German-taught, even though the course profile is in English.
About tax and tuition: In Germany, you usually cannot reduce the tuition fee directly through tax. You pay the tuition first and may later claim study-related costs in your German tax return. Since a Master’s degree normally counts as further education after a Bachelor, tuition fees and related costs may often be claimed as income-related expenses if the study is connected to your current or future taxable work in Germany.
Typical costs you may be able to claim include:
tuition fees,
examination fees,
specialist books,
laptop or software used for study,
internet or office costs proportionally,
travel or accommodation for required seminars or exams.
The above only applies if you pay German income tax or have taxable income in Germany, though. It does not work like an upfront scholarship or tuition discount. The actual tax mechanisms and benefit may depend on tax residence and personal situation, hence it is worth asking either a tax adviser or some sort of tax assistance in your country of residence.
If you need quick assistance in determining whether this master's program aligns with a planned doctorate—or whether a different master's program in social work would be the safer choice from an academic perspective—you can also ask Sophie, our virtual study advisor.
Kind regards