Did you know that modern social work developed in the late 19th century through organized efforts to address poverty, inequality, and social welfare needs? Today, social work focuses on supporting individuals, families, and communities as they confront and resolve difficult social problems. Many people choose social work as a career because it can lead to a variety of roles, such as charity officer, family support worker, social worker, and community support professional.
If you are passionate about social work and want to build a career in this field, studying abroad can benefit you in many ways. From research universities to specialized European universities of applied sciences, there are many options to consider. You can use the discussion below to explore where to study social work in Europe and learn more about the benefits of each institution. Out of many colleges and universities, we have highlighted European institutions with social work or closely related social services programs. These institutions provide students from around the world with structured professional degrees and study options that can support their growth in the field of social work.
Top Social Work Schools in Europe
1. University of Greenwich
A public university with campuses in London and Kent, the University of Greenwich supports an ambitious community of scholars and students from many backgrounds. It is a strong option in Europe for students who want to pursue a social work degree with professional placements and career-focused training. Undergraduate and graduate social work programs are available to international students. The BA (Hons) Social Work is offered full-time over three years or part-time over four years, while the MA Social Work is offered full-time over two years or part-time over three years. For 2026/27 entry, the international tuition fee is listed as £17,975 for the BA and £18,700 per year for the MA.
2. University of Dundee
In Dundee, Scotland, there is a public research university known as the University of Dundee. The university offers a BA (Hons) Social Work, an MSc Social Work, and research degrees in social work, including MSc by Research and Ph.D. options. The BA is a four-year full-time program, while the MSc is a full-time program lasting 22 months. The university also has an international advice service that supports overseas students. The courses give students the chance to learn through academic study and practice-based experience, helping them understand the perspectives of caregivers and people who use social work services.
3. University College Cork
University College Cork is located in Cork, Ireland. Its School of Applied Social Studies provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in social work, including the Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies, and Ph.D. in Social Work. The teaching and learning strategies emphasize building on students’ prior knowledge and experience while developing their skills and competencies for professional practice.
4. Lancaster University
The campus of Lancaster University provides a welcoming environment for students from around the world to pursue their studies. Students can earn a BA (Hons) Social Work from the university. For 2026 entry, the program is listed as a three-year full-time degree. Lancaster’s published 2026/27 international undergraduate tuition fee for arts and social science courses is £25,490 per year.
5. University of Bologna
In Bologna, Italy, there is a public research institution called the University of Bologna. It is considered the oldest university in the Western world and traces its origins to 1088. Students interested in social work can pursue the Italian-taught first-cycle degree in Social Work, which is a 180 ECTS bachelor’s program, or the Italian-taught second-cycle degree in Sociology and Social Work, which is a two-year, 120 ECTS master’s program. The master’s program includes a Social Work curriculum and prepares students for advanced roles in the field.
6. University College Dublin
An Irish public research university, University College Dublin is located in Dublin. Students interested in doctoral-level study can consider UCD’s Ph.D. in Social Work. The official course listing describes it as a full-time, on-campus doctoral program at NFQ Level 10. This option is best suited for students who want to pursue advanced research in social work rather than a professional entry-level social work qualification.
7. University of Debrecen
Hungary’s Debrecen is home to the University of Debrecen, another excellent European school for students interested in social work. Founded in 1538, it is one of Hungary’s oldest continuously operating higher education institutions. The university has more than 7,800 international students from over 140 countries. For students interested in social work, the university offers English-taught graduate options such as Social Work in Health Care, MSc, and Social Work and Social Economics, MA. Both programs are listed as four-semester, 120 ECTS programs with annual tuition of $5,500.
8. University of Edinburgh
Scotland is home to the public research institution known as the University of Edinburgh. Its social work subject area provides study options for students who want to enter or advance in the social work profession. Available programs include the Social Work BSc, Master of Social Work, Social Work MSc by Research, Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Social Work, and Ph.D. in Social Work. Graduates can use their training to support people who use social work services and to pursue related careers, including roles connected to mental health and community support.
9. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
The largest university of applied sciences in Finland is Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. It is another great choice for students looking to pursue social services studies in Europe. The institution offers education in four fields: business, culture, health care and social services, and technology. The English-taught Bachelor of Social Services is a 210 ECTS program that takes about 3.5 years to complete and has an annual non-EU/EEA tuition fee of €11,000. The related Health Business Management master’s option for health care and social services professionals is offered online in English and has an annual tuition fee of €12,500 for new study rights beginning after July 31, 2025.
10. Turku University of Applied Sciences
A multidisciplinary higher education institution, Turku University of Applied Sciences is situated in the southwest Finnish city of Turku. For international students, the university offers the Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education. The program is taught full-time on campus, carries 210 ECTS credits, and has a planned duration of 3.5 years. The bachelor’s degree prepares students with skills needed for work as social service professionals, especially in early childhood education, social services, and related welfare services.
FAQS About Studying Social Work
Is Pursuing a Degree in Social Work Abroad Worth It?
If you are passionate about standing up for underprivileged communities, advocating for rights, and supporting people through difficult situations, then pursuing a degree in social work could be the right path for you.
Studying social work at a university in Europe can give you the chance to learn alongside students from around the world, develop your independence, and acquire skills that are useful in a global job market. Becoming a social worker can also help you build transferable skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, that are useful in many careers.
Few professions can give you the same sense of contributing to society that social work can. Helping others is only one part of what social work involves. Choosing one of these European schools for your social work education can be a meaningful first step if you want to dedicate your career to serving people and communities.
We hope that this article on the best social work schools in Europe was helpful. You can also find more courses on our Europe Courses Page and scholarship opportunities on the Europe Scholarships Page!
