The well-being and complex needs of individuals in crisis have long been met through social work. Many organizations participate in propelling social justice for people stuck in financial and mental constraints. Worldwide, many nations have played their part in promoting social work studies and activities for humanitarian purposes.
Germany is a leading name in these countries, holding a spot as a major funder in social work initiatives globally. The nation’s social workers as well as authorities are highly engaged in volunteer work. They do this through international conferences, workshops, or projects. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) funds a wide range of international social work projects.
These are to aid children, families, persons with disabilities, and those in low-income situations. Apart from this, German universities offer modern social work programs to make developments in the field. We have discussed the best of these German universities to pursue a degree in social work in this article.
Top Schools Offering Social Work in Germany
We’ve compiled a list of some of Germany’s finest social work schools below.
1. Erfurt University
Since its inception in 1969, EUAS has expanded to become one of Germany’s preeminent institutes of applied learning and research. EUAS’s Department of Social Work is renowned for its particular emphasis on real-world experience and its commitment to promoting social justice.
The Thuringian Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport has given the institute a certificate of approval. Apart from this, EUAS is a part of the European University Association (EUA) and the German Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS7).
This German university has some of the best social work programs. Their Bachelor’s in Social Work program is created to provide students with the initial professional certification. This is necessary to function autonomously in the many subfields and interdisciplinary intersections of social work. After the degree program, students will have the opportunity to focus on either pediatrics, health, or sickness.
Workload from each module is included in the total number of credits awarded. At the end of each unit, students take part in a module-specific evaluation such as a project, test, presentation, or paper.
2. Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
Next, we have the Hochschule Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences which, since its founding in 1974, has grown into a dynamic institution. It built a strong reputation for academic excellence in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law, and business and economics in northwestern Germany. Its courses are well organized and adhere to high academic criteria. They are recognized and respected all around the world, and their degrees are widely accepted in the workforce.
Osnabrück University is notable for its emphasis on interdisciplinary educational and research activities. Music, agricultural science, management, and social work are some of the study areas this institute offers. Among them, the Master in Social Work has garnered a lot of attention. To prepare students for need-based social space management, the Master of Social Work, Local Organization of Social Participation degree course can be undertaken.
Graduating with this emphasis should provide students with the ability to engage in critical, planning-oriented, conceptual, planned, and democratic action. This is in support of the gradual execution of broad community plans across sectors.
3. Friedensau Adventist University
Among Germany’s top universities, FAU is a historic facility, that established its presence in 1899. Despite being one of the smallest institutions in Germany, FAU) is well-known for its dedication to community service. It is a private institution with ties to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The institute provides education at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels in fields including social work, theological subjects, and nursing. Concentrating on its social work courses, it provided a world-recognized bachelor’s degree. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in social work here are trained to help others by resolving their challenges professionally.
They are dedicated to making a positive impact in the world, whether it be on an individual or social level. This degree’s 6-semester curriculum covers all aspects of social work, including theories and methodologies, social science fundamentals, and specialized fields of practice. It provides the legal basis for social work, health promotion, and prevention, including psychology and psychotherapy.
4. Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
Known for its philanthropic work and academic excellence, we suggest Esslingen University of Applied Sciences to pursue a social work degree in Germany. It was founded in 1992 as a public, not-for-profit institution of higher learning. It is one of Germany’s most famous and most respected universities for professional studies.
Employers have high demands for their graduates because of the quality of their programs. One of its programs that has been highly sought-after by international students is its Bachelor’s in Social Work. Students in this course acquire the skills necessary to conduct qualitative as well as quantitative research.
Within the parameters of thematic concentration, students have the freedom to pursue individual interests and build their profile. This 3.5-year program helps students gain rewarding posts in the field of social work. Human development, social policy, and many other subjects are covered in this area.
5. Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Another great German university offering social work programs is Leuphana University of Lüneburg which is well-known for its academic research. The institution is home to several research facilities and the staff and pupils are actively engaged in multiple research endeavors. Industries including business, engineering, and education benefit greatly from the university’s analysis.
It is recognized by the German Accreditation Council. Students from well over 100 different nations study at this institute. In terms of social work, it provides modern studies in its Bachelor of Social Work course. The program has been approved by the DBSH, the German Association of Social Workers.
The curriculum spans 7 semesters and offers training for a wide range of social work specialties. Students will get a theoretical and practical understanding and experience working with diverse populations in this program. Counseling, case management, and advocacy are just a few of the social work-related skills taught in this degree.
The curriculum also mandates two social work internships for its students. The 1st internship is a 2-week experience in a field of social work the student is interested in. The 2nd internship is a more in-depth, specialized experience in social work and lasts for 6 months.
FAQS About Studying Social Work in Germany
Is Pursuing a Degree in Social Work Abroad Worth It?
The graduate of a social work program has various options in terms of career paths. Learning about other cultures and gaining an international outlook on social work are two of the many benefits of studying social work overseas. Career-wise, this may be advantageous since it increases students’ chances of being hired. All-in-all, it is worth it.
Social workers, mental health practitioners, counselors, family support workers, and youth workers are some of the beneficial job posts available after obtaining an advanced degree in social work. Cross-cultural competence may be developed in this way. Working with individuals from diverse cultural origins requires these abilities. The experience of studying social work in another nation might provide students with new insights into the field.
Humanitarians have long recognized social work as a means to help those in need. When it comes to obtaining a degree in social work, German institutions listed above are among the finest in the world.
We hope that this article on the best social work schools in Germany will help you narrow down the best school to pursue your degree. Head on over to the Study in Germany Page and make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Germany for more valuable tips and study opportunities!
