Social work supports individuals and communities facing complex challenges. It is closely connected with social justice, access to support, and efforts to address poverty and other social risks.
Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) coordinates the country’s development cooperation. BMZ describes social protection as financial safeguarding against risks such as illness, accidents, unemployment, or inability to work and as an important tool for combating poverty.
German universities also offer social work programs. Students can explore related undergraduate, master’s, and MBA options across institutions before narrowing down the right degree. This article discusses several German institutions that offer degrees in social work.
Top Schools Offering Social Work in Germany
Below are several institutions in Germany that offer social work programs.
1. Erfurt University
The institution named in this heading is the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, also known as Fachhochschule Erfurt. It was established on October 1, 1991. Its Faculty of Applied Social Sciences offers practice-oriented study options, including a B.A. in Social Work and an M.A. in International Social Work.
The six-semester B.A. in Social Work leads to a bachelor’s degree and state certification as a social worker and social pedagogue. Students complete an eight-week pre-study placement, undertake practical components during the second and fourth semesters, and select a specialization from the fifth semester. The available specializations include child and youth welfare, marginalization and deviation, and health and sickness.
The four-semester M.A. in International Social Work includes a 15-week placement abroad, a small international research project, and a master’s thesis. Most lectures are in German, and applicants are expected to demonstrate proficiency in both German and English.
2. Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences offers a B.A. in Social Work and a consecutive M.A. called Social Work: Shaping Participation with a Future Focus. The master’s program was formerly called Social Work: Local Organization of Social Participation.
The B.A. has a standard period of study of six semesters. Its curriculum includes the foundations of social work as well as pedagogy, psychology, law, and social sciences. Students also complete two internships and a practical project. Graduates who wish to receive state recognition complete a one-year professional recognition internship after the degree.
The four-semester German-taught M.A. prepares students for the needs-based organization of communal spaces. The program develops conceptual, project-based, research, and leadership skills.
3. Friedensau Adventist University
Founded in 1899, Friedensau Adventist University is a state-accredited private university run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It offers a German-taught B.A. in Social Work and an English-taught B.A. in International Social Work.
The German-taught B.A. in Social Work is a full-time, three-year program comprising six semesters and 180 credits. The curriculum covers theories and methods of social work, social science foundations, specialized fields of practice, legal foundations, health promotion and prevention, psychology, psychotherapy, empirical research, and academic work. Students also complete two four-week internships.
The English-taught B.A. in International Social Work is also a full-time, three-year program comprising six semesters and 180 ECTS credits. It includes a required semester abroad during the fifth semester and a four-month internship abroad during the third year.
4. Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences was formed in 2006 through the merger of two universities of applied sciences. Its Faculty of Social Work, Education and Nursing Sciences offers both a B.A. and an M.A. in Social Work.
The German-taught B.A. in Social Work has a standard period of study of seven semesters. Students can study full-time or follow an individualized part-time pathway. The program also offers an optional International Social Work specialization.
The three-semester M.A. in Social Work is taught in German and English. It includes qualitative and quantitative research methods and offers two specializations: Innovative Social Work and International Social Work. Prospective students should review the university’s financing page because tuition rules and exemptions may apply.
5. Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Leuphana University of Lüneburg’s Professional School offers a German-language, extra-occupational B.A. in Social Work–Social Education. The program is designed for state-certified preschool teachers with at least three years of professional experience.
The program comprises seven terms. Prior preschool-teacher training accounts for 40 credits and two recognized semesters, meaning that students complete 140 credits during the program toward a total of 180 credits. Tuition is €9,730, plus a current term contribution of €240 per term.
The program is designed to be combined with part-time employment. Students generally attend a two-day class session once a month, usually on a Friday and Saturday, and can complete a three-week attendance period as educational leave. The program also offers an option to obtain state certification as a social worker.
FAQS About Studying Social Work in Germany
Is Pursuing a Degree in Social Work Abroad Worth It?
Studying social work abroad can be worthwhile for students who want to develop an international perspective and gain intercultural experience. Career outcomes depend on the degree, recognition requirements, language skills, and local professional regulations.
Depending on their program and the applicable recognition requirements, social work graduates may pursue roles in areas such as child and youth welfare, family support, migration and refugee services, health-related social work, and community development. Studying in another country can also help students develop cross-cultural skills and gain new perspectives on the field.
The German institutions listed above offer different pathways, ranging from full-time bachelor’s degrees to specialized master’s programs and extra-occupational study options.
We hope that this article on social work schools in Germany will help you narrow down the right school for your degree. Head 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!
