Bachelor's degree programme Social Work (B.A.)
Facts and figures
Degree programme:
Social Work
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Admission:
With admission restrictions (NC)
Pre-study internship
THWS location:
Würzburg, Campus Münzstraße
Faculty:
Applied Social Sciences
Duration:
7 semesters standard time to degree
Study mode:
Full-time degree programme
Language:
German
Semester fees:
None (student services fee only (Studierendenwerksbeitrag); approx. EUR 150)
Start of studies:
Winter Semester
(1 October)
Application period:
Annually,
1 May
till
15 July
Contact
Contact personProgramme advisor
bsa-studienfachberatung.fas[at]thws.de
Academic Advisory Service
studienberatung@thws.de
Degree programme website
Degree programme Social Work
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Information for internationals
Bachelor's degree programme Social Work (B.A.)
Social Work at THWS – Shape social change
Do you want to be able to professionally support individuals in different circumstances? The bachelor's degree programme Social Work at THWS enables you to succeed in social professions based on scientific methods. Promoting a profound understanding of social problems and a particularly quality-orientated education, the bachelor's degree programme Social Work will make you an essential player in the social sector. Start your career at the intersection of social commitment and scientific foundation and do your bit to make the world a better place!
Reasons to study Social Work at THWS
Studying at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt opens up doors to a world of innovation and challenges. We connect important theory with the required practice, fundamental research with applied knowledge, and regional expertise with global perspective. At THWS, you learn to gain new perspectives and contribute to a more sustainable and advanced future. During your studies you can attain to additional qualifications (e.g. trainer certificate (Ausbilderschein), language courses).
Advantages of the degree programme:
- You will receive comprehensive training that combines academic knowledge with professionalism.
- The curriculum is continuously adapted to changes of the welfare state and optimally prepares you for future challenges.
- A behaviour-oriented internationally proven approach is emphasised
- You will study fundamentals of social sciences and the humanities as well as legal and management aspects
- The practice-oriented training through projects and a comprehensive internship round off your profile
Three good reasons
Practice-related projects and hands-on internship
Orientation towards international standards
Diverse and attractive professional fields
Study contents
The bachelor's degree programme Social Work at THWS offers you a broad and yet specialised education in social work that is both scientifically substantiated and practice oriented. Due to its interdisciplinarity, the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, one of the largest faculties at THWS, can offer a range of courses that is profound and yet leaves room for specialisation. With a high level of practical experience during your studies, you will be ready to work in various areas of social work and positively influence individuals and communities after graduation.
Programme structure
1: Foundation phase (1st to 4th semester)
In the first semester, you start with an introduction to social work and the basics of methodical action. This will lay the foundations for your understanding of the profession. In the 2nd semester, you will equip yourself with the necessary ethical framework in the module Values, Norms and History of Social Work. In addition, modules from the fields of medicine and psychology in the 2nd semester reinforce the fundamentals of humanities and social sciences. In the 2nd and 3rd semester, you will be concerned with the basic strategies of behaviour modification, behaviour analysis, and behaviour intervention in order to be able to apply problem-solving in practice. In the 4th semester, you will be concerned with in-depth modules on management skills required for practical work. From the 1st to the 4th semester, you also develop the legal knowledge that is essential for practising social work and make a positive contribution to individuals and communities.
2: Internship semester (5th semester)
During the internship in an institution, you will gain valuable experience and reflect upon them in the accompanying courses. This benefits your practical competences and optimally prepares you for your career start.
3: Specialisation phase and final semester (6th to 7th semester)
In the 6th semester, you deepen your knowledge of social management and your educational competences. You can also choose your specialisations from specific fields of social work. The bachelor's thesis concludes your degree programme. You will work on a research topic of your choice, drawing on the knowledge of empirical research methods acquired during your studies.
Specialisations
Various specialisations are offered for the bachelor's degree programme Social Work. This offers you the opportunity to specialise and embark on your future career path already during your studies. In the 6th and 7th semester, a selection of the following specialisations is offered:
- Child, youth, and family welfare
- School-related social work
- Youth and adult education
- Social work for people with disabilities
- Social work with mentally ill people and addicts
- Care for persons at risk and resocialisation
- Health assistance
- Music therapy in social work
- Development and support in early childhood
- Social work in the migratory society
- Social work in the ageing society
Students can also choose from our general elective modules (AWPM). These enable you to specialise further.
Practice-orientation
Studies at THWS are characterised by a high degree of practice-orientation and the internship semester. Depending on the chosen degree programme, the internship semester is scheduled for the 5th or 6th semester. The internship semester offers you the chance to complete an internship with a company of your choice and gain insights into the professional world. That way you can apply the theoretical and practical knowledge developed during your studies in the work environment you are most interested in.
Why are studies at THWS particularly practice-oriented?
- Internship semester as an integral part of studies to put the theoretical knowledge into practice
- Project-based studies in practice-oriented modules that prepare you for future professional challenges
- Professors with extensive practical experience
- Cooperation with organisations, research institutions, and international partners
- Possibility of creating the bachelor's thesis in cooperation with a company or organisation
International practice
By the way: You also have the opportunity to complete your internship semester abroad. That way, you do not only develop intercultural competence but also boost your language skills and your career perspectives on the international job market.
Career and perspectives
The bachelor's degree programme Social Work (B.A.) at THWS is your stepping stone to a professional field of human interaction and societal importance. Upon graduation, you will be optimally prepared to meet the diverse and challenging tasks of social work. You will be able to professionally support individuals and groups in different circumstances, promote social justice, and contribute to social development. With skills in counselling, management, and research, you can pursue a career that is personally fulfilling and brings about positive social change. Possible professional fields include:
- Community work
- Child and youth welfare
- Social services in hospitals
- Counselling services for people in diverse states of life
- Social management
- Educational work in schools and educational facilities
- Research and teaching
Gaining international experience
THWS places a strong focus on internationality. Our TWIN programmes, i.e. degree programmes identical in content that are offered in German and English, are unique throughout Germany. We thus promote your international and intercultural experiences and optimally prepare you for a globalised job market. THWS strongly supports international student exchange programmes and internships abroad, Our University has over 200 partner universities around the world.
Why are studies at THWS particularly international?
- Studying & internships abroad
- More than 200 partner universities in Europe and around the world
- International projects & field trips abroad
- Visiting lectures together with exchange students & held by guest lecturers
- Support by THWS & financial support
- TWIN programme unique in Germany
5 reasons for going abroad as a student
- Improving language knowledge and intercultural competence
- Getting to know new teaching and studying methods
- Establishing an international network
- Enhancing your independence and flexibility
- Increasing of career perspectives on the global working market
Is Social Work the right degree programme for you?
If you are passionate about helping people in challenging circumstances, and if you are looking for a meaningful job, then the degree programme Social Work at THWS is the perfect fit. Not only does the degree programme cover social science theories but it also promotes your practical abilities equipping you to directly start your career in the social sector. It is aimed at those looking to turn their social competences into a profession to drive real change.
Admission requirements
Requirement for admission to the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt is a valid general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (fachgebundene Hochschulreife), an advanced technical college certificate (Fachhochschulreife), a general/subject-specific entrance qualification for qualified professionals, or a comparable qualification from abroad (HZB, university entrance qualification).
Please also see the language entrance requirements.
The degree programme Social Work is subject to admission restrictions (NC). Proof of a six-week pre-study internship must be submitted by the end of the second semester.
Your interests and abilities
- Strong interest in social commitment: You are passionate about supporting and promoting social participation and equality
- Empathy and compassion: You are able to empathise with people in difficult situations
- Strong communication skills: Clear and effective oral and written communication
- Problem-solving skills: Creative and well-structured thinking for tackling social challenges and conflicts
- Teamwork and cooperation: You are prepared to work effectively in multicultural and interdisciplinary teams
Application
Apply from 1 May to 15 July via our application portal to start your studies in the upcoming winter semester.
For some degree programmes, the deadline of the application period may be extended. This information will be made known at short notice.
You have already completed study achievements and thus want to apply for a higher semester? Contact our Department of Student Affairs.
Do you have unanswered questions?
You can contact the programme advisor, i.e. a professor of the field of study you are interested in and can ask them your questions.
During the THWS Taster Sessions, you can attend a variety of lectures in the degree programme of your choice and get valuable first impressions of life on campus.
Get informed
Looking for more information? For the most important information on studying at THWS, check out the overview.