Bachelor of Arts International Social Work
Our Bachelor’s International Social Work (ISW) program offers students the expertise to become social workers without borders. Placing emphasis on our global interconnectedness, students get a chance to explore local social problems from global perspectives, while also appreciating their local context. Our students learn to connect and empower individuals, groups and communities. We address current social issues, such as migration and refugees, sustainability, child protection, human rights and social development.
Why should you choose this study program?
You believe in social justice, enjoy problem-solving, are compassionate and adventurous, you are interested in new cultures, and see yourself, at some point, working outside your home country?
If some of these apply to you, send us your application!
International Learning and Living Community
- Students and lecturers from over 40 different countries
- Small classes
- Lecturers that offer personal coaching and mentoring
- International, green and eco-friendly campus
- Various religious and spiritual activities offered on campus
Semester Abroad & Internship
In the 5th semester, students of our Bachelors International Social Work program are required to do a semester abroad. The semester abroad, gives students the opportunity to do courses at a partner University and get involved in professional international social work practice.
Students build personal and professional confidence and an appreciation for the diverse realities of others, acquire international travel experience, expand social networks and have fun.
We support our students to organize their semester abroad, including guidance for selecting a suitable country and internship placement, and facilitating visa applications through our partner institution.
Currently we offer placements in Tanzania, Liberia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Iraqi Kurdistan, South Sudan, Jamaica and Serbia.
We are working to expand the range of options.
Multiple Career prospects
Our graduates are prepared to work in local and international job positions that require a professional understanding of social problems. They have the skills and abilities to manage social processes and support individuals, groups, and communities. Graduates may work within government, nongovernment or multilateral social protection and development institutions. They may also work in the private sector to support and facilitate employee welfare, or continue their studies within a Master's degree program.
Our program considers current and emerging needs in the field of Social Work. You prepare for a career in a field of growing relevance. You get international exposure, hands-on practice and social research experience; develop innovative problem-solving and project management skills. You have access to our global network of international partners for a semester abroad.
Fields of work
- Children, Youth, Adult and Elderly Social Work in culturally diverse settings
- Community Development
- Social Work in refugee contexts
- International Development
- Disaster Response Programs
- Environmental Social Work
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Management in the private sector
Regulations and Module Handbooks
Study Plan
First Year
Introductory modules lay the foundation for understanding the field of International Social Work, establishing both theoretical and practical bases for academic and professional success.
The first year introduces you to International Social Work and provides a sociological perspective on society, its inequalities, and contemporary social problems. You will learn academic writing, improve your rhetoric skills, and reflect on the role of ethics, values, and religion.
Second Year
In the second year, you build upon the foundation and delve deeper into contemporary social issues and intervention approaches. You explore the tools and methods that social workers use, along with social research methods. Additionally, you enhance your communication skills and focus on topics such as migration, development, human rights.
Third Year
The third year starts with a 4-month internship abroad, offering practical experience in international social work. Here you can apply your existing knowledge and learn from professionals in a new context. The Bachelor’s Thesis provides an opportunity to demonstrate your analytical skills or implement a small research project. In addition to these, elective modules enable you to further explore topics of personal interest.
The Module Handbook gives a detailed overview of the program of study.
Regulations
Study Specific Regulations
Effective from November 20, 2024
General Study and Examination Regulations
Effective from October 1, 2023
Rahmenstudien- und Prüfungsordnung ThHF
Gültig ab dem 01. Oktober 2023
Lecturers
Dr. phil. Annette Witherspoon
M.A. International Social Sciences
Program Director B.A. International Social Work (EN)
Telephone: +49 (0) 39291-137
Fax: +49 (0) 39291-201
Email:
An der Ihle 5 A
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Diplom-Sozialpädagogin (graduate social worker)
Prorector | Lecturer of Social Pedagogy | School of Social Sciences
Program Director B.A. Social Work
Head of Internship Office | Erasmus+ Coordinator | Confidential Contact
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921 916-189
Fax: +49 (0) 3921 916-201
Email:
An der Ihle 5 A
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Ph.D. (University of Manchester, UK)
Professor of Global Development | School of Social Sciences
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921 916-203
Fax: +49 (0) 3921 916-201
Email:
An der Ihle 5 A
D-39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Prof. Dr. phil. Dr. rer. medic. Silvia Hedenigg
Professor Social Work | Working focus:
Health Sciences and Caring Economics
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921 916-252
Fax: +49 (0) 3921 916-201
Email:
An der Ihre 5 A
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Prof. Dr. phil. Thomas Spiegler
Professor of Sociology and Empirical Social Research | School of Social Sciences
Dean | School of Social Sciences
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921 916-202
Fax: +49 (0) 3921 916-201
Email:
An der Ihre 5 B
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Ulrike Schultz
Professor of Development Sociology and Economics | School of Social Sciences
Program Director M.A. International Social Sciences (Development Studies)
Vice Dean | School of Social Sciences
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921 916-193
Fax: +49 (0) 3921 916-201
Email:
An der Ihle 5 A
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Head of Program | Development Studies – Online for Professionals
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921 916-153
Fax: +49 (0) 3921 916-201
Email:
An der Ihle 5 A
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Ph.D., M.A., B.Ed.
Director | Friedensau Institute for Evaluation
Lecturer | School of Social Sciences
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921-916-144
Fax: +49 (0) 39291-201
Email:
An der Ihle 5A
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Admission
University Entrance Qualification
For studying the Bachelor’s program, a University entrance qualification is required.
- Applicants from Germany are qualified with an “Abitur” or “Fachgebundene Hochschulreife”. Applicants without Abitur, but who have successfully completed a vocational training can be admitted under certain conditions via an assessment examination or two semesters of trial studying. For details see §3 in the program specific study regulations.
- Applicants from the EU or Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland are qualified with a university entrance qualification that gives access to University studies in their country.
- Applicants from other countries can check in the official database of the DAAD if their educational degree qualifies for studying a B.A. in Germany.
- See DAAD Database
Please note: The University signs study contracts for this Bachelor’s program only with applicants who are at least 18 years old.
Language Requirements
Applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in English at the B2 level (CEFR). The following proofs are accepted:
- The specified minimum English language tests scores from
- TOEFL iBT: 72
- IELTS test: 5.5
- Cambridge English Tests: Total score 160
- TOIC: 785 listening and reading, 310 speaking and writing
- A university entrance qualification (e.g. secondary school diploma and certificate) or higher education degree (e.g. bachelors) with English as the language of instruction.
- German Abitur certificate with a minimum average of 10 points in English over the last 4 semesters before obtaining the Abitur.
- Upon written request, in individual cases, the examination committee may accept other forms of proof.
Visa
- Applicants who need a student visa to come to Germany have to open a block account and pay in the minimum amount of money (in 2024: 11208 Euro). They can withdraw from this account each month a twelfth (934 Euro) for their living and study expenses.
- See Website of the Federal Foreign Office
- An alternative to a block account is a letter of obligation (“Verpflichtungserklärung”): A family member or friend who already lives in Germany can declare to be financially responsible for you while you study in Germany (if the conditions for this are fulfilled).
Application Procedure
- Check academic and financial requirements for admission
- Start online application and upload required documents
- Submit a completed online application
- Check for confirmation email
- Receive an admission decision
- Make an appointment at the embassy if you need a student visa
- Pay tuition fees and deposits
- Receive an admission letter and other documents for the embassy
- Apply for visa (if applicable)
- Arrive on Campus
