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As a state-approved educator, caregiver or volunteer, you can also study alongside work. A distance learning programme leading to a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work or Social Management is primarily aimed at state-approved educators and social workers, caregivers, and volunteers who want to advance their education to university level in the field of social sciences while working.
Here, I compare in detail the best distance learning programmes at state and private universities. I also discuss the costs of distance learning and the opportunities available to obtain a Bachelor's degree and simultaneously qualify as a State-approved Social Worker.
All distance learning courses in the field of Social Work at a glance
We have a total of 29 courses in the field of Social work.
Social work
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
The distance learning programme in Social Work at IU prepares you for everyday life as a social worker with an ideal mix of business administration, educational, psychological, and medical content. …
Social Work (MAPS)
- University of Applied Sciences Münster
- 5 Semester
- German
- Basic theoretical references, epistemologies and research methods, professional leadership action, concept and quality development, economics of socia…
Sociology - Approaches to Contemporary Society
- University of Hagen
- 4 Semester
- German
The Fern University in Hagen offers a Master's programme in Sociology aimed at graduates of a social science Bachelor's programme. This programme enables students to deepen their sociological knowledge and …
Social work
- Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
- 8 Semester
- German
- Foundations of Social Work, Legal and Social Policy Foundations of Social Work, Humanities, Human and Social Sciences Foundations of Social Work, Abil…
Social work
- IU International University
- 4 Semester
- German
Our consecutive master's programme provides you with both social work and business and economic knowledge through distance learning. With your Master of Arts in Social Work degree, you will be …
Social work
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
With this distance learning course at the prestigious Fresenius University, you will acquire in-depth expertise in the field of social work for the transition into professional practice or into a …
Social work
- YMCA University
- 8 Semester
- German
- Methods and action concepts of social work, child and youth welfare, migration, integration and interculturality, social work with individuals, famili…
Social work
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- German
The distance learning course "Social Work" offers a comprehensive introduction to studying and academic work. Participants gain insights into the basics, areas of action, and target groups of social work. …
Social work
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
The focus of distance learning Social Work at AKAD University is on maximum practical relevance and immediate applicability in the fields of social work and social pedagogy. Systematically, you will …
Social Work
- DIPLOMA University
- 8 Semester
- German
- Methodology, theories and methods of social work, professionalization and self-reflection, ethical and social-philosophical foundations of social work…
Social work
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at the APOLLON University of Applied Sciences for Health Economy in Bremen is a part-time programme that provides thorough knowledge and skills in …
Social work
- SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University
- 6 Semester
- German
- Skills for studies and careers including self-management, communication skills, crisis intervention and conflict counseling, professional identity, th…
Childhood and social sciences
- Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
- 4 Semester
- German
- Social science discourses, childhood science discourses, ethics, research methodology, course units depending on the chosen specialization, master's t…
Psychosocial counselling in social work
- DIPLOMA University
- 5 Semester
- German
- Science of Social Work, Frameworks and Models of Counseling in Social Work, Normative Foundations of Psychosocial Counseling, Systemic Work in Psychos…
Social security and social administration economy
- Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
- 7 Semester
- Fulda, Hessen
- German
- Professional conversation management, psychosocial counseling and coaching, case management, social and administrative law, labor market theoretical p…
Social Work & Management
- University of Applied Sciences for SMEs
- 6 Semester
- German
- Social Work Science, Legal Foundations of Social Work, Family Law, Educational Foundations, Methodological Foundations of Professional Action, Sociolo…
Social work and sport
- German University of Health and Sports
- 7 Semester
- German
- History and Theory of Social Work, Fields of Work, Target Groups and Organizations in Social Work, Methods of Action, Basics of Sports Science and Spo…
Social work and education
- University RheinMain
- 5 Semester
- Wiesbaden
- German
- Foundational theoretical references of social work and social work as an educational project, approaches to knowledge and research methods, social ent…
Social work
- Hamburg Distance University
- 8 Semester
- German
- Scientific work, Empirical methods, Journal Club, Introduction to Social Work and Social Work Science, Fields of Action in Social Work, Diagnostics in…
Social Pedagogy & Management
- University of Applied Sciences for SMEs
- 4 Semester
- German
- Quality of life orientation & professional relationship management, social learning & group pedagogy, promotion of individual developmental and educat…
Psychosocial Counselling and Therapy in Social Work
- Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
- 5 Semester
- German
- Counselling psychology, Counseling in social work, Communication and conversation management in counseling, Self-exploration and reflection, Diagnosis…
Social work
- Kolping University
- 7 Semester
- German
- Foundations, methods, and institutions of social work, foundations of psychology, educational psychology, and diagnostics, group work and personal dev…
Social pedagogy and inclusion
- IU International University
- 3 Semester
- German
The Bachelor distance learning programme in Social Pedagogy and Inclusion at IU offers specialized further education for state-recognized educators. Within three semesters, students can achieve their degree, with 90 ECTS …
Applied Social Sciences
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's programme in Applied Social Sciences at the European Distance University Hamburg is aimed at career starters and professionals. The distance learning programme provides a broad foundational knowledge in …
Social Work Focus on Children and Adolescents
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
In the Bachelor distance learning programme "Social Work with a Focus on Children and Adolescents" at IU, students acquire comprehensive skills in the field of social work with a special …
Social Work
- SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University
- 4 Semester
- German
- Empirical Social Research, Social Work and Human Rights - a scientific discourse, International Perspectives on Social Work, Social Work and Digitalis…
Social Work
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 4 Semester
- German
The Master of Arts programme in Social Work at the European Distance Learning University in Hamburg complements the existing bachelor's programme in this field. This distance learning programme can be …
Social work
- Hamburg Distance University
- 5 Semester
- German
- Support for refugees, trauma pedagogy, social inequality, radicalisation, democracy, sexual diversity and gender, animal-assisted interventions, digit…
Transformation Studies: Public Theology & Social Work
- YMCA University
- 5 Semester
- German
- Introduction to interdisciplinary transformation studies, project management, and practical project Part I: methods and planning, context analysis, an…
Which university is best for Social Work?
Distance learning in Social Work is currently offered by several state universities and many private universities. It's not possible to provide a blanket answer to which university is best for your needs. Naturally, the tuition fees at state universities are very low. However, the location of the university is not a significant factor, especially with private universities, as most courses are online with minimal face-to-face requirements. Make sure to compare the course contents of the various programmes to find the best university for Social Work.
Here's a brief overview of the main universities offering distance learning programmes in Social Work and Social Pedagogy:
State Universities
Centre for Distance Studies in the University Network: The Centre for Distance Studies in the University Network (zfh) was established in 1995 under the name Central Office for Distance Studies at Universities of Applied Sciences in Koblenz and is a scientific institution in the federal states of Rhineland-Palatine, Hesse, and Saarland. As such, the zfh promotes and supports the development and implementation of distance learning programmes in these federal states, cooperating with 21 universities of applied sciences. The zfh offers a Bachelor's programme in Social Work (BASA Online) which is completed at one of the following universities: Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, Munich University of Applied Sciences, RhineMain University of Applied Sciences, or Potsdam University of Applied Sciences.
Integrated Studies: The Institute for Integrated Studies (IfV NRW) of the Universities of Applied Sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia is a joint scientific institution and the central coordinating body for the integrated study programmes offered by these universities of applied sciences. If you want to complete a programme through the integrated study model, you enroll in one of the universities of applied sciences in the network. Currently, an M.A. in Social Management is offered as a distance learning programme through Niederrhein University in Mönchengladbach.
Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau : The Distance and Independent Studies Center is an institution at Kaiserslautern University offering postgraduate distance learning programmes in various subject areas since 1992. In the field of Management & Law, the university offers a Master's distance learning programme in Management of Health and Social Facilities.
By the way, FernUni Hagen does not offer a programme in Social Work. While as a state university, you can study Psychology or Educational Science at FernUni Hagen, Social Work is not available.
Private Universities
Fresenius University: Fresenius University is a private, state-recognised University of Applied Sciences located in Idstein\/Hessen with numerous other locations throughout Germany. The university's history dates back to 1848. In the WS 2023\/2024, a total of 16,028 students were enrolled at the university, making it one of the largest private universities in Germany. Through its onlineplus department, the university offers numerous distance learning programmes, including a B.A. in Social Management and a B.A. in Social Work.
IU International University: IU International University is a private, state-recognised University of Applied Sciences based in Erfurt\/Thuringia. The university was founded in 1998; in the WS 2024\/25, over 130,000 students were enrolled at the university, making it the largest university in Germany. IU offers various study models ranging from full-time and part-time study to hybrid and distance learning. In the field of Health & Social Sciences, the university offers both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work and Social Management.
AKAD University: AKAD University Stuttgart is a private, state-recognised University of Applied Sciences based in Stuttgart. The university was founded in 1959, and in the WS 2020\/2021, a total of 5,532 students were enrolled at the university. In addition to numerous Bachelor's and Master's programmes in fields such as Technology and Business Administration, the university has also been offering a Bachelor's programme in Social Work as a distance learning course since 2021.
European Distance Learning University Hamburg: Euro-FH is a state-recognised, private University of Applied Sciences located in Hamburg. The university was founded in 2003, and in the WS 2020\/2021, a total of 8,136 students were enrolled. Euro-FH primarily offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees in the field of Business Administration. Recently, the university has also introduced a Bachelor's programme in Social Work.
APOLLON University of Health Sciences: APOLLON University is a private, state-recognised University of Applied Sciences located in Bremen. The university was founded in 2005, and in the WS 2020\/2021, a total of 3,350 students were enrolled. Like Euro-FH, APOLLON University is part of the Klett Group. The university offers both a Bachelor's in Social Work and a Bachelor's in Social Management.
DIPLOMA University: DIPLOMA University - Private University of Applied Sciences North Hesse is a private, state-recognised University of Applied Sciences located in Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Hesse. The university was founded in 1997, and in the WS 2020\/2021, a total of 8,925 students were enrolled. In the field of Health & Social Sciences, the university offers a B.A. in Social Work.
SRH Mobile University: SRH Mobile University - The Mobile University is a state-recognised, private University of Applied Sciences based in Riedlingen, Baden-Württemberg. The university was founded in 1996, and in the WS 2023\/2024, a total of 8,746 students were enrolled at SRH Riedlingen. The university describes itself as a "quality leader in distance learning." In the field of Health & Social Sciences, the university offers both a B.A. in Social Work and a B.A. in Social Management.
Hamburg Distance University: HFH is a state-recognised, private University of Applied Sciences based in Hamburg. The university was founded in 1997, and in the WS 2020\/2021, a total of 12,331 students were enrolled at HFH - making it one of the larger private universities in Germany. The university offers both a B.A. in Health and Social Management and a B.A. in Social Work.
Tuition Fees: How much does a distance learning in Social Work cost?
Since I compare programmes here both from state universities and private universities, the tuition fees can vary widely. For instance, at universities under the Centre for Distance Studies in the University Network, you pay an average of 200,- euros per semester for tuition and study material fees. However, these programmes might have more challenging entry requirements or even admission restrictions.
Additional, sometimes hidden costs are usually also incurred on top of the semester fees. Additional costs may include:
- Exam fees or fees for exam registrations,
- Travel and accommodation costs for in-person seminars,
- Costs for additional literature.
On the flip side, you may be eligible for student grants (BAföG) for your distance learning programme. Additionally, you may be able to claim the costs of your studies on your taxes. The university's student advisory services can inform you about other study financing opportunities.
The following table compares the costs of Bachelor's programmes in the field of Social Work and Social Management:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium | 8 Semester | from 1945 € total | |
| Social Work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 8 Semester | from 10767 € total from 157 € monthly | |
| Social work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Hamburg Distance University | 8 Semester | from 12144 € total from 253 € monthly | |
| Social work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 12420 € total from 215 € monthly | |
| Social work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | APOLLON University of Health Sciences | 6 Semester | from 12780 € total from 288 € monthly | |
| Social work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | from 13284 € total from 219 € monthly | |
| Social work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 6 Semester | from 13392 € total from 279 € monthly | |
| Social work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Social work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University | 6 Semester | from 16178 € total from 224 € monthly |
Social Work at IU International University
IU International University is a private university, and also the largest university in Germany. The B.A. Social Work programme at IU lasts 6 semesters in full-time study. The university also offers 2 part-time models, extending the study period to 8 to 12 semesters of standard study time.
The detailed study content for full-time study as follows:
- 1st Semester: Introduction to academic work for pedagogy and social sciences, Introduction to Social Work, Professional field development, Pedagogy: historical, conceptual and terminological foundations, Social history, Philosophy and ethics, Theories and concepts of Social Work
- 2nd Semester: Social Law, Collaborative work, Psychology, Methods and Instruments of Social Work I, Sociology, Social Economy and Socioeconomics
- 3rd Semester: Clinical Social Work, Integration and Migration, Methods and Instruments of Social Work II, Social Policy, Social Management, Target group work and Case Management
- 4th Semester: Quantitative Research Methods, Pedagogical Relationships and Professionalism, Project: Self-reflection, Personal Development and Professionalisation, Digital Skills, Seminar: Digitalisation in Social Work, Management functions in social facilities
- 5th Semester: Special Legal References of Social Work, Development and Socialisation, Qualitative Research Methods, Social Inequality and Diversity, Elective Module A
- 6th Semester: Elective Module B, Elective Module C, Bachelor Thesis
Starting from the 5th semester, you will also delve into specific areas of your choice. You will choose 2 specialist specialisations in the field of social services (such as Child Pedagogy) and a functional and industry specialisation, such as Organisational Psychology, Business Consulting, or Human Resources.
Special feature of the programme: You can obtain a qualification as a State-recognised Social Worker or Social Educator if desired. For this, you will complete an additional 100-day internship during the course of your studies. If you have relevant work experience, the internship period can be reduced to up to 50 days.
Requirements for the Study of Social Work
Undergraduate degree programs in the field of social sciences usually lead to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). A B.A. program typically lasts about 6 semesters in full-time study. Some of the programs presented here also take 7 semesters. Full-time study means that you need to invest about 30 to 40 hours per week in your studies! Alternatively, you can study part-time and extend your study time to 8 to 12 semesters. A part-time bachelor's program can also be well managed alongside work.
In order to be admitted to one of these programs, you usually need to provide general higher education entrance qualification or university of applied sciences entrance qualification. Many universities also require work experience in a social profession or employment.
The following table compares the admission requirements of bachelor's degree programs in detail:
| Degree Program | University | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work | YMCA University |
|
| Social Management | APOLLON University of Health Economics |
|
| Social Security, Inclusion, Administration | Distance Learning Center Consortium |
|
| Social Work | Distance Learning Center Consortium |
|
| Social Work | International University |
|
| Social Work | DIPLOMA University |
|
| Social Management | International University |
|
| Social Work | SRH University of Applied Sciences - The Mobile University |
|
The following table compares the admission requirements of the main master's programs in the field of social work and social management:
| Degree Program | University | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Healthcare and Social Institutions | Technical University of Kaiserslautern |
|
| Social Work (maps) | Distance Learning Center Consortium |
|
| Social Management | Consortium |
|
| Social Work | International University |
|
| Psychosocial Counseling in Social Work | DIPLOMA University |
|
| Social Work and Education | RheinMain University |
|
Social Management: Bachelor's and Master's Programs in Comparison
As a social manager, you work in leadership positions in companies or organizations in the social economy. This means that you could hold a management role in elderly care, disability assistance, family support, or community development. You work in the private sector or the non-profit sector.
As an aspiring social economist, you will learn not only social pedagogy and psychology but also business administration or fundamentals of business management in your studies. For example, here are some exemplary study contents from the B.A. Distance Learning Program in Social Management at the APOLLON University of Health Economics:
Introduction to social economy and academic work, competencies for study and career, general business administration, marketing, basic legal issues, methods and psychological basics of social work, basic economics and sociology, research methods and social work, social policy and civil society, social law, accounting, applied marketing, human resource management, organization and quality management, finance, social management interactive simulation, ethics and communication, elderly and disabled care, child, youth, and family support, health and social work, district and community development, fundraising, thesis
The range of distance learning programs in social management is still quite manageable. The following table lists a large part of the social management degree programs leading to a bachelor's and master's degree:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University | 6 Semester | from 13978 € total from 199 € monthly | |
| Social management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | from 13284 € total from 219 € monthly | |
| Social management, Master of Social Management Distance learning program | Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences | 5 Semester | from 11370 € total from 379 € monthly | |
| Social management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 12420 € total from 215 € monthly | |
| Social Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | APOLLON University of Health Sciences | 6 Semester | from 11844 € total from 268 € monthly | |
| Social Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | University of Wismar | 8 Semester | from 8592 € total from 179 € monthly | |
| Social management, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | 5 Semester | from 5750 € total from 192 € monthly | |
| Social management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Social management, Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 2 Semester | from 10099 € total from 475 € monthly | |
| Social work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly |
About the Author Christian Wolf
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