Distance learning program Social security and social administration economy (B.A.) – zfh

👉 The Bachelor's degree programme in Social Security and Social Administration is aimed at individuals who wish to professionally advise and support people in difficult life situations, particularly in social security, unemployment, and vocational training. You will learn communication skills, psychosocial counselling, case management, social and administrative law, as well as labour market policy and the management of social institutions. The programme combines theory and practice over seven semesters, either alongside employment or as a dual study course with on-campus phases at Fulda University of Applied Sciences. After earning 180 ECTS credits, you will be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts, which qualifies you for roles in social administration or social economy organisations. The cost is 65 euros per module.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium, Academic institution based in Koblenz (Germany)
The zfh – Zentrum für Fernstudien im Hochschulverbund (Centre for Distance Learning in Higher Education) is a German university network for part-time distance learning programmes offered by state universities of applied sciences. It coordinates more than 100 accredited distance learning programmes in fields such as business, technology, natural sciences and social sciences. Students enrol in a programme offered by one of the partner universities in the network.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Health & SocialSocial work
📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Professional communication, psychosocial counselling and coaching in the field of social security, case management, social and administrative law, counselling and placement of unemployed persons, labour market theoretical perspectives, organisation, personnel and management concepts, business administration, project management with practical projects, networking, public governance, socio-spatial perspectives, health promotion in the context of work and unemployment.
📍 Location Fulda, Hessen
📅 Enrollment Winter semester
💶 Fees
from 290 € Semester fee
from 2030 € total
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Bachelor’s Degree in Social Security and Social Administration Economics suitable for?

The distance learning programme is aimed at professionals and trainees who wish to further qualify themselves in the fields of social administration, social economics or social counselling, or who want to work in such areas in the future. It is especially suitable for you if you want to professionally support people in difficult life situations, advise on labour market-related issues, or take on tasks in authorities, job centres or social organisations. The study programme is practice-oriented and offers prospects for people with an affinity for social science, legal and psychosocial topics. Career changers with an interest in the social administrative or counselling field will also find a suitable entry point here.

What admission requirements do you have to meet?

The requirements differ depending on the type of course:

  • Part-time study: You need a university entrance qualification in accordance with Hessian higher education law (e.g. Abitur, advanced technical college entrance qualification or a qualification recognised as equivalent) and professional employment – ideally in the social administrative field or social economy; however, interest in a career change after the course of study is also sufficient.
  • Dual study programme: The prerequisite is a university entrance qualification in accordance with Hessian higher education law and a training contract with a job centre (Optionskommune according to § 6a SGB II), a joint institution (according to § 6 SGB II) or an institution with a cooperation agreement with Fulda University of Applied Sciences.

You should enjoy professional interaction with people, have an interest in social law, economic and psychosocial issues, and be willing to engage in practice-oriented, interdisciplinary learning in distance and classroom modes. Communication skills, empathy, self-responsibility and organisational skills are advantageous for the degree and your future career. Resilience and motivation for independent work over several semesters are recommended.

What content does the distance learning course in Social Security and Social Administration Economics cover?

In the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Security and Social Administration Economics, you acquire professional and practical skills related to counselling, management, and organisation in the social sector. Among other things, you develop the following abilities:

  • Professional communication, psychosocial counselling, and coaching both in the field of social security and with labour market-related issues as well as in the municipal administrative context
  • Case Management according to the standards of the German Society for Care and Case Management (DGCC) for support in social and family emergencies as well as in exclusion processes
  • Advanced knowledge of social and administrative law, in particular the areas of law SGB II, III, VIII and XII, including counselling and placement of unemployed people
  • Labour market theories as well as the analysis of regional, national, and international social and labour market policies
  • Organisational management, personnel management, and management concepts in social institutions and public administration
  • Fundamentals of business administration and project management, applied in practical and research projects
  • Networking, public governance, and social-spatial approaches
  • Health promotion in the context of work and unemployment, from both a public and a corporate perspective

Additionally, there is the option to acquire qualifications such as training as a psychological first aider (Mental Health First Aid), the AktivA Stress Management certificate, and the trainer aptitude certification (AdA according to IHK Fulda).

How is the distance learning course structured?

The programme is designed for seven semesters and follows the blended learning approach. You combine self-study and online learning phases with face-to-face sessions at Fulda University of Applied Sciences. The key points regarding the structure are:

  • Modular design with three modules per semester
  • Approximately every four weeks, full-day on-campus sessions take place on Fridays and Saturdays in Fulda, during which the material is deepened in small working groups
  • The programme can be taken alongside employment or in a dual format
  • The start of studies is at the beginning of each winter semester
  • The degree comprises 180 ECTS credits

The teaching concept links scientifically sound content and practice-oriented project work optimally – ideally suited for working professionals or dual students who want to closely integrate theory and practice.

What career prospects does the Bachelor’s degree in Social Security and Social Administration Economics offer?

With the Bachelor of Arts in Social Security and Social Administration Economics, you qualify for a wide range of positions in social administration and the management of social economy organisations. Typical areas of employment include:

  • Advice and support in job centres and other social security institutions
  • Specialist and leadership roles in public administrations at municipal, regional and state level
  • Management, organisation and personnel management in social economy and social administration facilities
  • Project management and networking in health promotion, social planning, and labour market integration
  • Case management and psychosocial counselling in social crisis situations

The degree also opens pathways for further qualifications, such as master’s programmes or additional qualifications as psychological first aider or trainer.

What are the costs and financing options?

The costs are structured as follows:

  • Module fee: 65 euros per module (usually three modules per semester, i.e. 195 euros per semester)
  • Social contribution: approximately 95 euros per semester for Fulda University of Applied Sciences
  • Total costs: For seven semesters and the regular course duration, the total amount is about 2,030 euros for module fees and social contributions

Different financing options are available:

  • Employer support within the framework of professional development
  • Tax deductibility as work-related expenses
  • Possible public or private funding programmes for distance learners

Thanks to the modular tuition fees, the programme is financially well-planned in particular for working professionals and lateral entrants.

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