Distance learning program Social work (B.A.) – zfh

👉 The part-time, online-based distance learning programme Social Work (BASA-online) B.A. offers professionals working in social fields the opportunity to further qualify themselves for increased demands. Practitioners have the chance nationwide to engage with the theoretical background of their professional practice and to obtain an internationally recognised academic degree alongside their job. The bachelor's degree course is offered nationwide within a university consortium at seven universities.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium, Academic institution based in Koblenz (Germany)
The Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium, zfh, founded in 1995 and based in Koblenz, is a scientific institution of the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and Hesse. The zfh promotes and supports the development and implementation of distance learning in these federal states and cooperates with 18 universities of applied sciences.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Health & SocialSocial work
📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 8 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 210 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Foundations of the Social Work Discipline, Legal and Socio-Political Foundations of Social Work, Foundations of Social Work in the Humanities, Human Sciences and Social Sciences, Ability for Self-Organisation and Teamwork, Professional Reflection and Self-Reflection, Handling New Information and Communication Media, Social Work with Children and Adolescents, Social Work with Adults / Rehabilitation, Social Work with Older People, Intergenerational Social Work, Social Work and Education, Social Work and Delinquency, Social Work and Diversity
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
💶 Fees
from 300 € Semester fee
from 1945 € total
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Admission Requirements

If you have a university entrance qualification or a comparable recognised certificate, as well as three years of relevant professional experience in the social sector, you can apply.

In addition, you must be able to prove a weekly commitment of at least 15–20 hours in the social sector alongside your studies.

Important Notes Regarding the Required Work Experience

For admission to the part-time distance learning programme "Social Work (BASA-online)" at the Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, proof of relevant professional experience of at least three years (36 months) with a minimum of 15 hours per week is required. This activity must be completed no later than the start of the respective semester (1 March for the summer semester or 1 September for the winter semester).

The professional experience can consist of several employment relationships, each of which must be proven separately and officially.

Relevant activities are primarily informative, advisory, supervisory, educational, or instructive activities in the social sector. Creative and organisational tasks within social work can also be recognised. Purely nursing, medical or administrative activities, however, are not sufficient. Parental leave, caregiving for relatives or unoccupied activities are also not recognised.

Recognised professional activities include, for example, the professions of educator, curative care nurse, special needs educator, social assistant, childcarer (provided not purely engaged in nursing), geriatric nurse (with a social focus), occupational therapist, deacon, legal guardian, as well as integration specialist. Voluntary work, a voluntary social year, the federal voluntary service, the recognition year in a training programme or a voluntary internship may also be partially recognised (up to a maximum of one year) – provided they are properly confirmed in writing by the respective sponsors or institutions.

It is important that the professional activity was carried out within a contractual framework over a minimum period of three months with at least 15 hours per week. Individual activities will not be converted into smaller time shares. The evidence must be listed chronologically, including the number of hours, and supported by official certificates. Incomplete or improperly documented evidence will result in exclusion from the admission process, as missing documents will not be requested afterwards.

The Bachelor's degree programme 'Social Work (BASA-online) B.A.' at Hochschule Koblenz is aimed at professionals working in the social sector who wish to further qualify themselves to meet increased requirements. The programme is online-based and part-time, allowing it to be completed from anywhere. It consists of 17 online modules and eight on-site modules, which are completed in block courses. The programme has a modular structure with the aim of linking theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

The course content covers a wide spectrum, from the fundamentals of the social work academic discipline, legal and social policy basics, to aspects of the humanities, human and social sciences. Students learn to organise themselves, engage in critical reflection, and use modern information and communication media effectively.

In the fourth semester, students choose a specialisation from various elective areas such as social work with children and young people or in the context of migration. Upon completion, the academic degree Bachelor of Arts is awarded, which also includes state recognition as a social worker and social pedagogue.

The programme is offered at the following locations:

  • Hochschule Fulda
  • Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin
  • Hochschule Emden - Leer
  • Hochschule Koblenz
  • Hochschule München
  • Hochschule RheinMain (Wiesbaden)
  • Fachhochschule Potsdam
  • FH Münster
  • FH Kiel

Frequently Asked Questions about the BASA online Bachelor’s degree via the ZFH

  • What professional experience is recognised for admission? At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in the social sector with 15–20 hours per week must be demonstrated. For example, work as an educator, integration staff, or supervisor is recognised. Purely nursing or medical activities are not recognised.
  • Are voluntary work, the voluntary social year (FSJ) or recognition year credited? Yes, but a maximum of 1 year can be credited. The activity must be socially oriented and formally documented.
  • I am a career changer – is my professional background sufficient? Possible, if your work is socially pedagogically oriented and can be formally verified. An individual assessment is required.
  • I have already studied – can I still be admitted? Yes, as a second-degree applicant. The number of places is limited and in some federal states (e.g. Rhineland-Palatinate) additional fees apply.
  • Are prior achievements from previous studies recognised? Possible if at least 3 modules can be credited. An individual assessment by the university takes place after admission.
  • How much on-site attendance is required? Typically, 4–5 compulsory attendance dates per semester take place. These attendance modules are an integral part of the programme.
  • Can I complete the study programme completely online? No. Attendance phases are mandatory because practical content (e.g. counselling training) is taught.
  • Is full-time study possible? The programme is designed to be part-time with approximately 20–25 hours of study per week. Full-time employment is possible but usually extends the duration of the studies.
  • What applies to a foreign school-leaving certificate? The qualification must be recognised in Germany as university entrance qualification. Verification by the competent authority is required.
  • How does the application process work? Depending on the location, the application is made directly via the university or via the Centre for Distance Learning in the University Network (ZFH). Information at www.basa-online.de.
  • How high are the tuition fees? The total costs are approximately EUR 1,945 (about EUR 300 per semester). Additional fees may apply for second-degree studies.
  • What can I do if I do not meet the requirements? Alternatives are offered by private providers such as IU or Diploma Hochschule. Related programmes in the educational field may also be considered.

Advisory Service

Have questions about Academic Programs Social work? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium or the editorial team will answer you.

Experiences & Reviews