Requirements and Target Group for the Bachelor Distance Learning Programme in Social Work at IU International University

With your degree in Social Work, you could work, for example, in the field of Child and Youth Social Work, as a specialist in Childhood Education, or as a specialist in Social Work with a focus on Social Services.

The distance learning programme in Social Work at IU is aimed at anyone interested in social issues and wanting to support people in difficult life situations. It specifically targets individuals aspiring to work as social workers, planning a career change to the social sector, or seeking to further their academic and professional qualifications in the field of Social Work. The programme is suitable for both beginners and professionals who want to study flexibly and independently – whether alongside their job, during family time, or alongside other commitments. Individuals with experience in social environments, associations, counselling centres, or related professions benefit greatly, but career changers are also welcome. IU values diversity, making the programme accessible to different age groups and lifestyles.

Admission Requirements

For enrolment in the Bachelor of Social Work at IU International University, the following official admission requirements apply:

With general or subject-specific university entrance qualification: General university entrance qualification (A-levels), subject-specific university entrance qualification, or a university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachabitur) entitle you to direct admission to the programme.

Studying without A-levels: Admission is also possible without A-levels:

• With a completed, at least two-year recognised vocational training in Germany plus at least three years of full-time work experience (usually within a relevant occupational field; a trial study may be necessary).
• With a master craftsman's certificate or equivalent advanced training (e.g., certified business specialist or IHK-certified business economist, state-certified business economist).

Foreign educational qualifications: For access with an international degree, an equivalency evaluation is carried out according to the guidelines of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (e.g., via the Anabin database).

Language Proficiency: For the German-language programme, proof of sufficient German language skills is required for international applicants (e.g., telc B2, TestDaF min. 3 points, DSH1, ÖSD B2).

There is no Numerus Clausus (NC) for the programme – admission is therefore independent of your final grade. The application is online and possible throughout the year. You can start at any time and use the first month as a free trial month.

Recognition of Professional Credentials: Previously acquired qualifications, further education, or professional experience can be credited towards the degree. This can help you save study time and fees.

If you aim to obtain state recognition as a social worker (recognition according to the Social Professions Recognition Act, SobAG), you must complete an recognition internship with a minimum of 600 hours and 100 days of practical experience in addition to the studies and provide an extended, current police clearance certificate.

The IU's student advisory service provides further details on individual admission situations (e.g., Waldorf school graduates, applications from other federal states, or those with unrelated vocational training).

Personal Requirements

• Social Skills: Openness in dealing with people from different backgrounds, empathy, and the ability for appreciative communication are important foundations in Social Work.
• Frustration Tolerance & Resilience: In everyday professional life, it is important to deal with difficult situations and setbacks.
• Self-Motivation & Self-Organization: The programme is conducted through distance learning and therefore requires a high level of self-discipline and motivation.
• Interest in Social Issues: Content such as social policy, law, diversity, integration, and digitalisation are at the forefront.
• Reflective Ability: Willingness for personal development and self-reflection in dealing with clients.
• Readiness to Learn and Develop: Especially with regard to new digital tools, current scientific developments, and practice-oriented methods.

The programme is open to people of all ages. Whether you start right after (subject-specific) A-levels, want to switch after vocational training, or aim to reorient yourself as a career changer – IU promotes individual paths to study and a diverse range of participants.

Social Work in Distance Learning at IU: Overview of Content & Skills

The Bachelor's programme in Social Work at IU International University provides you with basic and specialized skills for working with people in various life situations. The content is interdisciplinary, combining expertise from Social Work, Education, Psychology, Sociology, and Law. The goal is to prepare you comprehensively for counseling, support, and management tasks in Social Work - from individual cases to structural assessments.

Basic Modules:

• Introduction to Social Work
• Academic Writing (professional in the field of Education and Social Sciences)
• History, Theories, and Concepts of Social Work
• Basic Knowledge in Education, Psychology, and Sociology
• Social Law and Social Policy

Practice-Oriented Application:

• Professional Field Development & Target Group Work
• Methods and Tools of Social Work (e.g., Counseling, Case Work, Group Work)
• Clinical Social Work, Integration, and Migration

Specialization & Deepening:

• Elective Modules from areas like Childhood Education, Youth Welfare, Social Management, Trauma Pedagogy, Sex Education, Social Area Orientation, and more
• Digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Skills as cross-cutting themes

Research Methods:

• Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
• Project and Research Work in the social context

Practical Project & Reflection:

• Self-reflection, Personality Development, Professionalization
• Optional: Recognition Internship for the state recognition as a Social Worker or Social Pedagogue (minimum 600 hours/100 days in a social institution)

Throughout the course, you will learn to think analytically, work scientifically, and independently solve complex problems. You will reflect on your attitude, practice counseling and communication methods, and develop a professional understanding in the social field.

Study Structure: Flexible Distance Learning from Start to Finish

The Social Work distance learning programme at IU is consistently digital and fully flexible. You decide whether you want to study full-time (36 months), part-time I (48 months), or part-time II (72 months) - a change is possible at any time. A free trial month makes it easier for you to get started.

Start and Registration: You can start studying at any time, without application deadlines. The study is 100% online.

Structure and Process:

• Your studies are divided into manageable modules - one module usually equals 5 ECTS.
• You will receive study materials digitally (PDF, video lessons, interactive books with quiz questions) and in printed form upon request.
• Virtual lectures, live tutorials, and regular feedback ensure personal contact and exchange.

Examinations:

• Online exams are possible around the clock, traditional exams are offered at examination centres worldwide.
• Other examination formats: Term papers, presentations, project work, open-book exams, oral exams via video conferencing.
• Bachelor thesis as a final scientific work with preparation through method modules and intensive supervision.

Consultation and Support:

• Support from experienced teachers, tutors, study coaches, and a career service.
• Digital campus with AI learning assistant Syntea for spontaneous questions and support.

Practical Relevance:

• High practical relevance throughout the course through case studies and self-selected practice projects.
• Optional recognition internship for state recognition, individually plannable and flexibly combinable.

Career Opportunities with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

After completing your studies at IU, you have a wide range of options to work in the social sector. Problem-solving, case management, counseling, and support are the focus in all areas.

Possible Fields of Work:

• Child and Youth Services (e.g., childcare, youth welfare office, educational support)
• Adult Services (e.g., emergency housing assistance, social services in clinics, judiciary institutions)
• Migration and Integration, Community Work, Social Area Work
• School Social Work, Educational Institutions, Recreational Education
• Counseling & Case Management, Family Support, Rehabilitation
• Social Management, Management of Social Institutions

Professional Qualification: You can obtain the title "State-recognized Social Worker" or "Social Pedagogue" (after completing the optional practical project).

Further Qualification: Continuing education opportunities exist, such as in a Master's programme (e.g., Social Management, Clinical Social Work, Counseling).

Job Prospects: The demand for professionals in Social Work remains high due to societal challenges such as demographic changes, migration, inclusion, and digitalization.

Your skills in counseling, social law, project management, and digital social work qualify you for demanding tasks in the public sector, in non-profit organizations, and increasingly also in interdisciplinary teams related to health, education, and social economy.

Costs and Financing: Price Structure & Funding Opportunities

The costs for the Social Work distance learning programme at IU depend on the chosen study model:

• Full-time (36 months): €379 per month (promotional rate); regular price: €399 per month
• Part-time I (48 months): €329 per month (promotional rate); regular price: €344 per month
• Part-time II (72 months): €249 per month (promotional rate); regular price: €259 per month
• Completion Fee: one-time €699

Start your studies anytime: Test for 1 month at no cost; fees will only be charged for this period if you continue studying after the trial month. Changing the study model is uncomplicated during the course of study.

Included Services:

• Access to all study materials (print & digital)
• Use of the online library and learning apps
• Virtual lectures, tutorials, examination options (online or on-site)
• Support from study coaches and career service
• Online exams at no extra cost; no travel or accommodation costs due to fully digital concept

An advantage: For recognized prior achievements, you save €30 per ECTS - this can significantly reduce your tuition fees and study time.

Financing Options:

• Discount campaigns (e.g., up to €1,444 discount and a free iPad when registering before specific deadlines)
• Funding opportunities such as BAföG, education loans, scholarships
• Tax deductibility for professionals
• Flexible instalment payment, free extension of the study period by up to 12 months

What You Should Know About the Recognition Internship in the Social Work Programme

Students in the Bachelor's Social Work programme at IU International University can complete the optional module "Recognition Internship: Social Work" (DLBSAWAPSA01). This elective module is aimed at those who aspire to a state recognition as a Social Worker or Social Pedagogue - a requirement for certain roles in the public sector and often for better-paid or legally protected professional roles.

What does "state recognition" mean?

State recognition is a professional status awarded based on the respective State Recognition Acts for social professions (SobAG) of the federal states. It entitles to perform protected activities in professional Social Work - for example, in public administrations or institutions funded by public bodies. With the recognition certificate, graduates can officially carry the professional title "state-recognized Social Pedagogue / state-recognized Social Worker".

What are the requirements?

The following conditions apply for obtaining the recognition certificate:

• Successful completion of the Bachelor's programme in Social Work at IU.
• Completion of a supervised internship of at least 600 hours or 100 days at 6 hours each (part-time possible, number of days remains the same).
• Writing a written practical reflection to link theory and practice.
• Submission of an extended certificate of good conduct (maximum three months old at the time of application).

The issuance of the certificate by IU is free; only fees for the certificate of good conduct apply.

Where can the internship be completed?

The internship is possible in all social work institutions where state-recognized professionals work. These include, among others:

• Foreigner and migration work
• Family support
• Child and youth work
• Residential care
• School social work
• Rehabilitation

Who can provide professional guidance?

Guidance must be provided by a qualified professional - such as social workers, social pedagogues, psychologists, or state-recognized educators with a relevant university degree and professional experience. Additionally, completion of a supervisor seminar is mandatory.

When and how can the internship start?

Entry is possible once at least 90 ECTS points have been achieved in the study. Then the registration is done via myCampus. Important: Before the internship starts, a practical agreement must be concluded with the institution and approved by IU.

How is the internship structured?

The process consists of five steps:

1. Independent search for a suitable institution
2. Conclusion of a practical agreement
3. Examination and approval by the IU internship office
4. Implementation of the internship, accompanied by online tutorials
5. Submission of the practical reflection (evaluation: pass/fail)

Additional Notes on Implementation

• The internship can be part-time or spread over multiple institutions - as long as the minimum duration is met.
• An internship abroad is possible if the professional qualification is proven.
• Remuneration is not mandatory, but negotiable individually. The Association of Local Employers' Associations (VKA) recommends €500-€600 per month.
• Since it is net working time, there is no statutory entitlement to leave. If necessary, vacation days must be individually regulated.

Can previous experiences be credited?

Professional experiences outside of a study are generally not recognized. An exception exists if a comparable recognition internship was completed as part of a previous course of study. In this case, an application can be made to the recognition department of IU. Older partial recognitions (before 01.09.2021) apply exclusively to students already enrolled at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bachelor's in Social Work at IU

• How does the part-time study work? Is there a Numerus Clausus (NC)? There is no Numerus Clausus, the study is open admission. You study fully online with study materials, online exams, and virtual lectures - flexible alongside work.
• Can you also study full-time? Yes, three time models are available: full-time (6 semesters), part-time I (8 semesters), part-time II (12 semesters).
• Are trainings recognized, e.g., physiotherapist or naturopath? Yes, professional qualifications can be recognized. This can reduce study time and costs - please have it checked by the university in advance.
• Is the internship mandatory? No, only if you aim for state recognition as a social worker. The internship covers 600 hours on at least 100 days.
• Do the learning materials suffice for exam preparation? Yes, the scripts cover all exam-relevant contents comprehensively. Additional literature is not necessary.
• How do online exams work? You can take online exams anytime - 365 days a year, around the clock. They are monitored via video supervision.
• Is there an age restriction? No, studying is possible regardless of age - the key is a suitable admission qualification or professional qualification.