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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Social work under the number 171617. Who is the distance learning course in Social Work (B.A.) at SRH Fernhochschule suitable for?
The distance learning course in Social Work is aimed at people who want to combine social commitment with a solid academic qualification. It is suitable for you if you want to work in the social sector or develop your career further – for example in child and youth welfare, family counselling, addiction and offender support, migration or elderly care. The course is open to both beginners as well as career changers from related fields (e.g. education, nursing, social assistance) and professionals who want to further their academic and practical skills alongside work. People without a (subject-specific) school-leaving certificate, but with professional experience in the social sector, also benefit from accessible admission routes. A special feature is the combination of an academic degree and state recognition as a social worker.
Admission requirements for the distance learning course in Social Work
To enrol at SRH Fernhochschule, you need one of the following formal requirements:
- general university entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific university entrance qualification or entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences
- study place also possible without Abitur, for example through a completed vocational training in the social sector plus corresponding work experience, a further qualification (e.g. master craftsman) or after successfully completing a trial study period
- in case of recognition of prior achievements: pedagogical or nursing training (e.g. as educator, curative educator, geriatric nurse, specialist in health and social services) can shorten the course of study
- for the state recognition at the end of the course, an extended police clearance certificate not older than three months is required (§ 72a SGB VIII).
Important personal requirements include an interest in social and societal issues as well as the ability to professionally support and advise other people. You should bring empathy, communication skills and conflict resolution competence. Discipline and self-organisation are essential for the structured self-study in distance learning. Practical experience in the social sector is helpful but not mandatory; it does, however, facilitate both the practical semester and later professional practice. Willingness to reflect, resilience and openness to interdisciplinary work support your success in the course.
How does the Bachelor of Social Work (B.A.) qualify you professionally and practically?
In the distance learning Social Work programme at SRH Fernhochschule, you acquire broad, interdisciplinary subject and methodological knowledge that prepares you for all the classic and current fields of social work. The content is practice-oriented and scientifically structured. You develop competencies in psychology, education, sociology, medicine, and relevant legal areas. Methods such as casework, communication, group work, crisis intervention, and conflict counselling are practised in intensive phases.
- You acquire the theoretical foundations of social work as a science and profession.
- Important content includes case and care management, individual case-related assistance, community-based social work, and social counselling.
- You learn to conduct social group work as well as support people in crises and problem situations.
- Legal frameworks and research-oriented modules (e.g. qualitative and quantitative methods) are part of the curriculum.
- With elective modules and specialisations (e.g. children, youth and family; social work with people with mental illnesses; social work and migration) you shape your personal profile.
- You develop a reflective, professional attitude for supporting and advising various target groups.
A special feature of the course is the integration of the state recognition as a social worker. This legally qualifies you for specialist and managerial tasks in the professional field.
How does the distance learning Social Work programme at SRH work?
The programme is modular and usually lasts six semesters (180 ECTS). You start monthly and study time- and location-independently on the digital e-campus.
- The study materials are available to you digitally at any time.
- The programme consists of fixed compulsory modules, elective modules (four freely selectable), specialisation modules (two focuses from up to 16 subject areas) and a bachelor thesis.
- Intensive and block seminars, seminars (mandatory and optional) as well as practical reflection days complement the self-study to practise methods close to real-life applications.
- The practical study phase is an integral part and comprises 100 days (800 hours), which you can flexibly adapt to your life situation. Recognition of relevant professional experience is possible.
- If you are already working in the social sector, you can combine the practical phase with your professional activity.
- Online live sessions and optional evening study formats provide structure and enable exchange but are not compulsory.
- Personal mentoring, individual practical supervision and the possibility of recognising relevant prior qualifications support you on your way to graduation.
The degree comprises the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and the nationwide recognised state recognition as a social worker.
What career prospects does the distance learning Social Work programme open up for you?
With your degree, you qualify for a wide range of social activities in public, charitable and private organisations.
- For example, you work in daycare centres, youth facilities, school social work or counselling centres.
- Employment opportunities exist in family support, elderly care, disability assistance, addiction and offender support, migration work, and in companies as workplace social work.
- Fields such as street work, adult education, pregnancy conflict counselling or development aid are also open to you.
- With the state recognition, you are authorised to use the professional title and admitted to responsible specialist and managerial positions.
- Following the reform of guardianship law, you are also entitled to work as a professional guardian.
The programme provides a solid foundation for advanced master’s programmes (e.g. social work, social management) and ensures a direct, legally secure entry into the full spectrum of social professions.
What costs should you expect and what financing options are available?
The monthly fees vary depending on the chosen payment model and range between 221.22 euros (Flex 3, 72 months payment period) and 393.44 euros (Flex 1, 36 months payment period). The total costs – after deduction of possible discounts and subsidies – are between approximately 14,163 euros and 15,928 euros.
- Through previously completed relevant vocational or further training (e.g. as an educator, curative education nurse, specialist in health and social services) you can have modules credited and thus reduce the fees by up to 1,200 euros.
- The programme is eligible for BAföG. In addition, scholarships – such as the State Scholarship Social Work Baden-Württemberg – and various education funds as well as study loans are available.
- A free extension of the study period by up to 36 months is possible.
- A 1,000 euro start bonus (“Ready-Bonus”) can be used for an affordable start.
All fees include digital study materials, access to the e-campus, personal support and assistance. The flexible pricing model as well as the possible recognition of prior achievements facilitate individual financing planning.
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