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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Social work under the number 1101019c. Who is the Social Work (B.A.) Distance Learning Course Suitable For?
The Social Work (B.A.) distance learning course at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at everyone who wants to professionally support people in difficult life situations. It targets both school leavers with a (technical) university entrance qualification and working professionals without an entrance qualification who are seeking university access through their training and relevant practical experience. Typical participants are career changers from social, pedagogical or care professions, students with family commitments, and people looking for a flexible and practice-oriented course of study. The course is also ideal if you wish to further qualify as a state-recognised social worker and place value on an integrated practical project.
What Admission Requirements Must You Meet?
The following alternatives apply for enrolment in the Bachelor’s distance learning course in Social Work:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), advanced technical college entrance qualification or subject-specific university entrance qualification: Direct access without further requirements.
- Vocational training plus professional experience: At least a 2-year completed vocational training in a professionally related field and at least 2 years of relevant full-time professional experience. Additionally, a subject-specific university entrance examination must be passed.
- Advanced training (Master craftsman, specialist, technician): Completion of a recognised advanced training course with at least 400 hours as well as passing a subject-specific university entrance examination also entitles you to enrol.
- Intermediate school leaving certificate & 3-year training: Completed vocational training of at least 3 years with a final grade of 2.5 or better. If the grade is worse, an additional subject-specific university entrance examination is required. Entry is also possible with a study agreement (e.g. achieving 18 credit points in the 1st semester or 30 in the first academic year).
Regardless of the admission route, evidence of the respective educational background and professional experience must be submitted. In case of doubt, a counselling interview with the university will decide.
Personal prerequisites are particularly important for a distance learning course in the social field. You should have a pronounced ability to empathise, an interest in social issues and enjoyment in working with different target groups. Additionally, strong communication skills, openness to diversity and inclusiveness, as well as capacity for self-reflection are expected. Since the course requires a lot of self-organisation and self-motivation, you should be able to study responsibly and in a structured manner from home. Practical experience in the social field is advantageous but not mandatory.
What content does the Social Work Bachelor's distance learning course cover?
In the distance learning course Social Work (B.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius, you acquire comprehensive scientific and methodological skills for working with people in challenging life situations. The curriculum combines fundamentals with current developments in Social Work. You engage with social, human sciences and legal aspects and develop skills for counselling, intervention and organisation in the social sector.
- History and theories of Social Work: Development of the profession, key concepts, current theoretical debates.
- Methodological competence: Communication, case understanding, intervention planning, reflection – practiced through practical projects.
- Professionalisation & work ethics: Action competence, ethical questions, quality standards, dealing with diversity.
- Legal basics: Social law, child and youth welfare law, participation law as well as health and social administration.
- Child and youth welfare: Structures, tasks, educational support, child protection.
- Social sciences & human sciences: Social psychology, sociology, integration, inclusion.
- Social work with special target groups: Inclusion work, support for disabled people, senior citizen work, migration, flight.
- Management and organisation: Establishment of social institutions, financing, personnel management.
- Research: Scientific work, from practice questions to research design and implementation in practice.
- Practical project and reflection: Transfer of theory into action-oriented practice, self- and external perception.
- Elective area: Culture, aesthetics and media OR education, upbringing and learning.
The fundamental modules are supplemented by current topics such as diversity, integration and gender. A focus is placed on dialogical case work and building sustainable relationships with clients. Through close networking of theory and practice, you gain a scientifically grounded, practice-oriented understanding of Social Work.
How is the process and structure of the Social Work distance learning course organised?
The distance learning course is completely online-supported and flexible. It comprises 180 Credit Points (ECTS) and is officially recognised. You can start at the beginning of any month and choose between different study durations: 36, 48 or 72 months – depending on your pace. The recommended standard period of study is 6 semesters (full-time), and changing between the time models is possible.
- Self-directed learning: You work through digital study modules with multimedia study mags, videos and e-books via the online campus.
- Flexible examination formats: Hardly any traditional exams; instead many practice-oriented assessments such as term papers, case analyses, presentations or open-book formats. Most exams can be taken online, independent of time and place.
- Supervision: You are supported by personal study coaches and an experienced team of lecturers. Regular online office hours, forum discussions and optional live webinars promote networking.
- Attendance phases: Eight attendance days in Cologne (e.g. for special practical modules).
- Practical experience: The integrated practical internship (fifth semester, 100 days, 30 ECTS) can be completed locally with recognised social organisations. Through individual projects, you gain valuable professional and practical experience.
- Internationalisation: Possible cooperation with international partners (e.g. ASU, USA).
- Digital learning environment: Use of modern AI tools, online library and mobile apps for efficient study on all devices.
The course of study is designed so that you complete the fundamental modules in the first year, then work on methodological specialisations and management topics. The bachelor's thesis forms the conclusion. The degree entitles you to the title state-recognised social worker and social pedagogue.
What professional prospects does the Social Work Bachelor's degree open up?
Upon successful completion, you qualify for responsible roles in all areas of Social Work. Your fields of activity are varied, as Social Work is one of the most in-demand professions nationwide.
- Child and youth welfare: Work in youth welfare offices, children’s homes, family support, school social work, youth centres.
- Counselling and care: Addiction counselling, debt counselling, family and life counselling, crisis intervention.
- Work with special target groups: Refugee support, inclusion work, support for disabled people, senior citizen work and social services in hospitals.
- Social integration and prevention: Community work, prevention projects, street work.
- Healthcare sector: Psychosocial services, rehabilitation centres, health education and counselling.
Professional development: The degree also qualifies you for leadership roles, organising social projects and conceptual work in associations, authorities and institutions. After the bachelor’s, you have access to specialised Master’s programmes in Social Work, coaching or management. The official recognition grants you access to all classic fields of Social Work – including in the public sector.
How do you calculate the costs and what funding options does the university offer?
The tuition fees for the distance learning course Social Work (B.A.) depend on the chosen study duration:
- 36 months: €395 per month (with promotional discount: €335.75), total costs approx. €14,220
- 48 months: €349 per month (with promotional discount: €296.65)
- 72 months: €259 per month (with promotional discount: €220.15)
The price includes all digital learning materials, examination fees, online library, study coach support and services related to the programme. Additional expenses may arise from travel to a few attendance days or optional print editions of the study mags.
- Flexible instalment payments: Fees are paid monthly, and the duration can be adjusted during the course of study.
- Funding options: Financing via BAföG (if eligible), KfW student loans, scholarship programmes such as the Deutschlandstipendium and employer support are possible.
- Tax advantages: Tuition fees are generally tax-deductible as income-related expenses or special expenses.
- Discounts and promotions: Limited-time discounts of up to €2,797 possible (e.g. with current promotion code).
Hochschule Fresenius relies on a transparent cost structure without hidden additional fees. Individual financing solutions are developed together with the study counselling service if needed.
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