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

👉 The distance learning Bachelor's degree in Social Work (B.A.) at the Hamburg Distance University of Applied Sciences is aimed at professionals with (technical) university entrance qualification and practical basic knowledge in social and health professions. Over the course of 8 semesters, you will earn 180 ECTS credits and a state-recognised qualification for a wide range of tasks in social work. The programme covers scientific methods, social science fundamentals, legal and organisational frameworks, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration. You will learn to analyse social issues, plan support systems, and accompany people in difficult life situations. Exams take place online or on-site, and courses are mostly voluntary, with compulsory phases for complex exercises.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider Hamburg Distance University, UAS based in Hamburg (Germany)
The HFH · Hamburger Fern-Hochschule is one of the largest private distance learning universities in Germany. It offers part-time bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in the fields of health and nursing, engineering, as well as business and law. With its blended learning concept and regional study centres, it enables flexible study opportunities for working professionals and families. As a non-profit university, it promotes educational permeability, equal opportunities, and practice-oriented teaching.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Health & SocialSocial work
📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 8 Semesters, Study effort 18 hours weekly
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Scientific qualifications, subject-specific qualifications, reference-discipline qualifications, professional field-related qualifications, academic work, law and administration, family, child and youth welfare, livelihood security, migration, health and rehabilitation, practical project
📚 Electives Children, adolescents, seniors, families, people with disabilities, people with a migration background
👥 In-person sessions Approx. 42 days of face-to-face teaching, main internship of 20 weeks, as well as additional online seminars and optional seminars
✅ ZFU Approval The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Social work under the number 1103119.
📅 Enrollment At specific dates
💶 Fees
from 253 € monthly
from 12144 € total
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Social Work at HFH Suitable For?

The distance learning programme in Social Work is aimed at individuals who want to constructively address social challenges and professionally support people in different life situations. You are especially addressed if you are already working in a social or healthcare profession or have relevant vocational training and wish to further qualify academically. Career changers who are motivated to establish themselves in the social sector can also benefit from this degree programme. The flexible study concept is particularly suitable for employed persons, parents, as well as anyone who wants to study alongside other commitments.

Admission: Formal and Personal Requirements for the Programme

Formal admission requirements:

  • General university entrance qualification (Abitur), advanced technical college entrance qualification or an equivalent university entrance qualification
  • Additionally: Proof of basic practical knowledge in a social or healthcare profession, e.g. through completed training, several years of work experience or a basic internship of at least 12 weeks in the relevant field
  • Admission is possible without (advanced technical) college entrance qualification:
    • with completed vocational training and at least two years of work experience in the relevant field by guest auditing with a passed entrance examination (two subject exams)
    • with a recognised advanced training examination (e.g. master craftsman or specialist qualification or comparable further training) after a counselling interview
You must submit the respective proof of training and work experience as well as (officially certified) copies of certificates when enrolling, depending on your access route.

Personal requirements:

  • Interest in social issues and civic participation
  • Willingness to reflect on one's own actions and a high ethical standard
  • Empathy and strong communication skills in dealing with people from diverse life situations
  • Team spirit and openness to interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Self-organisation, perseverance and resilience for a part-time distance learning programme
  • Basic understanding of academic work as well as willingness to apply this practically within internships and projects

Course Content Social Work: What Awaits You in the Distance Learning Programme?

In the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work at the Hamburg Distance Learning University (HFH), you will acquire scientifically sound and practice-oriented skills for professional work in social fields of action. The focus is on the addressing of complex social issues and the promotion of social participation. You will develop methodological, legal, and communicative abilities to advise, support, and accompany people in various life situations.

  • Scientific Qualifications: Introduction to academic work, analytical methods for social work sciences, research competence, and critical reflection of social contexts.
  • Subject-specific Qualifications: Historical, theoretical, and methodological foundations of social work, professional action strategies, development of your own professional attitudes, and ethical reflection.
  • Reference Science Competences: Psychology, sociology, pedagogy as well as economics and institutional frameworks of social work. Promotion of interdisciplinary understanding and collaboration with other professional groups.
  • Occupational Field-related Qualifications: Developmental support, case management, communication and counselling, planning and evaluation of social services, as well as dealing with target groups in diverse life situations.
  • Law and Administration: Knowledge of social law, child and youth welfare, migration, health and rehabilitation law, as well as administrative actions in social organisations.

In the elective area, you choose two specialisations from the following target groups: children, adolescents, seniors, families, people with disabilities, people with a migration background. You learn to respond with sensitivity and professionalism to the needs of different client groups.

Practical seminars, case analyses, and a comprehensive practical project (main internship) ensure the transfer to professional practice.

How is the Course Structure Organised in the Bachelor's Programme in Social Work?

The distance learning programme is organised part-time over 8 semesters, with an expected time commitment of around 18 hours per week. It combines self-study with face-to-face phases and digital elements in the HFH’s blended learning format.

  • You study using study booklets and online materials, and receive all exam-relevant documents digitally at the beginning of each semester.
  • Approximately 42 days of face-to-face sessions take place in regional study centres, supplemented by online seminars and voluntary events.
  • The 20-week main internship allows you comprehensive practical experience in a social institution, supported by accompanying reflection.
  • The degree is completed with the bachelor thesis in semester 8.
  • Examinations and participation in face-to-face seminars are tailored to the needs of working professionals and are flexible in scheduling.
  • The modules are distributed across four qualification strands: science, subject knowledge, reference sciences, occupational field.

You benefit from personal supervision by experienced lecturers and exchange in small seminar groups. Optionally, you can initially test the HFH distance learning programme for one month without obligation.

Career Opportunities and Professional Perspectives after Graduation

With the state-recognised title “Social Pedagogue and Social Worker”, you open up diverse career opportunities. The demand for academically qualified professionals is high.

  • Work in social institutions: youth welfare offices, social and health departments, counselling centres, welfare associations, municipal and independent providers.
  • Educational and upbringing institutions: day nurseries, schools, after-school care centres, as well as continuing education institutions.
  • Health and therapy: clinics, psychosocial services, addiction counselling, work with people with disabilities.
  • Administration and associations: activities with social insurance carriers, ministries, authorities, youth and social associations.
  • Private sector: companies in the social economy, providers of commercial social services.
  • Science and research: participation in social science projects, data collection, analysis of societal needs.

The degree qualifies you for further Master's programmes, e.g. a Master’s in Social Work, and opens up long-term possibilities to take on leadership roles or specialised advisory functions.

How are the Costs for the Distance Learning Programme in Social Work Composed?

The monthly tuition fees amount to €253 – with total fees of €12,144 for the standard study period of eight semesters. These fees include all study materials, face-to-face seminars, and digital learning platforms. There is an examination fee per attempt for the final thesis.

  • Monthly costs: €253
  • Total costs: €12,144 for eight semesters of standard study duration
  • Possible additional examination fees (e.g. for the bachelor thesis)

Financing options include tax deductibility as income-related expenses, employer support, as well as access to education loans or scholarships. For precise planning, early calculation is recommended, as the fees are predictable and stable.

Advisory Service

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

Experiences & Reviews