Requirements, personal suitability, and target group for the distance learning course Social Work with a focus on Children and Adolescents

With your degree in Social Work - Focus on Children and Adolescents, you could work, for example, as a social worker in the youth welfare office or in public service.

The bachelor's programme "Social Work Focus on Children and Adolescents" at IU International University is aimed at people who want to professionally advocate for the well-being and development of young people - both in child and youth welfare and in related social work fields. It is particularly aimed at those who have a strong social conscience, empathy, and an interest in pedagogical-psychological topics. The programme is suitable for individuals who want to prepare flexibly and independently for a career in social work - whether as an entry into the professional field, further education, or for new career opportunities in the social sector. The course is also ideal for professionals, parents, or career changers who want to acquire expertise, methodological competence, and official recognition in social work.

Admission requirements

(Subject-specific) Secondary school leaving certificate: You can enroll directly in the bachelor's programme if you have the general university entrance qualification (Abitur), the subject-specific university entrance qualification, or the university of applied sciences entrance qualification (both theoretical and practical parts). An internationally acquired school leaving certificate recognized as equivalent is also accepted (following an equivalency evaluation according to Anabin by the university).

Admission without Abitur: A degree is also possible without (subject-specific) Abitur if you

• have a master's certificate or an advanced training qualification (e.g. IHK specialist, state-certified business economist) or
• have completed at least a two-year recognized vocational training and then gained at least three years of full-time work experience. You will usually start with a trial study or demonstrate your ability to study in other ways. With a thematically relevant education and work experience, you can be enrolled directly as a regular student.
• Vocational training and work experience from the EU can be accepted if they correspond to the German DQR level 4 (equivalency assessment is carried out by the university).

German language skills: For the German-language study model, international applicants are required to provide proof of language skills at level B2 (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, telc German B2, ÖSD B2), which must not be more than five years old. Other certificates may be accepted at the discretion of IU.

Extended certificate of good conduct: For the mandatory recognition internship, you must submit an extended certificate of good conduct, as you will be working with children and adolescents during practical assignments.

Important: There is no numerus clausus (NC) at IU and no fixed application deadlines. You can start studying at any time; after the online application, an initial trial month begins.

Personal requirements and suitability

• Social and communication skills: Empathy, enjoyment of working with people - especially children, adolescents, and families - and willingness to support and promote others.
• Interest in education, pedagogy, and social law: The course requires openness to educational, psychological, and social issues.
• Reflective ability and resilience: As social work also deals with challenging life situations and conflict situations, mental stability and self-reflection are advantageous.
• Self-organization and motivation: The flexible online study model requires you to organize yourself independently, allocate study times, and work through study content independently.
• Basic digital affinity: You should be willing to use digital tools (learning platform, video conferences, online exams) and engage with them.
• Intercultural openness: Cultural diversity and diversity are central topics in child and youth welfare.

What to expect in the distance learning course Social Work with a focus on Children and Adolescents?

The distance learning course Social Work with a focus on Children and Adolescents (B.A.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences provides you with solid knowledge in social sciences, pedagogy, and psychology tailored to working with young people. You will learn how to specifically support and promote children, adolescents, and their families in complex life situations.

What content and skills will you acquire?

• Foundations of Social Work: You will start with modules on theories and concepts of social work, childhood education, social law, as well as scientific work.
• Specialization in Children and Adolescents: In addition to general expertise, you will delve into specific fields of action such as child and youth welfare, child protection, and extracurricular youth work.
• Methodological Competence: You will practice methods and tools of social work (e.g. case management, counseling, pedagogical diagnosis) and acquire intercultural and ethical skills.
• Educational Relationships: Developing social, communicative, and emotional skills for the professional everyday life with children and adolescents.
• Law and Society: You will engage with social law, philosophy, ethics, and social policy and evaluate the impact of legal and societal frameworks on your clients.
• Practical Relevance: In the mandatory practical project (at least 100 days in a social institution), you will gain practical experience and can obtain state recognition as a social worker.
• Elective Areas: You will choose three elective modules and can specialize in areas such as child protection, digitalisation in social work, family education, trauma pedagogy, or e-learning. Foreign language and AI skills are also selectable.
• Research Methods: You will learn qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply them in a social context.

The Course Structure: Flexibility and Organization

The course is modular and offers maximum flexibility in planning, pace, and learning format. You can choose to complete the course full-time (36 months) or in one of two part-time models (48 or 72 months). Switching between the models is possible at any time.

• Learning Materials: For each module, you will receive digital and printed study materials, interactive learning scripts with video clips and quiz questions (Interactive Books), podcasts, and multimedia content. You can learn location-independently via the IU Learn App.
• Virtual Events: Live online tutorials and seminars allow for exchange with teachers and fellow students.
• Examinations: You can take exams either as online exams (available 24/7) or traditionally in an exam centre on-site. Many modules are completed through essays, projects, or presentations.
• Support and Assistance: Teachers, tutors, and study coaches are available for personal and professional support. The learning AI Syntea assists with content-related questions, exam organization, and research.
• Practical Project: The integrated (recognition) internship is mandatory and essential for state recognition. It comprises at least 600 working hours in a suitable facility.

Career Perspectives after Graduation

Your Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a focus on Children and Adolescents qualifies you for various professional fields in the social sector:

• Youth Welfare Offices and Public Administration: You are responsible as a social worker for youth welfare, child protection, or parental work.
• Counselling Centers: Supporting and advising families, children, and adolescents; crisis intervention and development support.
• Educational Institutions: Working in residential groups, homes, daycare centres, youth centres, or schools, managing groups and prevention projects.
• School Social Work: Close collaboration with schools to support the education and integration of young people.
• Consulting, Integration, and Inclusion: Developing and implementing support programs for children and adolescents with special needs.
• With State Recognition: You can work nationwide as a state-recognized social worker.

Further studies in a Master's programme are also possible if you wish to further enhance your skills.

Costs and Financing Options

The monthly tuition fees vary depending on the study model:

• Full-time (36 months): from approx. €399 per month
• Part-time I (48 months): from approx. €344 per month
• Part-time II (72 months): from approx. €259 per month
• A one-time graduation fee of approximately €699 is due at the end of the course.

Study materials, online access, and support are included in the price.

• An non-binding trial month is included - fees are only charged if you continue studying after this period.
• Study duration can be extended free of charge by up to 12 months.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (e.g. education, previous studies) saves you time and money - around €30 per recognized ECTS credit point.
• Regular discount promotions, such as up to €1,444 reduction and an iPad at the start of the course, are offered.
• Financing options such as BAföG, student loans, and tax benefits are possible.