Englisch 
Deutsch Who benefits from the part-time BASA-online programme at HAW Kiel?
The programme is aimed at working professionals in the fields of social work who wish to academically underpin their work and qualify for management or specialist roles. Typical participants work in child and youth welfare, housing and homelessness support, integration assistance, migration and refugee counselling, school social work, or offender rehabilitation. The course is also well-suited for those working part-time, such as due to family commitments or shift work, and seeking a structured online study with face-to-face elements. For career changers from related fields, it is essential that your current or former work can clearly be assigned to the fields of social work.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in Social Work Online (BASA-online) at HAW Kiel, you need:
- a university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, vocational higher education entrance qualification),
- evidence of at least 1.5 years of relevant professional experience or experience-based prior knowledge in social work fields (at least half of the local full-time weekly hours of work), and
- relevant work experience alongside studies with at least 15 hours per week. This evidence is required every semester by March 1st or September 1st.
The language of instruction is German. Applicants without a German university entrance qualification must demonstrate sufficient German language skills (enrollment requirement).
Organizational Information:
- Study format: part-time studies with online and face-to-face elements, 8 semesters, 180 ECTS credits (optionally with state recognition 210 ECTS credits).
- Start: each summer semester, limited places available.
- Application deadline for 1st semester: November to 15.01.
- Higher semesters: November to 15.01. (summer), May to 15.07. (winter) – subject to availability.
- Recognition of previous academic achievements is possible when applying to higher semesters.
Personal Requirements
Part-time study means planning and prioritizing. You should bring self-organization, reliable time management, and a willingness to learn independently. Realistically expect to spend about 10-15 hours per week on preparation, online learning, and exams – more during exam and project phases. Face-to-face appointments require early coordination with your employer and possibly childcare.
Additionally, important aspects include perseverance over 8 semesters, strong written communication skills, basic knowledge of academic work, and the ability to link theory and practice in your field. A learning-friendly environment is helpful: set study times, clear communication within the team, and support in your personal life. This way, you can manage the mix of online study, practical projects, and face-to-face phases well, and progress towards the optional state recognition purposefully.
What do you learn in the Bachelor's programme in Social Work Online (BASA-online) at HAW Kiel?
You acquire profound knowledge of theories, methods, and legal frameworks of social work – combined with practical projects and choices. The degree comprises 180 ECTS credits (optionally with state recognition 210 ECTS credits) and qualifies you for a wide range of practice fields from the Youth Welfare Office to health promotion.
Profession, Society, Law – you start with basics on the history and theories of social work, social policy, and ethics. This is accompanied by legal areas such as basic social security law, administrative law, as well as family, child, and youth welfare law.
Methods and Counselling – from conversation and counselling to creative and media educational approaches to working in crises and conflicts. You learn to plan, implement, and evaluate interventions, also in a social space-oriented and interconnected manner.
Living Conditions, Diversity, Participation – multidisciplinary perspectives on family, work, social justice, as well as inclusion/exclusion. You engage with diversity and derive methodological approaches for different target groups.
Organisation, Management, Economics – insights into the organization and management of social work, project planning and evaluation, as well as economic aspects so that you can work effectively and economically comprehensibly.
Specialisations and Practice: Individual emphasis is possible – including through a mandatory interdisciplinary elective module. Two practice projects anchor the studies in professional practice. Those aiming for state recognition complete additional recognition modules spread over several semesters (total of 210 ECTS credits). The programme concludes with a Bachelor's thesis.
How does the distance learning in the Bachelor's programme in Social Work Online (BASA-online) at HAW Kiel work?
The study is organized on a part-time basis as a distance learning model – with a mix of online and on-site modules. The start is always in the summer semester. On-site dates are announced in advance and are predictable; BASA-online is recognized as educational leave in Schleswig-Holstein.
Studying with Learning Platform and Digital Materials
The online modules run via a learning platform with digital scripts, assignments, and collaborative formats. On-site modules take place at HAW Kiel and serve for deepening, practice, and exchange. This way, you can learn independently of location and at the same time benefit from binding practical units.
Evaluation and Examination Formats
Examinations are conducted according to the study and examination regulations in various formats: written elaborations, project and practice reports, presentations, and – depending on the module – exams. Applied performance assessments are in the foreground in practice and project modules.
On-Site without Weekend Obligation
There are mandatory on-site dates per semester. The number and scheduling depend on the modules taken; they will be communicated in due time. Helpful for working students: Dates are bundled and can be planned as educational leave – however, the program is not entirely "purely online".
Workload and Time Flexibility
The study is designed for 8 semesters in part-time mode (180 ECTS credits; with recognition 210 ECTS credits). Realistically, depending on the module and prior experience, about 12-20 hours per week alongside professional activity. The mixture of asynchronous online phases and fixed on-site dates facilitates planning in everyday work.
How much does the Bachelor's programme in Social Work Online (BASA-online) at HAW Kiel cost?
As a state university, HAW Kiel does not charge ongoing tuition fees. However, each semester incurs a semester fee (including for student services, student union, semester ticket, administrative costs) and a administration fee of 60 euros as well as a one-time enrolment fee of 100 euros and for online study programmes a media usage fee of 65 euros per module (as of 15.07.2026).
Putting the costs into perspective: The total burden is usually significantly lower than the fees at private distance learning universities. Additional expenses may arise for travel/accommodation to on-site dates, specialist literature, and work materials. An extension of studies usually does not incur additional tuition fees, but the semester contributions continue to apply.
Taxes and Support: Expenses for part-time studies can often be claimed for tax purposes depending on your individual situation. Employers partly support studies through cost sharing or time off; this can be well argued with the recognition of educational leave.
What professions and salaries are possible after the Bachelor's programme in Social Work Online (BASA-online)?
You qualify for activities in all fields of social work, especially in the public sector and with non-profit organizations. With state recognition, you meet the formal requirements for many positions in the public sector.
- Social worker/Social pedagogue in General Social Services (ASD) – starting gross salaries in the public sector are usually around 38,000-46,000 euros per year, with experience 47,000-58,000 euros.
- Specialist in Child and Youth Welfare (Child Welfare Services, Street Work, School Social Work) – depending on the provider around 36,000-55,000 euros.
- Counselling in addiction, debt, or migration counselling – often compensation close to legal remuneration, about 38,000-54,000 euros.
- Psychiatric Social Service, Health Promotion, Prevention – depending on responsibilities about 40,000-58,000 euros.
- Project and Facility Coordination/Team Leadership based on professional experience – around 52,000-70,000 euros.
For leadership, conception, and research tasks, a Master's degree is useful, e.g., in Social Work (M.A.), Clinical Social Work, Social Management, or Public Health. This expands perspectives up to management, specialist advice, and higher pay grades.
Who benefits from the Bachelor's programme in Social Work Online (BASA-online) – and who does not?
The program is aimed at professionals in the field of social work who want to academically qualify and continue working in the profession. Online phases ensure flexibility, while on-site dates provide practical and networking references.
- If you are already working in fields of social work and aspire to a first university degree with state recognition.
- If you are looking for a structured part-time study with predictable on-site dates that can be coordinated with work and family.
- If you value practical projects, legal and methodological foundations, as well as the option of individual focuses.
- If you want to take advantage of a state university – high-quality teaching without high tuition fees.
The format may not suit every life situation. On-site components are mandatory, and the part-time learning pace requires reliable time windows over several semesters.
- If you need a study programme that is purely online without on-site dates – here on-site phases are firmly scheduled.
- If alongside a full-time job you cannot allocate 12-20 hours per week for preparation, projects, and exams.
- If you are solely aiming for very quick short qualifications – this is a comprehensive university degree over 8 semesters.
- If you want to avoid additional expenses for travel/accommodation to on-site dates – these occur about six times a year.
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