About the degree program
In a society facing ever-increasing social challenges, professional Social Work is more important than ever. The Bachelor degree programme in Social Work at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences prepares you to become a professional capable of providing responsible support to people in various life situations. You will acquire comprehensive skills for analyzing complex psychosocial problems and developing tailored support services.
Academically grounded and practice-oriented
In this academically grounded program, you will develop competencies in the following areas:
- Intervention methods for direct work with clients
- Organizational knowledge for the structural development of social services
- Legal foundations and ethical principles of Social Work
- Interdisciplinary knowledge from psychology, sociology, education, and medicine
- Research methods for the scientific analysis of social phenomena
The program focuses on the areas of intervention and organization. You will learn about person-centered concepts and methods of practice that will enable you to provide qualified help and support to people in social distress. In doing so, you will always take into account the individual characteristics of your clients’ age and life situation.
Study details
The most important facts at a glance:
| faculty: | Social Sciences | |
| Location: | Görlitz | |
| Degree: | Bachelor of Arts | |
| standard period of study: | 7 semesters | |
| ECTS credits: | 210 | |
| Language of instruction: | German | |
| Enrolment for: | Winter semester | |
| Application period: May 2 through July 15 | Start of studies: October | |
| Admission restrictions: | a points-based admission system (numerus clausus) | |
| No prerequisite internship | Go to Student Advisory Service | |
| Accreditation status: | Accredited |
To apply for the Social Work degree programme, you must first register on the Germany-wide application portal hochschulstart.de.
Procedure
- Please register on hochschulstart.de.
- There, you will receive an application ID.
- You can use this applicant ID to apply on the HSZG application portal.
Course of study
Your seven-semester program combines theoretical foundations with extensive practical experience. The two integrated practical study phases provide you with in-depth insight into various areas of Social Work. In the first two semesters, you’ll acquire fundamental knowledge in areas such as cultures and interculturality, legal foundations, and Social Work methods.
The third semester is designed as an intervention-oriented work placement semester, during which you’ll apply your knowledge directly in a social work setting and gain your first professional experience. In the fourth and fifth semesters, you’ll deepen your knowledge in areas such as project management, organizational development, social structures, and health sciences. In addition, you’ll choose practice-oriented specializations that align with your personal interests.
The sixth semester is another organization-oriented work placement semester, during which you gain in-depth insights into the structural aspects of social service organizations. In the final seventh semester, you will focus on specific areas of practice and target groups in Social Work and write your Bachelor’s thesis. Upon successful completion of the degree program and passing the final colloquium, you will have the opportunity to obtain seek state recognition as a social worker from the State Directorate of Saxony.
- General principles
- Legal foundations
- Cultures and interculturality
- Intervention Methods in Social Work
- Social Work Research
- Upbringing, Education, and Socialization
- Fundamentals of Organizational and
Intervention Theory
Intervention-Oriented Work Placement Semester
- Social Work as a Discipline and
Profession - Project Management and
Organizational Development - Public Law and
Criminal Law
- Social structures and processes and gender relations
- Health sciences
- Action-oriented study focuses
Organization-Focused Work Placement Semester
- Areas of Practice and Target Groups in Social Work
- Bachelor thesis and Defense
Career opportunities
Professional areas where you can get started
Youth Welfare Office and Social Services
You support children, adolescents, and families facing difficult life situations and develop tailored assistance programs. You provide guidance on parenting issues, mediate in conflicts, and take preventive measures to protect the well-being of children. With your professional expertise and empathetic approach, you help people recognize their own resources and act independently.
Probation and Offender Rehabilitation
You’ll support people with a history of incarceration as they reintegrate into society. You’ll help them find housing and employment, advise them on dealing with government agencies, and assist them in overcoming personal problems. Through your professional approach, you’ll promote social integration and help prevent recidivism.
Counseling Centers You provide professional support at specialized counseling centers for families, youth, pregnant women, or people with substance use disorders. You analyze complex situations, develop solution strategies together with clients, and refer them to additional support services as needed. Through active listening and a respectful conversational approach, you create a safe space for personal change.
Health Care
You work in the social services departments of hospitals, public health departments, or long-term care facilities. You assist with organizing follow-up care, provide advice on social welfare law issues, and refer individuals to additional support services. With your holistic approach to the psychosocial situation, you complement medical care and contribute to a lasting improvement in patients’ quality of life.
Outreach Work with Children and Youth
You’ll design low-threshold programs at youth centers, through street outreach, or in experiential education projects. You create spaces for self-discovery, foster social skills, and support young people as they develop their identities. With your authentic approach, you serve as a point of contact and a trusted advisor, guiding young people on their journey into adulthood.
Leadership Positions in Social Service Organizations
You will take on responsibility for the strategic and operational management of social service organizations. You will develop innovative concepts, oversee quality improvement processes, and manage human and financial resources. With your professional expertise and leadership skills, you will contribute to the professional advancement of social work and the improvement of social services.
Here's what our students have to say about the Bachelor's program in Social Work
- Module Handbook (Course Content and Structure)
- Program Flyer
- Application Information
- Faculty of Social Sciences Website
Your contact persons
2nd upper floor
First floor
Starting now, we're also offering our Student Advisory Service via WhatsApp. Just send us a message at: +49 173 2086748
Our promise to you
Studying in the wild east?
Studying with us is different. Above all, it's better. Why? We have a family atmosphere. There are small study groups and the lecturers are always there for you. There is a close connection to practice in all degree courses. And finding affordable accommodation is no problem here.
There are many other reasons, such as university sports or the student representatives, clubs and societies. Campus life in Zittau and Görlitz - the wild east - is unique.