Bachelor of Arts

Social work

We guarantee a high level of relevance to the fields of social work through two supervised integrated practical semesters. Our students receive very close professional and personal support from our teaching staff.

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Görlitz
Bachelor of Arts
7 semesters
admission restricted

About the degree program

In a society with constantly growing social challenges, professional social work is more important than ever. The Bachelor's degree course in Social Work at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences qualifies you as a specialist for the responsible support of people in different life situations. You will acquire comprehensive skills for analyzing complex psychosocial problems and developing tailor-made support services.

Scientifically sound and practical

In this scientifically based degree program, you will develop skills 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 of psychology, sociology, education and medicine
  • Research methods for the scientific analysis of social phenomena

The focus of the course is on the areas of intervention and organization. You will learn personalized concepts and methods of action that will enable you to provide qualified help and support to people in social emergencies. 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 points:210
Teaching language:German
Enrolment for:Winter semester
Application: 02.05 to 15.07Start of studies: October
Admission restriction:Numerus Clausus
No pre-study work placementTo the student advisory service
Accreditation status:accredited
Special features of the application

To apply for the Social Work degree program, you must first register with the Germany-wide application portal hochschulstart.de.

Procedure

  1. Please register on hochschulstart.de.
  2. There you will receive an applicant ID.
  3. You can use this applicant ID to apply on the HSZG application portal.

Course of study

Your seven-semester course combines theoretical foundations with extensive practical experience. The two integrated practical phases give you an in-depth insight into various fields of social work. In the first two semesters, you will acquire fundamental knowledge in areas such as cultures and interculturality, legal principles and methods of action in social work.

The third semester is designed as an intervention-oriented practical semester in which you apply your knowledge directly in a social work field and gain your first practical professional experience. In the fourth and fifth semesters, you will deepen your knowledge in areas such as project management, organizational development, social structures and health sciences. In addition, you will choose action-oriented areas of study that correspond to your personal interests.

The sixth semester is a further, organization-oriented practical semester in which you will gain in-depth insights into the structural aspects of social institutions. In the final seventh semester, you will focus on specific fields of action and target groups in social work and write your Bachelor's thesis. After successfully completing your degree and passing the final colloquium, you will have the opportunity to obtain state recognition as a social worker from the State Directorate of Saxony.

1st semester
  • General principles
  • Legal foundations
  • Cultures and interculturality
2nd semester
  • Methods of action in social work
  • Social work research
  • Upbringing, education and socialization
  • Fundamentals of organizational and
    intervention theory
3rd semester

Intervention-oriented practical semester

4th semester
  • Social work as a discipline and
    profession
  • Project management and
    Organizational development
  • Public law and
    Criminal law
5th semester
  • Social structures and processes and gender relations
  • Health sciences
  • Action-oriented study focuses
6th semester

Organization-oriented practical semester

7th semester
  • Fields of action and target groups of social work
  • Bachelor thesis and defense

Career opportunities

Professional areas where you can get started

Youth welfare office and social welfare
You support children, young people and families in difficult life situations and develop tailored support services. You advise on parenting issues, mediate in conflicts and work preventively to protect the welfare of children. With your professional knowledge and empathetic attitude, you help people to recognize their own resources and act in a self-determined way.

Probation and offender support
You help people who have been in prison to reintegrate into society. You help them find accommodation and work, advise them on official matters and help them deal with personal problems. With your professional approach, you promote social integration and have a preventative effect against re-offending.

Counselling centres
You offer professional support in specialized counselling centres for families, young people, pregnant women or people with addictions. You analyze complex problems, develop solution strategies together with clients and refer them to further help if necessary. Through active listening and respectful communication, you create a safe space for personal change processes.

Healthcare
You work in social services at hospitals, health authorities or care facilities. You support the organization of aftercare, advise on social law issues and arrange further assistance. With your holistic view of the psychosocial situation, you complement medical care and contribute to the sustainable improvement of the patient's life situation.

Open child and youth work
You create low-threshold offers in youth centers, street work or experiential education projects. You create space for self-awareness, promote social skills and support young people in developing their identity. With your authentic manner, you are a contact person and confidant who accompanies young people on their path to adulthood.

Management positions in social institutions
You take responsibility for the strategic and operational management of social organizations. You will develop innovative concepts, steer quality development processes and manage human and financial resources. With your professional expertise and leadership skills, you will contribute to the professional development of social work and the improvement of social services.

You will find even more opportunities with us in other related degree programs.

Related degree programs

Not sure yet? If you have any questions, please contact our student advisory service. We are at your side when it comes to choosing a course.

Our promise to you

Affordable living

We have plenty of affordable living space: apartments in halls of residence, your own apartment, shared apartments - everything is possible here.

More about living

Simply go abroad

If you would like to go abroad during your studies, we make it possible. What's more, two other countries are just a stone's throw away from our campus. A quick trip abroad is part of our everyday life.

More about going abroad

One tree per student

The HSZG plants a tree for every student. If you want, you can even do it yourself.

More about sustainability and environmental protection

Small groups

Here you study at eye level - not just with your fellow students. Thanks to small student groups, our lecturers will respond to you individually.

Leisure in the countryside

In addition to your studies, you can enjoy a wide range of leisure activities in the countryside: mountain biking, climbing, kiting, swimming, barbecues with friends by the lake. The only challenge you face is to make up your mind.

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.

Studying with a child
We support families in their studies with numerous offers, from childcare, vacation semesters, more flexible study and examination services, counseling services and much more.
Learn more
Studying with a disability
Equal opportunities and unrestricted participation are important to us. We support inclusion with various activities and advisory services, support options, compensation for disadvantages and accessibility.
Learn more
Help with starting your studies
There are many special offers to help you get started with your studies: Introduction days, come-in weeks, advisory services and much more.
Learn more
Support during studies
Equal opportunities and unrestricted participation are important to us. We support inclusion with various activities and advisory services, support options, compensation for disadvantages and accessibility.
Learn more
Financing

From BAföG and scholarships to loans and housing benefits, there are numerous ways to finance your studies. We also offer support for studying or doing an internship abroad.

Financing abroad

Funding for studying abroad

Jobs and career

You can finance your studies more easily with a part-time job or a job at the university. We offer students various opportunities for this, including a job after their studies:

Job exchange

career service

Job offers at the university

Your contact persons

Photo: Prof. Dr. phil. Mandy Schulze
Fachstudienberaterin
Prof. Dr. phil.
Mandy Schulze
Faculty of Social Sciences
02826 Görlitz
Furtstrasse 2
Building G I, Room 2.13
2nd upper floor
+49 3581 374-4787
Zentrale Studienberatung
Madeleine Pohl
Division Studies and International Affairs
02763 Zittau
Th.-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 0.21
First floor
+49 3583 612-3055