Study & contents
The degree program enables you to work independently in the diverse fields of social work. You will learn specialist knowledge and methods with which you can support people well. During your studies, you will practise taking a close look at situations, asking questions and justifying your actions. The course is broadly based: You will get to know many areas of social work. Through specializations and elective seminars, you can set your own focus , for example with regard to children and young people, health or migration.
The special profile includes a four-semester project course, which students help to shape , as well as a focus on cultural education and diversity: for example, you will deal with gender roles, queer lifestyles, racism, migration, disability and exclusion. There are also many opportunities for international learning: you will meet visiting students from other countries, can take advantage of the International Curriculum and study abroad.
The sample study plan provides you with a brief tabular overview of the structure of the BA Social Work degree program and is intended as a recommendation. The module handbook describes in detail all modules, their content and learning objectives, the various formats, examinations and participation requirements.
Practical relevance in studies
The degree program thrives on the close connection between theory and practice: theories help to understand, question and further develop practice. Two practical phases are integrated into the course: At the beginning of the course, there is a four-week practical phase (field study phase), during which you get to know social work institutions. In the fifth semester you will do a longer internship. You will be supported in supervised discussion groups (supervision) and can discuss your experiences with others.
The B.A. Social Work is a face-to-face course. You can also apply to study part-time , in which case the duration of your studies will be extended accordingly. If you want to work alongside your studies and would like to know how your studies and job can work well together, our student assistants can advise you on this: peer4you@ ash-berlin.eu.
Completion & recognition
The B.A. in Social Work is a face-to-face course with a standard period of study of 7 semesters (3.5 years). Upon graduation, you will receive the academic and professionally qualifying degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).
After graduating, you can apply for state recognition as a social worker or social pedagogue. The Senate Administration in Berlin is responsible for this.
Profession & prospects
With a B.A. in Social Work, you can work for public and independent organizations, in public authorities, companies or independently. Typical fields of work include corporate social work, educational work and school social work, disability support, leisure and experiential education, community work, prevention and rehabilitation, child and youth welfare, open youth work, crisis intervention, addiction support, offender support as well as social counseling and administration. Places of employment include counseling centers, schools, youth welfare facilities, clinics, addiction support facilities, anti-discrimination centers, contact and meeting places, facilities for the disabled and elderly as well as prisons.
In addition to direct career entry, there are numerous opportunities for further education and training. You can also go on to study for a Master's degree and pursue a doctorate.
Why study at ASH Berlin?
➤ No tuition fees
You do not pay tuition fees for this degree program. You only pay the semester fee - just like at other state universities.➤ Flexible
Do you have a family, a job or health restrictions? You can also apply to study this degree course part-time.➤ State and internationally recognized
Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin is the largest state university in Germany for social work, health, education and training - with around 5,000 students. The course is officially audited (accredited) and has a high quality of study and teaching. Your degree is also recognized abroad.➤ Small seminar groups
Small seminar groups, practical courses, dedicated professors - that's what sets us apart.
Costs & student financing
The state-run Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin does not charge tuition fees for the BA in Social Work, but only so-called semester fees and contributions.
You have to pay around 350 euros per semester, which includes the Germany semester ticket. You can find more information on the pages of the enrollment administration.
Do you need help with financing your studies? You can find contact persons here!
Application & Admission
You need one of the following university entrance qualifications:
- general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
- entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences
- or an entrance qualification recognized as equivalent
(e.g. for vocationally qualified students with state-recognized vocational training)
If you have not obtained your higher education entrance qualification in Germany, you must provide proof of sufficient German language skills.
You can find more information on the admission requirements in the "Before studying" section.
How do I apply?
Great that you want to apply to us.
For the Bachelor's degree program in Social Work, you first register via hochschulstart.de. You then use this data to submit your application to the application portal of ASH Berlin application portal.
Study places are allocated via NC (Numerus Clausus, i.e. according to A-level grades), waiting time and the university's own selection procedure; there are also special quotas and the possibility of entering a higher semester if you have enough credits.
You can find more information about applying in the "Before studying/applying" section
Do you still have questions?
Answers can be found in the FAQs. Do you need support? You can find the right contact person here.
Social work is a profession and a discipline that contributes to the improvement of individual life situations and social living conditions.
The subject areas of social work are very diverse and include social disadvantage, problem situations and social challenges that arise in people's everyday lives, for example:
Poverty, discrimination, violence, educational inequality, health/illness, disability, migration and flight, addiction, homelessness, etc.
In its approach, social work is always concerned with the connections between complex social and political structures and specific problem situations.
The international definition of social work puts it this way:
"Social work is a practice-oriented profession and an academic discipline whose aim is to promote social change, social development and social cohesion and to empower and liberate people. The principles of social justice, human rights, shared responsibility and respect for diversity form the basis of social work. Drawing on social work theories, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address existential challenges and improve well-being."
If you would like to know more about social work, visit the professional association DBSH!
Yes, it is possible to work alongside your studies. Depending on how much you work alongside your studies, it may make sense to switch to part-time study. Be sure to seek advice on this: To the student advisory service.
Also find out about alternative ways of financing your studies.
At ASH Berlin, for example, you can study the Master's degree in Practice Research in Social Work and Pedagogy or the Master's degree in Social Work Critical Diversity and Community Studies with a BA in Social Work.
Social professions involve working closely with people. This work requires a great deal of empathy, responsibility and sensitivity - skills that are learned during studies and cannot be replaced by AI. Even if AI is of course changing everyday working life. However, most activities can hardly be automated. For example, the Job Futuromat of the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) shows a degree of automation of just 9% for the professions of social workers. This means that with a bachelor's degree in social work (B.A.), your job is secure despite AI.
Regulations & Statutes
- Statutes for the organization of the university's own selection procedure
- Subject-specific study and examination regulations (2021)
- Module handbook
- Sample study plan
Overviews, information sheets and forms
