In the B.A. Social Work program
The summer semester usually begins on 1 April, and the winter semester on 1 October each year.
Orientation days take place during the first week of the lecture period. This gives all new students the opportunity to get to know ASH better and to familiarise themselves with the university’s structures and electronic course registration system. Teaching only begins after the orientation period.
For students entering a higher semester (transfer students), an information session is held before the start of the semester.
The study handbook (Winter Semester 2024/25), which is updated each semester, offers an initial overview of all keyaspects of your studies.
The Study section of the website provides insights into the facilities and administrative structures at ASH.
Comprehensive information on how to apply for a place on the BA Social Work programme can be found on the Before you start studying page.
All relevant information can also be found in the study handbook.
The Sample Curriculum provides a brief, tabular overview of the structure of the degree programme and serves as a non-binding recommendation.
- Students who began their studies in the summer semester 2022 or later are enrolled under the new Study and Examination Regulations (SPO 2021) and follow the 2021 Model Schedule.
- Students who began their studies before summer semester 2022 continue to study under the previousStudy and Examination Regulations (SPO 2008) and follow the 2008 Model Schedule.
Sometimes it is necessary to take modules from a different SPO version, for example if courses need to be retaken orbrought forward. To understand which modules are considered equivalent, the equivalence tables offer guidance:
- I am studying under SPO 2008 and would like to take modules from SPO 2021: Table 2008
- I am studying under SPO 2021 and would like to take modules from SPO 2008: Table 2021
The Module Handbook for Social Work describes in detail all modules, including their content and learning objectives, formats, examinations, and participation requirements (available for both SPO 2008 module handbook and SPO 2021 course descriptions).
If you have questions about specific modules, the module coordinators are your first point of contact. An overview of all module coordinators is available on the Teaching Administration page.
You can find the central legal framework in the Framework Study and Examination Regulations (RSPO) and the Subject-Specific Study and Examination Regulations for the BA Social Work (SPO 2008 and SPO 2021). Additional regulations can be accessed in the Download Area.
The degree programme is reaccredited until 30 September 2029.
The documentation process for the BA Social Work programme is conducted exclusively online. All relevant information and deadlines are published on this website at the beginning of each semester.
To help you navigate your studies and understand how to use the transcript of records and manage your academic data, we have created a set of FAQs and a video tutorial.
Further information, video tutorials, and guidance on using the course catalogue (LSF) can be found on the Computer Centre (ComZ) website.
The degree programme includes two practical phases, comprising a total of 26 weeks:
A four-week field study phase, which begins in the final week of the lecture period in the first semester and includeselements of practical research
A five-month practical phase, which is usually completed during the fifth semester (see Internship Regulations)
The Internship Office provides information, advice, and support to students on all matters related to internships.
A distinctive feature of the programme is the Project Module, which spans a total of four semesters, beginning in the 4th semester (Project Module 1 and 2). Projects are designed as research-based learning formats and build on the knowledge and practical strategies acquired in the foundation modules.
During the 3rd semester, students can actively participate in shaping the project process, propose their own project ideas, and help determine the selection of projects on offer.
Further information on the project procedure, responsibilities, and key deadlines can be found here:
According to the sample study plan, the Bachelor’s thesis is written between the 6th and 7th semesters. The processing period always falls between two semesters – from August to October in the summer semester and from February to May in the winter semester.
Students enrolled from summer semester 2022 onwards, who are studying under the new Subject-Specific Study and Examination Regulations (SPO 2021), are also required to take a preparatory colloquium in the 6th semester.
Important: Students studying under SPO 2021 must have submitted at least two term papers during their studies in order to register for the Bachelor’s thesis (this is recorded in LSF).
To support students in the final phase of their studies, we have compiled an Orientation Guide for the Bachelor's Thesis in BA Social Workin BA Social Work.
Further information and guidance on the Bachelor’s thesis and graduation can be found on the Examination Office website and in the FAQs below.
The programme concludes with the academic degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).
Upon successful completion of your studies, you will receive the following four documents:
- Degree certificate
- Bachelor's diploma
- Diploma Supplement
- Transcript of Records
Please note: These documents will only be issued once the Examinations Office has received your de-registration form and the clearance certificate from the university library.
Further information and guidance on completing your degree can be found on the Examination Administration pages and in our Information Sheet on Graduation.
State recognition as a social worker/social pedagogue is granted upon application by the Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family.
Study and Internship abroad
During your studies, there are various opportunities to spend time abroad – for example, as part of the integrated practical phases or through a semester abroad.
At the same time, many international students come to ASH Berlin to study. The International Office offers detailed information and personalised advice.
International Curriculum
The International Curriculum features internationally oriented courses, most of which are taught in English. The selection of courses changes each semester and is explicitly listed in the course catalogue (LSF).
Courses taught in languages other than German primarily explore topics of international relevance to social work, enabling students to apply and strengthen their language skills in a subject-specific context.
International Certificate
ASH Berlin awards the International Certificate to students who engage in international activities. Points towards the certificate can be earned in the following four modules:
- International Engagement
- International Experience
- Curriculum
- Self-Reflection
If you have questions or would like to register for the International Certificate, please contact the International Office.
Language Center
The Language Center at ASH Berlin offers a wide range of free language courses, including Arabic and Kurdish.
In the BA programme, one language course can be credited as an elective course. To apply for credit transfer, please contact the credit recognition officer and use the Application for Individual Credit Transfer form.
Part-time study is possible if there is a valid reason, such as:
- Employment
- Disability or chronic illness that makes part-time study necessary
- Pregnancy
- Family responsibilities, such as caring for children under the age of 16 or supporting family members in need of care within the meaning of the Care giver Leave Act
- Holding a position within a governing body of ASH Berlin, the student body, or the Studierendenwerk Berlin
Other significant reasons may also be recognised if it can be demonstrated that full-time study would cause undue hardship in individual cases.
The application for part-time study must be submitted either with the application for enrolment or when re-registering, and must cover at least two consecutive semesters. Applications can also be submitted at a later stage. However, retroactive approval is not possible. Supporting documents must be provided to verify the reason for part-time study. If the reason no longer applies, this must be communicated immediately.
Part-time students have the same legal and academic status as full-time students at ASH Berlin. Fees and charges per semester remain unchanged.
Study periods completed on a part-time basis count towards the standard period of study on a pro-rata basis. Additional academic work or parallel study programmes are not permitted during part-time study.
Example: If you study your first two semesters part-time, your total study duration is recorded as one semester at the end of that period.
If the entire programme is completed on a part-time basis, the standard period of study for full-time students can be extended to a maximum of double the length. There is no standard curriculum for part-time study – you decide how many semester hours per week you can manage. If you need advice, please contact the Student Advisory Service.
Secondary Students
Students enrolled at another university may register as secondary students at ASH Berlin upon application, in accordance with § 14 of the Statutes for Academic Affairs. This requires the approval of the relevant lecturer for each course. A maximum of 7 semester hours per week (SWS) is usually permitted per semester.
Secondary students are not recognised as enrolled members of ASH Berlin and do not have student status. This means they do not receive a student ID card and cannot apply for a student visa through ASH Berlin. No administrative fees are charged in this context (see § 14 para. 3 of the Statutes for Student Affairs).
When applying, secondary students must submit a valid certificate of enrolment from their home university for the relevant semester.
Guest Students
Guest students may attend individual courses in accordance with § 15 of the Statutes for Student Affairs. A general higher education entrance qualification is not required for guest students in undergraduate Bachelor’s programmes.
Guest students are not recognised as enrolled members of ASH Berlin and do not have student status. This means they are not eligible for student ID cards or student visa support.
Registration as a guest student is subject to a fee, which depends on the number of courses attended and applies for one semester.
Guest or secondary student applications must be submitted within the first four weeks of the semester (by the end of April or October, respectively) at the Admissions Office in the Student Service Centre during office hours.
Registration is for one semester and should not exceed 7 SWS. If this limit is exceeded, a written justification must be provided to demonstrate particular hardship.
Application forms for guest and secondary student registration can be found in the Downloads section of the Admissions Office.
Download Area
The ASH Framework Study and Examination Regulations (RSPO) govern the general structure and implementation of studies and examinations across all degree programmes at ASH Berlin.
ASH Framework Study and Examination Regulations (RSPO)
The Subject-Specific Study and Examination Regulations (SPO) for the BA Social Work programme define provisions that supplement or differ from the RSPO.
Subject-Specific Study and Examination Regulations 2021 (for all students beginning in summer semester 2022 or later)
Subject-Specific Study and Examination Regulations 2008
The Statutes for Academic Affairs set out the rights and responsibilities of students and outline general administrative procedures.
Statutes for Academic Affairs at ASH Berlin
The Internship Regulations govern the practical semester typically undertaken in the 5th semester of the samplecurriculum.
Internship Regulations for the BA in Social Work
The Training Supervision Regulations define the objectives and structure of reflective practice-based supervision during the internship.
The Study Handbook contains all essential information about the BA Social Work programme, including helpful links and contact persons.
Study Handbook (Winter Semester 2024/25)
The Sample Curriculum offers a recommended course of study. It is a non-binding guide that provides an overview of all modules, units, semester hours per week (SWS), credits, participation requirements, coursework, and examinations in tabular form.
Model Schnedule according to SPO 2021 (for students enrolled from summer semester 2022)
The Module Handbook describes each module in detail, including the responsible teaching staff, learning objectives, course content, type and scope of sessions, examination requirements, credits, and participation criteria.
Module Handbook according to SPO 2008
Course Descriptions according to SPO 2021(for students enrolled from SoSe 2022)
The Study Checklist helps you keep track of your progress throughout the degree programme:
Study Checklist (SPO 2008)
Study Checklist (SPO 2021 – for students enrolled from summer semester 2022)
The Bachelor’s Thesis Guide supports you in planning and writing your final thesis:
Orientation Guide for the Bachelor's Thesis
The guide to dealing with AI in bachelor's theses explains the standard procedure with the declaration of originality and AI tool table:
guide to dealing with AI in bachelor's theses
The Information Sheet – Final Phase of Studies outlines what to consider as you complete your final academic work:
Information Sheet – Final Study Phase
If you need to take courses from another SPO—for example, to make up or bring forward modules—the followingequivalency tables will help you understand which modules are considered equivalent:
I am studying according to SPO 2008 and would like to take courses from SPO 2021: Equivalency Table 2008
I am studying according to SPO 2021 and would like to take courses from SPO 2008: Equivalency Table 2021
The following video tutorial offers an overview of how to manage your transcript of records and study data:
