Three qualification strands run through the entire programme:
1. The scientific-methodological courses,
2. The continuous professional practice periods in various forms,
3. The certified qualification as a transactional analyst.
The programme addresses and develops the various competence dimensions necessary for social work.
Diverse areas of activity working with people
Providing support, encouragement, counselling, protection – social workers are active in many different ways. And it is always about people and their personal development, social interaction, seizing opportunities or coping with disadvantages or harrowing experiences. Social work is oriented towards the individual and at the same time also towards shaping social spaces as well as social and societal structures.
Why choose this programme
Professionally relevant practical elements in each semester of study
Supported by a network of committed practitioners in the fieldDevelopment of professional communication and agency skills
Cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transaktionsanalyse (German Association for Transactional Analysis) and acquisition of the counselling certificate 'TA-Berater*in DGTA'.Innovative learning concept with individual focus
Individual coaching, two-semester project, social work placement for work-integrated learning
Shaping individuals and society
It's about people, togetherness and social structures
'Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledges, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.'
Source: International Federation of Social Workers
Facts about the study programme
Degree of Studies
Bachelor of ArtsStudy Form
Full-time studyTerm of Admission
admission-restrictedTerm of Admission
Winter semesterMain Course Language
GermanStandard Period of Study
7 Semester
I learn to to provide professional help and initiate change
The learning process – integration of theories and methods, practical experience and agency skills.
The three essential types of learning (courses on theories and methods, the professional practice placements and the acquisition of agency skills) are built into every semester of the programme, from the very beginning until graduation. Graduates of the programme will have acquired a professional profile with subject-specific theoretical content (including aspects such as knowledge of social law, group dynamics, interculturality and socialisation), methodological approaches (in terms of systematic, appropriate and outcome-oriented procedures) and dimensions of personal development (which play an essential role in interactions with addressees).
Programme overview
Continuous professional practice integrated into the programme, selection of individual focus areas during the study programme and certification as a “TA Consultant in DGTA”
A hallmark of the study programme at the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is the strong link between the learning and education phase at the university and professional practice. Professional practice phases are held every semester. From semester 1 onwards, students complete mandatory job shadowing phases with our cooperation partners that cover the wide-ranging professional disciplines of social work. In the third and fourth semester of the programme, students work on projects in small teams together with practical training providers, which delve into scientific as well as practical application and implementation aspects. From the fifth semester, students independently decide on their own professional focus area. They try their hand in their desired future professional area with an even greater focus on professional practice phases in social practice as they continue their training. The practical experience is supported by additional methodological and technical modules.
A study abroad period at partner universities of the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences can be arranged between semesters 4 and 6.
Admission and application
In addition to the university entrance qualification, evidence of practical experience with a relevant internship in a social work field equivalent to at least 4 full-time weeks (a minimum of 140 hours, at least half of the full-time working hours each week), which must be completed at a maximum of 2 different employers. Completed vocational training in a nursing or educational field as well as speech therapy and physiotherapy, an internship during grade 11 of upper secondary school in the field of social pedagogy or evidence of the completion of a professionally relevant year of voluntary social service or the federal volunteers’ service in relevant areas instead of an internship. This evidence must be provided by the end of the enrollment period at the latest.
The admission requirement for foreign students is an C1 language level in German.
Of the places available for the selection process, 55% are exclusively awarded based on the level of qualification of the applicants (i.e. average grade in the university entrance qualification). The remaining 45% of places are exclusively awarded to applicants who are able to provide evidence of the university entrance qualification as well as relevant vocational training and any professional activity in their application. Further details are provided in the regulation on the process for selecting applicants at the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences.
The Social Work (Soziale Arbeit) bachelor's degree programme admits students in the winter semester every year. The application deadline is 15 July. Admission to the bachelor’s degree programme is restricted (NC). Application for this study programme is only possible via the dialogue-oriented service procedure. Application takes place centrally online through the Hochschulstart portal.
If you acquired your university entrance qualification outside the European Union (EU), please also apply through uni-assist. To apply through uni-assist, you need a two-part identification number comprised of the BID (applicant ID) and BAN (applicant authentication number). You receive these numbers after registering in the DoSV applicant portal - www.hochschulstart.de. To ensure adequate processing time, the application for the winter semester should be submitted to UNI-ASSIST by 30 June.
You can find further information on the application procedure on the Registration and Examination Office’s website.
A pre-study internship before study commences (rules on when this needs to be demonstrated are currently under development).
Learn more about the study programme
Social Work