Bachelor of Arts International Social WorkTheologische Hochschule Friedensau

The Bachelor of Arts International Social Work (ISW) program equips students with the expertise to become social workers without borders. It emphasizes global interconnectedness, allowing students to explore local social problems from global perspectives while appreciating their local context. Students learn to connect with and empower individuals, groups, and communities. The program addresses current social issues such as migration and refugees, sustainability, child protection, human rights, and social development.

Students who choose this program typically believe in social justice, enjoy problem-solving, are compassionate and adventurous, are interested in new cultures, and see themselves working outside their home country at some point. The program offers an international learning and living community with students and lecturers from over 40 different countries, small classes, personal coaching and mentoring from lecturers, an international, green, and eco-friendly campus, and various religious and spiritual activities.

In the 5th semester, students are required to complete a semester abroad, which offers the opportunity to take courses at a partner university and engage in professional international social work practice. Placements are currently offered in Tanzania, Liberia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Iraqi Kurdistan, South Sudan, Jamaica, and Serbia, with plans to expand the range of options. The university supports students in organizing their semester abroad, including guidance for selecting a suitable country and internship placement, and facilitating visa applications through their partner institution.

Graduates of this program are prepared to work in local and international job positions requiring a professional understanding of social problems. They possess the skills to manage social processes and support individuals, groups, and communities. Potential fields of work include Children, Youth, Adult and Elderly Social Work in culturally diverse settings, Community Development, Social Work in refugee contexts, International Development, Disaster Response Programs, Environmental Social Work, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Management in the private sector. Graduates may also continue their studies within a Master's degree program.

The study program is structured over three years (6 semesters). The first year focuses on introductory modules that lay the foundation for understanding International Social Work, establishing theoretical and practical bases. It introduces the field, provides a sociological perspective on society, its inequalities, and contemporary social problems, and develops academic writing and rhetoric skills. The second year delves deeper into contemporary social issues and intervention approaches, exploring tools and methods used by social workers, social research methods, and focusing on topics like migration, development, and human rights. The third year begins with a 4-month internship abroad, followed by the Bachelor’s Thesis, which allows students to demonstrate analytical skills or implement a small research project. Elective modules enable further exploration of personal interests.

Admission requirements include a University entrance qualification. For applicants from Germany, this is an “Abitur” or “Fachgebundene Hochschulreife”. Applicants without an Abitur but with completed vocational training may be admitted under certain conditions via an assessment examination or two semesters of trial studying. Applicants from the EU or Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland are qualified with a university entrance qualification that grants access to university studies in their country. Applicants from other countries can check the DAAD database to see if their educational degree qualifies them for studying a B.A. in Germany. The university only signs study contracts for this program with applicants who are at least 18 years old.

Language requirements stipulate proof of English proficiency at the B2 level (CEFR), with accepted proofs including TOEFL iBT (72), IELTS (5.5), Cambridge English Tests (Total score 160), or TOEIC (785 listening and reading, 310 speaking and writing). Other accepted proofs include a university entrance qualification or higher education degree with English as the language of instruction, or a German Abitur certificate with a minimum average of 10 points in English over the last four semesters. In individual cases, other forms of proof may be accepted upon written request.

The application procedure involves checking academic and financial requirements, starting an online application, uploading required documents, submitting the application, receiving a confirmation email, and then an admission decision. For international students requiring a visa, the process includes making an appointment at the embassy, paying tuition fees and deposits, receiving an admission letter, and applying for the visa. The visa process can take several months, and it is recommended to apply in good time.

An early bird discount of 25% is offered for the first semester's tuition for the B.A. International Social Work program. Eligibility requirements for this discount are: visa-required students must submit a complete application by March 1, 2026, and non-visa students must submit a complete application by June 15, 2026.