On this research-oriented study programme, you will gain detailed knowledge of research in social work. After completing the programme, you will be able to make facilities ready for the future and to encourage discourse. You will deal intensively with the thematic areas of social work as a discipline and profession, as well as organisation and management. Specialised knowledge in these fields is necessary in order to be able to act appropriately in management positions in terms of techniques and methodologies. You will also develop the skills that you will need for your further academic training. After completing the degree programme, you will be able to independently initiate, implement and analyse research processes in your work.

The following fields of activity will be open to you:

• Executive and management positions in public, volunteer or private organisations,
• Coordination and management positions in research projects (at universities, institutes and research facilities),
• Freelance work (e.g. practical research, project management, organisational design, training and continuing education),
• Further academic training in the context of a doctorate.

The Master’s programme in Social Work and Research is a part-time, online-based programme wile working, involving a workload of around 25 hours each week. The total number of credit hours is 120 ECTS. The study duration is five semesters.

Our study concept combines periods of mandatory attendance with virtual learning.

In online seminars (approximately 75% of the programme), you will gain expert knowledge of the science and theory of social work, and of the organisation and management of social welfare institutions. You will learn the course content during private study and/or in a small group. Our teaching staff will support and guide you via the internet. Study materials and communications tools (forums, chat rooms, email, live classroom, etc.) will be provided on an online learning platform.

During mandatory attendance seminars (approximately 25% of the programme), you will learn course content by means of practical exercises, intense reflection and direct communication. You will reflect on your professional role, develop interdisciplinary concepts, and systematise issues concerning the profession or research ethics. As a rule, on-campus classes take place on two consecutive days.

The modules of the degree programme are divided into four thematic module areas:

1. Social Work as a Discipline and Profession,
2. Methodological Action in Social Work,
3. Organisation and Management in Social Work,
4. Research in Social Work.

We offer this degree programme in cooperation with several German universities (MAPS alliance – Master of Arts: Advanced Professional Studies). In this connection, the alliance supports degree programmes with regard to their conceptual further development.

Research orientation:

• A research project is conducted over three semesters
• Intense research support
• Applied research

Structuring management:

• Connection between management and research
• Special consideration of organisational and management topics
• Transfer of content to practice

Culture of teaching and learning:

• Activating teaching
• Self-organised study
• Learning in small groups, including virtual learning
• Quality development, including by the alliance
• Intense supervision
• Methods labs