Social Work
In A Nutshell
Profile
The first semesters of the program are accompanied by tutors from higher semesters at the start of the program. During the rest of the first semester, the small groups continue to meet on a regular basis in order to reflect on the study situation and resolve any problems that may arise. The program is marked by a clear structure that is defined from the start. Over the course of time, the program increasingly "opens up,” i.e. the options to choose from increase from semester to semester. Students are systematically supported in the theory-practice transfer of knowledge that is needed during seminars, projects, and instruction/reflection groups. The first practical experiences gained during the internship that accompanies the program are reflected on individually in small groups and are connected to the theoretical knowledge being taught.
Practical Training
Projects
Students are integrated into practical projects from the beginning. Specific projects with regional and trans-regional partners from schools and social institutions challenge the students to present their work results confidently and establish contacts in the professional world.
Internship accompanying the program
Students perform their internship mainly during the second semester (in the period from March 15 to September 30 of the year). It covers 80 hours. Activities may include weekly individual care, recurring group programs, blocked measures etc. in social organizations. The internship takes place in the period from March 15 to September 30 of the year. If you have any questions about the internship, please contact Prof. Dr. Susanne Gröne.
Required internship
Students generally complete their required internship in the fourth semester. It spans a continuous period of 26 weeks full-time and is accompanied by courses. We have summarized important information for the internship semester in the Manual for practice instructors. If you have any question about the required internship semester, please contact Kathrin Linnig: kathrin.linnig[at]hs-coburg.de
Structure of the Program
In addition to scientifically founded theoretical knowledge, social workers especially need interpersonal skills. The Social Work program at Coburg University teaches in-depth knowledge and promotes active participation, team spirit, and social skills. Seminars, project workshops, instruction and reflection groups, as well as the specialization program, also train the interface and networking skills of prospective social workers.
Contents of Semesters 1 - 3 include:
- Social science I to III
- Perspectives in social sciences and humanities
- Culture, aesthetics, media
- Legal perspectives I
- Community work
- Social group work and individual social work
- Perception and Communication I and II
- Social management I, incl. internship
- Interdisciplinary perspectives and interdisciplinary project I and II
Semester 4
Required internship of 26 weeks - systematic instruction and reflection
Contents of Semesters 5 - 7 include:
- Social science IV and V
- Legal perspectives II
- Social management II
- Interdisciplinary profiling
- Case seminar
- Profiling related sciences
- Specialization modules 1 - 4
- General and specialized compulsory elective module
- Bachelor’s thesis
Students orient their training towards the specific activities in social work which they would like to pursue by choosing four specialization modules. Possible differentiations are:
- Social work with:
- People with psychological illnesses
- People with disabilities
- People suffering from addition illnesses
- Children
- Adolescents
- Seniors
- Case Management
- Child protective services
- Clinical social work
- Biographical theater
Curriculum and Examination Regulations
The [module structure]* provides an overview of the structure of the program. This [graphic]* illustrates the content structure of the academic program. The [module manual] provides information about the content of the individual modules. The [study and examination regulations]* form the legal basis for the study program.
Modules that are no longer taught can be found here*.
In the event of questions about of the program, contact your academic advisor Prof. Dr. Susanne Gröne.
*only available in german at the moment
Job Perspectives
Social workers have a variety of professional options: They range from social work in schools to clinical social work and social planning. Potential employers include welfare associations, such as Caritas, the Workers' Welfare Association or the Diakonische Werk, as well as local authorities, private associations, business enterprises and industrial companies.
Master's degree
After completing their degree, the top graduates of Coburg University have the possibility of continuing their studies with a suitable Master's program. Directly following the Bachelor’s degree, there are two graduate programs available: the three-semester Master’s program in social workor the part-time professional Master’s program in clinical social work. It is offered in cooperation with Alice-Salomon University in Berlin.
Application and Requirements
Here you can find all the important information about evaluating your school-leaving certificates and learning German in order to start a bachelor program at the University of Coburg.
Since the program is taught in German, you also have to prove your knowledge in German before the start of studies (level C1/C2).
Status: December 2019.
Further and current informations can also be found on the German website of this course.