In the degree programme, you learn how to apply qualitative and quantitative research methods. You will also learn to develop research-based strategies for action, analysing people’s changing lives and problems and critically incorporating societal and global influences. In doing so, you can choose your own topics to focus on or research within the framework of your thematic focus and thus develop your own profile.
Campus Hilltop
Period in semester3 Semester
Languages of instructionGerman/English
Enrolment PeriodsWinter semester: 30 April to 15 September
Summer semester: 31 October to 1 March
Admission RequirementsA Bachelor’s degree in the field of Social Work or a related Socio-pedagogical, Social Work, or Early Childhood Education programme is a prerequisite for the degree programme.
In the Master's degree programme in Social Work, you can choose between two content specialisations:
Innovative Social Work: Practice-oriented research, social planning and quality development, questions of professional innovation, creation and evaluation of needs-oriented concepts
International Social Work: Critical examination of theories, concepts and approaches of social work in international, comparative, transcultural contexts that are based on national scopes
With the Master's degree in Social Work, a wide range of professional opportunities are open to you. With the Master’s degree, you create the necessary requirements to work in management positions. In the specialisations, you will additionally qualify for the areas of social planning and quality development or for activities in international organisations and institutional partnerships. Esslingen University of Applied Sciences is a member of the Baden-Württemberg Doctoral Association. Professors of the SABP faculty can also offer Master’s graduates the opportunity to do a doctorate by taking this path.
These sectors will be open to you:
There are no admission restrictions for this degree programme.
You enrol and secure your place on the degree programme for the upcoming semester.
Check the requirements
Do you have a university entrance qualification (e.g. German Abitur/Fachhochschulreife), a school leaving qualification from a country other than Germany or a vocational qualification? If you do, you have already fulfilled the first requirement.
Enrol in the application portal
You register in the “HEonline” application portal of Esslingen University of Applied Sciences with your personal data and enrol for the degree programme you would like to take.
Upload your documents
You upload your documents and certificates in the HEonline portal. We need your documents by the enrolment deadline at the latest.
Receive your confirmation of admission and accept the university place you are offered
When you have submitted all the necessary information, you will receive an email with the pro forma letter of admission with the offer of a place at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences. You can now accept the offer of a place in your HEonline account.
Apply to enrol
When you have uploaded all your documents and certificates by the deadline specified and paid the mandatory fees and subscriptions, you must confirm your details and submit them to us. This automatically submits your enrolment application. You are then enrolled for the upcoming semester at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences. You will receive an email welcoming you to Esslingen and providing you with some initial information.
The Master of Social Work provides in-depth reflective skills for all areas of social work. You can choose your individual specialisation from the two different focus points. The focus on innovative social work deals with professional innovations and quality research, among other things. In the International Social Work focus area you will learn to place theories and concepts in an international and transcultural context.
On the one hand, I find it special in this degree programme that in addition to the job-specific knowledge, you also learn a lot for life outside of work, such as social structures or forms of communication. On the other hand, the atmosphere in the faculty is striking, both between students and between students and teachers. There is a very respectful and familiar way of dealing with each other and you can find someone to listen or help everywhere.
Annika Erath, student of Master of Social Work
Choose between the specialisations of Innovative Social Work and International Social Work.
There is a sports hall and gym on campus as well as football pitches and basketball courts.
Well stocked, with many study spaces and a beautiful view over Esslingen, the library is the perfect place to learn.
Once you have successfully completed your degree, the option of a doctorate is open to you.
Acquire the necessary tools to assess and shape developments with empirical support.
We support parents as well as students with responsibilities for children and relatives in their studies with advisory services.
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