Social Work
Bachelor's degree, full-time
In the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work, people and communities – with all their many facets, characteristics, challenges and conflicts – are at the heart of your studies. You will explore different life situations and learn how to support and accompany individuals in a professional manner. Thanks to flexible structures and close cooperation with social institutions, you can bring your practical experiences directly into your studies – and apply what you learn in real-world settings.
After graduation, a wide range of exciting opportunities awaits you: whether in education, healthcare or counselling – there is a growing need for people who act with compassion, expertise and social competence. Your skills are in demand – and can be applied in many different fields.
You can choose to study full-time or opt for the extended part-time option alongside your work.
Social Work programme details
| Name | Social Work |
|---|---|
| Level of qualification according to the national and European Qualifications Framework |
Bachelor (1st cycle) |
| Qualification awarded | Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, BA |
| Field of study according to ISCED-F code | 0923 - Social work and counselling |
| Mode of study | Full-time study |
| Length of programme (standard period of study) | 6 semesters |
| Number of credits | 180 ECTS |
| Languages of instruction | German, 4th semester in English |
| Mobility window | Semester abroad in the 4th semester (recommended) |
| Work placement |
|
| Academic calendar | To academic calendar |
| Examination regulations and grading scale | To examination regulations and the grading scale |
| Final examination | Final bachelor's examination |
| Cost |
Currently no tuition fees, obligatory ÖH fee |
| Specific admission requirements | General university entrance qualification or equivalent See admission requirements |
Curriculum
Legend and further informationElective specialisation (17 ECTS): you choose your elective specialisation from the following areas in the 3rd semester and thus determine the subjects of the 4th and 5th semesters.
Individual competences (flex subjects): at least 12 ETCS are acquired in the form of individual electives (e.g. electives, micro-credentials in an international context, further specialisation options, etc.), whereby it is not specified in which semester how many ETCS are to be completed.
ECTS: Credit points based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Consistent with international standarts, 30 ECTS points ca be earned each semester.
Course content in detail
Professional practical training
If you prefer to test acquired knowledge directly in practice, this is your study. Because practical phases are a particularly important element here. Often work placements are a door opener for the professional entry into Social Work.
We coordinate closely with partner organizations and companies. In the second semester, you complete an orientation internship of 100 hours in a regional social organization. This is followed by the professional practical training with a total of 600 hours in the fifth semester. The bachelor's thesis in the sixth semester is related to the professional practical training.
You can also complete the professional practical training as an internship abroad. One example is the Global Social Dialog internship program for full-time students in the social fields of action International Social Work/Development Work. Preparatory, accompanying, and follow-up seminars and supervision round out the practical units.
Career perspectives
With a degree in Social Work, many doors open for you – not only in Austria but worldwide. Social workers are needed wherever people require support. You can work in youth centres, schools, hospitals, or with social organisations. You are also in demand in workplace social services, as a coach, or in counselling. If you want to make an international impact, assignments in development cooperation or humanitarian aid are even possible. Regardless of the path you choose, you work with people – and your work makes a difference.
Furthermore, the degree qualifies you for further master’s studies at a university of applied sciences or university, both domestically and abroad. At FHV, we offer a part-time master’s programme in Social Work that provides advanced training. Building on this, a doctoral or PhD programme at a university is possible.
Social Work student stories
Why study Social Work at FHV?
- There is a growing demand for qualified professionals in Social Work and Social Pedagogy – both locally and internationally. This opens up a wide range of career opportunities in a socially important field.
- FHV works closely with partner companies and organisations, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly and benefit from real practical projects, field trips, and supervision.
- In the fourth semester, you have the opportunity to study at a partner university abroad. You can also complete your professional internship overseas – an important step for your international career.
- The Social Work programme at FHV is internationally recognised and prepares you thoroughly for the diverse challenges in social work.
- The courses of the bachelor's degree programme Social Work have a very close thematic relation to the Research Group Empirical Social Sciences at the FHV.
Access and application
The Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work requires the following qualifications or skills:
General university entrance qualification:
- Austrian school leaving certificate or vocational school leaving certificate or
- equivalent university entrance qualification or
- equivalent foreign certificate (e.g. Abitur) or
- certificate of completion of at least three years of study at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution or
Relevant professional qualification with additional examinations:
- Completed vocational secondary school (at least 3 years) or
- Completed dual training (relevant Austrian apprenticeship) or
- German Fachhochschulreife (advanced technical college entrance qualification) and Swiss Berufsmaturität (vocational baccalaureate
The programme director decides on the relevance of the qualification. Applicants with relevant vocational training must pass the additional examinations at the FHV.
Further information on ways to study without a Matura can be found here.
B2 language skills in German and English (according to the European Framework of Reference). Further information can be found here.
Admission requirements for international regular students
The application period starts 15th November via our online application form.
The application deadlines at the FHV are divided as follows:
Application deadline I 15th November - 1st March
By applying by March 1st, you will benefit from a faster confirmation of your study place
Application deadline II until 31st May
You can apply for all degree programmes until 31st May.
Application deadline III until 31st August
Some degree programmes still have a few places available until 31st August.
Important information: The ultimate application deadline for all applications sent from third countries (non EU or non-EEA, with the exception of Switzerland) is 1st March.
The following documents - in English - are required for your application:
-
Cover letter (motivation letter)
-
Curriculum Vitae (educational and professional history)
-
Evidence of general university entrance qualifications (High School Diploma or equivalent)
- Proof of language skills
- Copy of your passport
- Recent portrait photo
If you are still waiting for certificates or exam results at the time of your application, you can submit them later.
Work experience for the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work:
In the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work, your previous work experience is taken into account as part of the admission process. The following activities are considered ‘work experience’. As proof, you upload relevant documents such as job references in your online application.
- Voluntary social year
- Civilian service
- Relevant internship (within a social organisation) lasting at least 6 months
- At least 2 years of relevant professional experience (within a social organisation and/or social work activities)
- At least 2 years of professional experience (continuous) in another professional field
- Activities such as voluntary work, childcare, caring for relatives, etc. should be listed in your CV. No proof is required.
Only upload proof to the online application that corresponds to one or more of these categories. Other activities and periods of study are expressly not included and will not be taken into account.
Two steps to your desired degree programme at FHV:
Step 1:
Evaluation of your letter of motivation, CV, eligibility requirements and previous experience.
Step 2:
In a personal interview, we will learn more about you, your goals and your motivation for studying.
Previous study achievements can be credited individually in individual courses during your studies. This also applies to coursework that you have already completed at a recognised college or university. The equivalence of the acquired knowledge with the requirement profile with regard to the content and scope of the courses to be waived will be checked upon your application. If equivalence is determined, positively completed examinations will be recognised. A knowledge check is not planned in these cases. You will receive details on this in a meeting with the programme director.
General arrangements for recognition of previous academic achievements
Do you still have questions about the study programme?
For a personal consultation, please contact us directly:
| Tuesday & Thursday | 8:30 - 11:30 am |
or individual appointment
Information events are held at the FHV throughout the year. You are welcome to drop by and get advice. Here is an overview of upcoming events: