Social Work
Bachelor's degree, part-time
In the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work, the focus is on people and communities – with all their facets, characteristics, challenges, and conflicts. You will explore different life contexts and learn how to support and accompany individuals in a professional manner. Thanks to flexible structures and close cooperation with social institutions, you can directly integrate your practical experience into your studies – and vice versa.
After graduation, a wide range of exciting career paths will be open to you. Whether in education, healthcare, or counselling – there is a constant need for people who act with compassion, expertise, and social competence. Your skills will be in demand – and can be applied in many different ways.
You can complete the course either part-time alongside your job or full-time.
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 | Part-time studies (professional activity not mandatory) | ||
| Length of programme (standard period of study) | 7 semesters | ||
| Semester Dates | Wednesday, 4:35pm - 8:45pm, Thursday, 8:50am - 6:15pm plus an additional 2-3 block weeks per semester (Wednesday through Saturday, 8:50am - 6:15pm) | ||
| Number of credits | 180 ECTS | ||
| Languages of instruction | German, 4th semester in English | ||
| Mobility window | Semester abroad in the 4th semester (recommended) | ||
| Work placement |
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| Academic calendar | To academic calendar | ||
| Examination regulations and grading scale | To examinantion regulations and the grading scale | ||
| Final examination | Final bachelor's oral examination | ||
| Cost |
Currently no tuition fees, obligatory ÖH fee |
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| Start of study | End of September | ||
| Specific admission requirements | General university entrance qualification or equivalent See admission requirements for details. |
Curriculum
The 120 ECTS credits are distributed across 4 semesters and include compulsory modules, elective specialisations, and the Master's thesis.
- Elective specialisation: You choose your elective specialisation from the following areas in the 1st semester and thus determine the subjects of the following semesters.
- Clinical Social Work
- Comnunity-based Social Work
- CS (Context Studies): Selection of 1 or 2 modules amounting to 12 ETCS (we recommend 6 ECTS per semester) ▷ More information.
- EN: Study Course in Englisch
- E: Elective course: In the 4th semester you choose an elective course amounting to 4 ECTS.
- ECTS: Credit points according to the "European Credit Transfer System". In accordance with international standards, 120 ECTS points must be earned over 4 semesters.
Course content in detail
- CS: Contextual studies
- ECTS: Performance points according to the "European Credit Transfer System". According to international standards, 180 ECTS points must be earned over 6 semesters.
Career perspectives
With a degree in Social Work, many doors will be open to you – not just in Austria, but worldwide. Social workers are needed wherever people require support. You could work in youth centres, schools, hospitals, or social organisations. There are also opportunities in workplace social services, as a coach, or in counselling. If you're looking to make a difference internationally, you could even work in development cooperation or humanitarian aid. No matter which path you choose: you’ll be working with people – and your work will have a real impact.
The degree also qualifies you for further Master's studies at universities or universities of applied sciences, both in Austria and abroad. At FHV, we offer a part-time Master's degree in Social Work for those seeking to deepen their knowledge. Building on that, a doctoral or PhD programme at a university is also possible.
Social Work student voices
Why study Social Work at FHV?
- There is a growing demand for qualified professionals in Social Work and Social Education – both locally and internationally. This opens up a wide range of career opportunities in a field that plays a vital role in society.
- FHV works closely with partner organisations and institutions, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly and benefit from real-life projects, excursions, and professional supervision.
- In your fourth semester, you can study at one of our partner universities abroad. You also have the opportunity to complete your work placement overseas – an important step towards building an international career.
- The Social Work degree at FHV is internationally recognised and provides excellent preparation for the diverse challenges of working in this field.
- The courses have a very close thematic relation to the Research Group Empirical Social Sciences at the FHV.
Access and application
General university entrance qualification:
- Austrian matriculation certificate or vocational matriculation certificate or
- equivalent university entrance qualification certificate 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
Specialized professional qualification:
- Completed relevant apprenticeship with additional exams for Social Work or
- Completion of a relevant vocational secondary school with additional examinations for Social Work
- German Fachhochschulreife (subject-relevant) as well as Swiss Berufsmaturität need the additional exams for Social Work.
Knowledge of German and English at level B2 (Matura level) of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Languages) is a basic requirement for admission to the degree programme.
Applications open from 15 November via our online application portal:
Application Period I: 15 November – 1 March
Apply by 1 March to benefit from an early admission decision.
Application Period II: until 31 May
You can apply for all study programmes regularly until 31 May.
Application Period III: until 31 August
Some programmes may still offer individual places until 31 August.
Important information:
The application deadline for applicants from third countries (non-EU/non-EEA, except Switzerland) is 1 March.
Due to the high demand the application deadline ended on May 31, 2025.
Required documents for your application:
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Letter of motivation
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CV in tabular form
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School leaving certificate (e.g. A-levels, Matura, or equivalent)
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Passport or national ID card
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Recent portrait photo
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Proof of language proficiency
If some certificates or exam results are not yet available at the time of your application, you may submit them later.
Step 1: Assessment of your complete application documents, your prior education, and relevant experience.
Step 2: In a personal interview, we get to know you better – your goals, your motivation, and your reasons for choosing this degree programme.
Special Regulations: Previous academic achievements can be credited individually in individual courses during your studies. This also applies to academic achievements that you have already recognized at a college or university. The equivalence of the acquired knowledge with the requirement profile in terms of content and scope of the courses to be waived will be examined 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 in a conversation with the programme director.
Recognition of credits through mobility and prior learning
Do you still have questions about the study programme?
Please feel free to contact us directly for consultation:
| Thursday | 8:30 - 11:30 am |
or individual appointment
Or join an info event at the FHV or online. You are welcome to come along and get consultation. Here is an overview of upcoming events: