Germany offers 36 Social Sciences programmes across 16 universities, encompassing sociology, political science, social work, and related disciplines. Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) and Alice-Salomon-Fachhochschule für Sozialarbeit und Sozialpädagogik Berlin bring academic depth and applied social-work focus respectively, while Evangelische Fachhochschule Darmstadt and Fern-Fachhochschule Hamburg provide faith-based and distance-learning routes to a social sciences qualification.
All programmes in this listing are tuition-free, making Germany an exceptionally cost-effective destination for Social Sciences study. Most programmes are taught in German, and international applicants need to demonstrate language proficiency at a level sufficient for academic study. The standard entry requirement is a secondary-school certificate recognised for German university admission; some social work programmes require prior voluntary or professional experience in a social or welfare setting.
Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin (ASH Berlin) is a state university focused on Social Work, Health and Nursing, and Education. It is the largest of its kind in Germany within the SAGE network, offering a range of study programs designed to equip students for professional practice in social and health-related fields. The university emphasizes practical experience and interdisciplinary learning.
This Bachelor's program in Educational and Social Management is designed for professionals in early childhood education who want to gain leadership, management, or consulting skills without interrupting their careers. It offers a flexible, distance-learning format that combines in-person sessions, online learning, and self-study. The program integrates pedagogy, social work, and management principles, equipping students with competencies in education, consulting, and business administration within the child development sector. It fosters an interdisciplinary approach, bridging educational concepts with management, organizational development, and systemic thinking. The curriculum emphasizes a strong theory-practice transfer, allowing students to apply academic knowledge to their professional roles and vice versa. Key study areas include child development and education, research methods, systemic approaches, management in educational organizations, and social administration.
The Bachelor's program in Cultural and Social Studies (CuSo) is an interdisciplinary program offered in both English and German. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary social and cultural phenomena by examining their historical contexts, structures, and discourses. The curriculum integrates theoretical and methodological approaches from cultural history, literary studies, linguistics, and comparative social sciences. Students will deepen their knowledge in specialized thematic areas: 'EUROPE/S – History, Culture, Politics', 'MEDIA – Image, Text and Language', and 'DIFFERENCE – Migration, Gender and Diversity'. This program is designed for students from non-German speaking backgrounds who wish to gradually learn German, as well as for those proficient in both languages seeking an international study environment. A key requirement is the acquisition or proof of competence in a third language.
This dual bachelor's degree program combines Social Work with Diaconia/Parish Education and Social Work, preparing you for roles in both secular social services and church-related social welfare. Upon graduation, you will hold two bachelor's degrees and receive state recognition as a Social Worker/Social Education Worker. The program emphasizes practical experience, including a significant internship, and is designed to equip you for diverse roles within communities and social institutions.
This Bachelor of Arts program combines Diakonie (diaconal work), community pedagogy, and social work, preparing students for professional roles in church-related institutions and the broader social sector. It offers a unique dual qualification, awarding degrees in both "Soziale Arbeit (B.A.)" and "Diakonik/Gemeindepädagogik und Soziale Arbeit (B.A.)". The program emphasizes critical reflection on societal issues, faith, and its practical application in an increasingly secular world. Students engage with topics of social inequality and explore how faith can inform and transform communities. The curriculum is designed to foster personal growth and critical thinking, encouraging students to examine their own perspectives and those of society. It provides insights into challenging life situations and equips students with the knowledge and skills to effect positive change. The program aims to bridge theological understanding with practical social work, preparing graduates for diverse roles in social services, community development, and religious education.
This part-time Bachelor of Arts program is designed for individuals who are already state-approved educators or hold an equivalent qualification and wish to advance their education academically in early childhood and social education. It's ideal for working professionals who cannot commit to a full-time undergraduate program due to family or other commitments. The program offers a job-integrated learning experience with on-campus sessions held five times per semester on Fridays and Saturdays, supplemented by online materials through the OLAT platform. Students will gain in-depth knowledge in early childhood education, socio-educational psychology, legal aspects of child and youth care, and quality management, enabling them to critically analyze their professional practice and apply effective methods for further development.

IU Internationale Hochschule offers a flexible and accessible higher education experience, with study formats designed to fit your life. Whether you are a working professional, a parent, or seeking maximum flexibility, our Distance Learning option allows you to study online at your own pace, utilizing digital tools and an AI learning assistant. For those who prefer a hands-on approach, Dual Studies combines academic learning with practical experience in one of our many partner companies, often with tuition fees covered by the employer. IU is a state-recognised private university committed to high-quality, flexible, and practice-oriented education across a wide range of disciplines.

The Master of Arts in Empowerment Studies is a postgraduate program focused on the concept of empowerment, which involves re-establishing self-determined control over one's life and environment. This program integrates individual empowerment competencies with political resources for collective action, recognizing their interdependence. It combines theoretical perspectives and analysis of social power structures with practical methods for political intervention. The curriculum addresses various approaches to political empowerment and allows for specialization, reflecting the diverse social contexts and reactions to political empowerment.
This Master's distance learning program focuses on developing specialists in psychosocial counseling within social work. It combines scientific foundations of social work with systemic approaches and practical counseling methods. You will learn to analyze complex social issues, identify resources, and facilitate sustainable change processes. The program is designed to enhance your professional role in psychosocial fields, expand your career prospects, and potentially provide access to further training in child and adolescent psychotherapy, depending on regional examination board approval. The curriculum emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual life situations, social environments, and institutional frameworks. Through case studies, practical exercises, and structured reflection phases, you will translate theoretical knowledge into practical application. The program aims to deepen your methodological skills, improve your ability to structure and develop counseling processes, and increase your confidence in handling complex cases.

The Protestant University of Applied Sciences Ludwigsburg (EH Ludwigsburg) is a state-recognized institution affiliated with the Protestant Church of Württemberg. It focuses on providing education for professions in social work, nursing care, religious education, diaconal services, inclusion and special needs education, and early childhood education. The university emphasizes application-oriented, cooperative, and international teaching and research, fostering a community where students and faculty engage in continuous discussion. EH Ludwigsburg welcomes individuals of diverse backgrounds and beliefs, offering a supportive environment for living and learning within a dynamic region. The university provides programs with an international perspective in social, diaconal, and pedagogical fields, as well as in nursing care and religion. EH Ludwigsburg also offers opportunities for exchange students from partner universities to study for a semester.
This Master of Science program in Regional Science and Spatial Planning focuses on understanding and shaping regional development. It delves into the complex interactions between economic, social, cultural, and ecological factors that influence regions. The program equips students with analytical tools and planning methodologies to address contemporary challenges in regional development and spatial organization.
The Master’s programme in Social Studies – Crises, Culture and Critique provides a comprehensive understanding of urgent societal challenges like migration, racism, social inequality, and ecological crises. It equips students with theoretical knowledge, specialist expertise, and practical skills to critically analyze these issues from social science, cultural, and philosophical perspectives. The programme combines social science theories and empirical research methods with insights from social and cultural philosophy, as well as critical studies in art, media, and history. Graduates will be prepared to research societal challenges and conflicts and develop constructive solutions based on principles of critique, democracy, human rights, social justice, and ecological responsibility.

This Master's program is designed for future leaders in social organizations and offers pathways for research-oriented roles. It equips students to analyze problems within the context of societal challenges such as social inequality, digitalization, diversity, globalization, and socio-ecological change, and to develop innovative solutions. A central focus of the program is the development of competencies necessary for structural changes, strategic development of social organizations, and the design of educational arrangements. This is complemented by the promotion of extensive research skills, enabling students to analyze and critically reflect on social change and transformation from the perspective of social work and related disciplines. Students will acquire in-depth methodological foundations in social research and implement their own research and transfer projects addressing complex social challenges. The goal of the study is to develop innovative solutions for social challenges and to analyze and critically evaluate societal developments through research. Using the knowledge and skills acquired in the program, graduates will develop strategies for dealing with action contexts characterized by paradoxes and ambivalences, and expand their orientation and scope of action in line with reflexive professionalism. The modularly structured program extends over four semesters (standard period of study) and comprises a total of 120 ECTS.
This Bachelor of Arts programme in Social Work equips you with the skills to help individuals achieve independent and self-determined lives. You will learn to work with and within extensive support networks, preparing you for a rewarding career. The programme focuses on analyzing social conditions, developing professional responsibility, and reflecting on ethical principles, all while promoting social participation and equal opportunities.
The Evangelische Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit Dresden (ehs) offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Social Work. This program is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a career in social work. The curriculum focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of social issues, human development, and intervention strategies within various social work settings. The ehs Dresden is recognized for its strong reputation in social work education, as indicated by its placement in the top group in the CHE Ranking 2026.
This Bachelor of Arts program in Social Work is specifically designed for individuals who are already state-recognized educators. It offers a pathway to further qualify for roles in social pedagogy or social work, leading to an academic Bachelor of Arts degree. The program combines online learning with mandatory in-person sessions, allowing students to study while managing professional and family responsibilities. Graduates will also receive state recognition as social workers, eliminating the need for a separate recognition year.
The M.A. in Soziale Arbeit (Social Work) is offered by the Hamburger Fern-Hochschule, gemeinnützige GmbH. This postgraduate program focuses on social work and is delivered through distance learning, allowing students to study from various locations across Germany and Austria. The program aims to provide advanced knowledge and skills for professionals in the social work field.
This three-semester Master's program in Social Work is designed as a generalist course. It deepens the understanding of social work as a critical-reflexive profession and discipline focused on combating social exclusion and enabling participation. The program examines exclusion and participation, emphasizing the political mandate and a self-critical approach to social work's role in potential discrimination. It aims to develop innovative, application-oriented, and research-based solutions for complex social issues. Graduates will gain competencies to conduct institutional and organizational analyses within social work and to initiate and shape participation-oriented action concepts. The degree also qualifies graduates for a scientific career path, including access to doctoral studies.
The Evangelische Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit Dresden (FH) offers a Bachelor's degree program in Social Work designed to equip students with theoretical, reflexive, and methodological competencies for various fields within Social Work. This program prepares graduates for professional roles in areas such as elder care, child and youth services, and counseling. The curriculum focuses on developing practical skills and a strong theoretical foundation to ensure graduates are well-prepared to work as recognized professionals in the social work sector.
The Master's program in Transformation Studies: Public Theology & Social Work at EH-Hessen connects the fields of Public Theology and Social Work. This interdisciplinary approach aims to equip students to contribute to a just, solidary, and future-oriented society. The program is designed for professionals and focuses on practical application, enabling graduates to take on responsible roles in church, society, and social services.
The Certificate Course in Social Work is a 100% online, part-time professional development program offered by DIPLOMA Hochschule. Designed for individuals working in the social sector, such as educators, social assistants, or career changers, this course aims to provide a solid academic foundation in key areas of social work without requiring a formal university entrance qualification. It covers essential knowledge in law, social medicine, and social work methodologies, making it ideal for those seeking to enhance their professional skills and understanding.
There are 36 Social Sciences programmes across 16 universities in Germany.
Programmes are offered at Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), Alice-Salomon-Fachhochschule Berlin, Evangelische Fachhochschule Darmstadt, Fern-Fachhochschule Hamburg, and Fachhochschule des Mittelstandes, among others.
All programmes in this listing are tuition-free; students typically pay only a semester contribution (usually €100–350) for administrative fees and public transport.
Yes; however, most programmes are taught in German, so applicants must demonstrate German language proficiency (TestDaF or DSH) unless applying to an English-taught track.
A secondary-school certificate equivalent to the German Abitur is required; social work and social pedagogy programmes often additionally expect documented practical experience in a social or community setting.