Germany offers 23 Bachelor's programmes in Social Sciences across 11 universities, with a strong representation from specialised universities of applied sciences focused on social work, education, and community development. Institutions such as Evangelische Fachhochschule Darmstadt, Fachhochschule des Mittelstandes (FHM), Fern-Fachhochschule Hamburg, and DIPLOMA-Fachhochschule Ölsnitz/Vogtland are among those listed.
Tuition information is not centrally published for these programmes; fees vary between public and private institutions. Evangelische Fachhochschule Reutlingen-Ludwigsburg and Evangelische Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit Dresden also feature in this catalogue. Many programmes are taught in German, and some are available through distance or blended learning formats.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
Tuition varies by institution — public universities typically charge only administrative fees (around €300–€500 per semester), while private institutions may charge higher fees. Check each listing directly.
There are 11 universities in this catalogue, including Evangelische Fachhochschule Darmstadt, Fachhochschule des Mittelstandes (FHM), Fern-Fachhochschule Hamburg, and DIPLOMA-Fachhochschule Ölsnitz/Vogtland.
Yes, though many of these programmes are taught in German. International applicants should verify language requirements and check whether their prior qualifications are recognised under German equivalency rules.
Applicants need a secondary school leaving certificate (Abitur or recognised equivalent) and usually German language proficiency at B2–C1 level for German-taught programmes.
Applications are submitted directly to each institution or through uni-assist for international applicants. Check individual programme pages for application periods, which typically open several months before the start of studies.