Social Work Studies

Studying at the Catholic University for Applied Sciences Berlin (KHSB)

The Catholic University for Applied Sciences Berlin is a state-accredited institution of higher learning in the Human Services field that is operated by the Archdiocese of Berlin. As such, it puts an emphasis on aspects of the deaconal action of the Catholic Church.

Founded in 1991, the KHSB is Berlin’s newest University of Applied Science in the Human Services field.

Some reasons to study at the KHSB:

• comfortable size of approximately 600 students
• Personal atmosphere and good chances for contact with students of all semesters
• Choices for one’s own area of concentration in the program, for example Healing Pedagogy
• Supplemental Theological Program
• Cultural offerings by the student government

The KHSB is open to applicants of all world views. It is expected that all applicants respect the ecclesiastical mission of the KHSB.

Educational Profile

Students at the KHSB can pursue a program of study leading to the German „Diplom“ in either Social Work or Social Pedagogy (Diplom-Sozialarbeiter/Sozialpädagogen (FH) bzw. Diplom-Sozialarbeiterin/Sozialpädagogin).

This course of study qualifies graduates for professional employment with private and public institutions for Youth, Social and Health Services, for educational work, for work in the area of resocialization, in hospitals and firms, as well as with private social service providers. Graduates are also qualified for work in self-organized initiatives and projects, as well as for private practice.

The program of study provides for well-grounded knowledge, as well as the acquisition of professional competencies and  methods. Through supervised field placements and work with practical projects, professional skills and techniques can be practiced and honed. The program encourages the pursuit of individual academic interests and the development of the student’s own professional identity. Elective courses in Theology and Philosophy provide an opportunity to become acquainted with, or to deepen one’s knowledge of the Gospel message and the mission of the Church in caring for individuals and in shaping society.

Professional Profile

With a variety of accentuations that flow from their differing mandates Social Workers and Social Pedagogues work with people of all ages and population groups. As a rule, they work with multiple partners, for example with parents and children, elderly, ill or handicapped and persons associated with them, with volunteers in organizations, self-help groups and political boards. People in their respective life situations are the focal point of social workers. Their professional commitment has its place in the framework of individual and communal life. The program of study takes as its point of reference the demands presented by the present duties and the future perspectives of the practice of Social Work.

Students are prepared to assume these duties by means of:

a practically-connected, scientific training, that provides them with professional knowledge and insight;

field-placement semesters that give them an opportunity to practice methods in the field and acquire professional competencies and skills;

course offerings that lead to reflection on the student’s own motivation, encourage an ethical orientation and a discussion of professional standards.

Course of Study

The course of study is divided thematically into six subject classifications. These subject classifications are oriented toward the questions that confront Social Workers and Social Pedagogues in practice, toward the problems to whose solution they contribute, and to the methods that they require for their work.

The Fundamental  Study Phase (1st to the 4th semester) provides an overview in seminars and lectures of the multiple forms of Social Work and its ancillary disciplines. The Advanced Study Phase (5th through the 8th semesters) is structured according to specific areas of concentration.

One may choose an area of concentration from one of six areas of  Social Work:

• Family Systems
• Community Organization
• Gender Differentiated Social Work
• Health Oriented Social Work
• Healing Pedagogy
• Intercultural Social Work

Thematic Subject Classifications

Classification 1:  The Science of Social Work

This subject area provides knowledge of history, theories, research methods, operational and organization practices of Social Work, as well as knowledge of perception and form, principles of communication, and seminars about particular target groups of Social Work.

Classification 2: Social Work Practice

Two semesters of field placement are integrated into the curriculum. They occur in the 4th and in the 7th semester and are prepared and accompanied by the University. During the field placements there are regularly scheduled study days at the University. Foreign field placements are possible. Special rules for such placements are contained in the Praxis Curriculum.

Classification 3: Areas of Concentration

The areas of concentration structure the offerings of the Advanced Study Phase. They center on selected areas of Social Work in which by example capabilities can be attained that can be applied to any practice of Social Work. Further information about the individual areas of concentration can be obtained from the special brochures for each area.

Classification 4: Individual and Social Science Basis of Social Work

The subject matter  includes the psychological, socio-medical and sociological underpinnings of Social Work.

Classification 5: Philosophical-Theological Basis of Social Work

An introduction into anthropology and the discussion of norms and values provides the basis for a treatment of a „professional ethic.“ Elements of this professional ethic that constantly confront both practitioners and clients of Social Work will be handled.

Classification 6: Legal and Socio-Political Basis of Social Work

This subject area provides the necessary legal knowledge, as well as the economic, political and special socio-political grounding of Social Work.

Supplemental Theological Program

The Supplemental Theological Program is an elective offering. It gives students the opportunity to get to know or to deepen their knowledge of Christian faith and to confront the message of the church. The course work and exams from this supplemental program can also be applied as elements toward the completion of an ecclesiastical teaching certification.

Other Elective Offerings

Self-discovery, meditation, reflection on professional motivation and orientation

current problems and fundamental questions of Social Work

techniques for planning and evaluation, computer and media techniques, etc.