Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin
Master of Arts - Social Work as a Human Rights Profession
Berlin, Germany
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 9,170 / per course *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus, Blended
* 2,640 EUR for the first three semesters each and 1,250 EUR for the fourth semester. Payment in (monthly) installments is possible.
Key Summary
MA - Social Work as a Human Rights Profession
Alice Salomon Hochschule -University of Applied Sciences- in Berlin, Germany, offers the postgraduate program Master of Arts in Social Work as a Human Rights Profession (MA-SWHR). The program is realized in cooperation with:
- Cottbus–Senftenberg, Germany: Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus–Senftenberg
- Växjö–Kalmar, Sweden: Linnaeus University, Department of Social Work
- Ljubljana, Slovenia: University of Ljubljana, Department for Social Justice and Inclusion
- Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom: University of Strathclyde, School of Applied Social Sciences
Why a program in “Social Work as a Human Rights Profession”?
In recognition of the importance of the global and transnational dimension of social work increasingly discussed with normative references to human rights, the MA-SWHR offers the qualification to cope with the issues and problems linked to the triple mandate of social work – on the local, national and international level.
Graduates will gain a solid understanding of how to implement the idea of human rights into the theory and practice of social work – which includes a research perspective as well as the development and realization of practice projects.
What kind of degree is the “MA in Social Work as a Human Rights Profession”?
It is a four semestral Masters of Arts (MA) by research through thesis and comprises a total of 120 credits which are assigned according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The ASH is a state-recognized University of Applied Sciences and the MA-SWHR was successfully reaccreditated in 2023. Due to the international perspective of the program, one part of the lecturers is permanent staff at the program's partner universities.
What are the fields of study?
The MA-SWHR is an interdisciplinary, research-based study program, combining international human rights instruments and standards with selected social sciences and the transfer of conceptual knowledge to professional practice. The program’s principal focus is the study of theories and empirical knowledge fundamental for a professional self-conception based on the triple mandate of social work: world society and social development, social problems and human rights violation, international law in a social work perspective; critical social science research. A secondary focus is on the development of human rights-based methods of intervention for different fields of social work. Particular elements of the curriculum will comprise units on health and human rights; migration and racism; poverty and social exclusion; gender, diversity and human rights; children’s rights; human rights education; management of change.
Online info sessions
The SWHR program is offering open info sessions. This is your chance to ask questions about the program and application requirements. The next info sessions will take place on: Monday, January 20th at 2:00 p.m. (Berlin time) and Monday, February 10th at 2 p.m. (Berlin time). Visit the website to get the link for the info session!
How is the program designed?
This international program is taught in English. It brings students together from various backgrounds and cultures to facilitate a cross-cultural learning experience. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize issues relevant to human rights in social policies, theory, problem areas and spheres of activity of social work, and promote a professional practice based on human rights.
How is the program structured?
The MA-SWHR is offered once a year, starting each September/October. It is a study program based on classroom teaching and seminars which also include periods of self-depended learning and e-facilitated study time as well as written assignments. It requires a full-time commitment from students. The standard period of study is 24 months to be completed over four semesters.
The modules are organized in blocks as the teaching staff is only partly based in Berlin and Germany. It consists of two weeks in-class teaching at ASH and two weeks e-learning for the A modules, for the B and C modules one week in class-teaching at ASH & one week e-learning.
During the first three semesters, students will attend classes and seminars as well as dedicate themselves to the completion of project elaboration and essay writing.
The final semester is dedicated to the research and writing of the MA thesis (25 weeks).
Our university of applied sciences is, unfortunately, not able to grant scholarships. However, you can find a compilation of funding opportunities and scholarships on our website.
studierendenWERK BERLIN also offers advice on financing your studies and much more.
The Master's degree course in SWHR is internationally recognized and placed in professional fields of social work. With a focus on human rights, it qualifies students for social work activities in the practical fields of social pedagogy, counselling, organizational development and health promotion. State recognition in the sense of German law is part of the corresponding Bachelor's degree courses in accordance with the examination regulations.