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Social Work in Migration Societies – Master of Arts

What are the hallmarks of the program?

This Master’s program is unique in Germany. Its aim is to equip its students with the scholarly and action-oriented knowledge and skills they need to work in the various manifold occupations open to them in the field of social work. The program gains its distinctive character from its focus on the needs and requirements of a migration society. One important specialization is Muslim welfare work. The program also offers a broad range of other fields to choose from which are related to migration.  The research-based university program offers its graduates the opportunity of continuing their studies to PhD level.

The Master’s program has an interdisciplinary format. The program of study consists of modules in Islamic Theology, Catholic and Protestant Theology, Educational Science and Social Science.

What are my professional prospects as a graduate from this program?

Even without state accreditation as a social worker, graduates will have access to several fields of employment and other activities. One distinctive aspect of the program is its enhanced focus on questions of religion and intercultural approaches to migration societies. Its interdisciplinary structure equips students with a wide range of knowledge and skills tailored to current social developments in Europe, and also provides them with a goal-specific qualification for their subsequent chosen profession. The program planning therefore reflects the increasing granularity of the employment market for social workers, educational specialists at the municipal level and associated professions. The program enables students to work on their own profile during their studies which they can then apply flexibly to new developments in such fields of work as all-day schooling, out-of-school learning, community work, migrant self-organizations, work with refugees, and work in different cultural environments – e.g. in Muslim welfare organizations. In the context of the Christian churches, social pastoral work in the social environment is also growing in importance.

How is the Program Structured?

Link to the Program Regulations

What are the Admission Requirements?

Applicants to the program must have a Bachelor’s degree in “social work” or an equivalent qualification with a focus on social science, social education or theology.

Equivalent fields of study:

• Social work
• Social science
• Social education
• Protestant theology
• Islamic theology
• Catholic theology

For further information on admission requirements, please refer to the admission regulations.

How do I apply?

Please find out in good time about any potential  minimum admission requirements and application deadlines for this program of study

German citizens in possession of German certification (Abitur) may apply directly using the Osnabrück University online portal. This is also the case for international applicants in possession of German certification.

For international applicants with overseas certification, different conditions may apply. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in the German language.

Is there a period of study abroad?

The examination regulations do not prescribe an obligatory period of study abroad. However, periods of study abroad are possible within one of the university’s exchange programs. For more information, please refer to the International Office’s website.

How can I find out more?

For general information on studying, on admission requirements and the program structure, please enquire at theCentral Student Advisory Service.

Specific questions regarding the content of the program should be addressed to the departmental student advisory service.