Study content and requirements
for the Social Work Master´s Degree Program
Course Content and Prerequisites
The master’s program is designed for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in social work as well as—depending on their prior education—graduates from related disciplines. You want to deepen your professional expertise and actively help develop social services, organizations, or projects.
An interest in social developments, analytical thinking, and a willingness to take on responsibility form an important foundation for this program. You should enjoy developing new concepts, helping to shape processes of change, and examining complex issues in the social services sector from different perspectives.
Here's what you'll learn during your studies
In the Master’s program in Social Work: Developing and Shaping, you’ll deepen your knowledge in the core areas of social work and explore current societal challenges as well as innovative approaches to the further development of social services. In doing so, you’ll combine academic insights with practice-oriented methods and strengthen your ability to conduct in-depth analyses of complex issues.
The program provides you with in-depth expertise in social management, social planning, organizational development, and organizational law. At the same time, you will explore human rights, societal developments, and various theoretical perspectives in social work. Through empirical research, you will learn qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply scientific findings to advance professional practice.
Another focus is on the development of communication strategies, networking, and facilitation. In this way, you’ll learn to professionally support change processes, bring different stakeholders together, and design sustainable solutions for social organizations and their target groups.
What opportunities will you have after completing your master's degree?
Upon successful completion of the master’s degree program, you will be qualified for specialized and leadership roles in the social services sector. You will further develop social programs, take on leadership roles in social economy organizations, or design projects and development processes in public institutions, the healthcare sector, or social welfare services.
In addition, the master’s degree opens the door to doctoral studies and lays the foundation for an academic career or further professional specialization.
General Information About the Program
For more information on admission requirements, the training contract, nostrification and recognition, the admissions process, examination regulations and grading, ECTS credits, and the academic calendar, please refer to the General Study Information.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Master’s DegreeProgram in
“Social Work: Developing and Shaping”
Is it possible to change careers?
Yes. The master’s program is also open to graduates of related fields of study. Depending on your prior education, you may be admitted to the program through a lateral entry pathway.
-> View all FAQsHow does the admission process work?
The admissions process consists of an online application and an in-person interview at the Feldkirchen campus. You can find all information regarding admission, the application process, and enrollment on our Admissions & Enrollment page.
-> Enrollment and AdmissionAm I eligible for a doctorate?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the master's degree program, you will meet the requirements for a doctoral program.
-> View all FAQsCurrent Courses
Current course - Social work - developing and shaping
Double Degree Programs in
Health Management and Social Work
In cooperation with the Finnish University of Applied Sciences in Jyväskylä (JAMK), the master’s programs in Health Management and Social Work: Development and Design offer an international dual-degree program (DDP).
The DDP is an initiative of the degree programs aimed at strengthening the European dimension of the curriculum and thereby opening up international career opportunities for students. In addition, it enables students to establish international contacts and gain a broader perspective on the healthcare sector.
The program comprises 30 ECTS credits. These credits are integrated into the curricula of the master’s programs and include two international study weeks (Summer School in Jyväskylä and Spring School at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences), a specific selection of online courses, the master’s thesis, and, optionally, one to two weeks of practical training. All components of the program are conducted in English.
Details on the Double Degree Programs
at the School of Health and Social Sciences
DEGREES
Upon successful completion of the DDP, students earn the following degrees
Healthcare Management
- Master of Arts in Business – CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
- Master of Health Care – JAMK
Social Work: Development and Design
- Master of Arts in Social Sciences – CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
- Master of Social Services – JAMK
PREREQUISITES
- Bachelor's degree
- Very good written and spoken English skills
- At least 2 years of professional experience in the healthcare and/or social services sector following completion of a bachelor’s degree or basic training
APPLICATION
- at the start of the first semester of the master's program
- in writing, with a statement of purpose and a resume in English
PROCEDURE
1st Semester
- Application period: Beginning of the semester (following an information session)
- Admission decision and procedure (CUAS & JAMK): By early December
- Online kick-off meeting and introduction to DDP students and the DDP team
2nd Semester
- Info session: Summer School
- Summer School at JAMK, in Jyväskylä, Finland (5 ECTS)
- Finalization of the master’s thesis proposal (exposé)
- Assignment of a master’s thesis advisor at JAMK
- Students nominate a second advisor at CUAS (self-organized)
3rd Semester
- Online course: Ethical Expertise, Leadership & Organizational Culture (JAMK)
- Master’s Thesis
4th Semester
- Optional – Information session: Spring School (CUAS)
- Optional – Spring School at CUAS, in Klagenfurt, Austria (CUAS)
- Master’s Examination
Contact
Magdalena Collins, BA, MA, MCI
Health & Social
Services +435905004135
m.collins(at)cuas.at
Master's Projects
In the master’s degree program, students develop and implement projects addressing societal challenges, prevention, research, digitalization, or social innovation. These projects require initiative, creativity, and a broad range of methodologies. The following projects illustrate just how diverse and tailored to specific target groups these projects can be:
Social What?
Development of a social skills game for high school seniors, first-year college students, and those entering the field from other backgrounds. The game teaches players about social issues and the role of social work in an interactive way.
Murau Youth Center
Establishment of a low-threshold youth center with a focus on prevention, participation, educational work, peer education, and youth involvement in shaping the center. Plans include workshops, counseling services, events, and networking initiatives, among other things.
Podcast: Social Work Under the Microscope
Through short interviews, this project highlights the diversity of social work and provides insights into various fields of work, challenges, and support services for people facing difficult life situations.
Insiders
Establishment of a self-help group for family members of people with drug addictions in collaboration with Selbsthilfe Kärnten. The project creates a safe space for discussion, information, and mutual support.
#feelingsstories
An Instagram project aimed at promoting men's mental health. The goal is to challenge stereotypical gender roles, reduce stigma, and encourage people to be open about their feelings.
SPEuS – Sex Work Prevention, Empowerment, and Self-Determination
A project to support (former) sex workers in Carinthia. Through workshops and creative methods, the project created a space for participants to reflect on their experiences and strengthen their self-determination.
Children's Book: Alex and the Forms of Love
Through a children's book, workshops, and readings, this project raises awareness about different forms of love, family diversity, and issues related to gender and diversity. The goal is to provide an age-appropriate introduction to diversity and to challenge stereotypical views of family.
Jobs & Careers
With the Master’s program in Social Work: Development & Design, you’ll gain the qualifications needed for challenging specialized, leadership, and development roles in the social services sector. You’ll take responsibility for planning, managing, and further developing social services, shape change processes, and work with a variety of stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions to societal challenges.
You can take on responsibilities in these areas
After completing your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue careers in the following fields, among others:
- Leadership and Management
Take on leadership roles in social institutions, organizations, or social economy enterprises, and shape personnel, organizational, and change processes.
- Social Planning and Public Administration
: Develop social services, plan service delivery structures, and work on the further development of municipal or regional social landscapes in communities, local governments, or public institutions.
- Organizational Development and Project
Management Plan, steer, and oversee projects as well as innovation and development processes in social organizations, health and educational institutions, or nonprofit organizations.
- Research, Teaching, and Consulting
Work in research and development, support organizations with technical and strategic issues, or facilitate change processes as a consultant in the social and health care sectors.
Here are the tasks you can expect
You analyze social trends, develop concepts for social services, and implement projects in collaboration with various partners. In doing so, you combine scientific insights with strategic thinking and coordinate change processes within organizations and networks.
Depending on your field of work, you will lead teams, plan resources, develop new programs, or support organizations in their professional and structural development. In doing so, you will work closely with public institutions, funding organizations, health and educational institutions, and other partners.
Your growth continues
With a master’s degree, you’ll have access to both new career opportunities and academic paths. You’ll be qualified for leadership and management roles in social work while also meeting the requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree.
Depending on your professional focus, you can further specialize in the areas of research, teaching, organizational development, or social management and play an active role in shaping the future of social work.