FAQs: Bachelor’s Program Social Work
Would you like to learn more about the Bachelor’s Program in Social Work? Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about course content, admission requirements, part-time study, internships, and career opportunities. If your question isn’t listed here, we’d be happy to assist you personally.
What does a Social Worker do?
Social Workers accompany people in various life situations and help them overcome challenges and develop new perspectives. They counsel individuals, families, or groups, coordinate support services, and work closely with government agencies, health care facilities, and other social organizations. The goal is to empower people and promote their long-term participation in society.
How does the admission process work?
The admissions process for the Bachelor’s Program in Social Work consists of an online application and an online group assessment center. You can find all the information about admission requirements, the process, application materials, and the assessment center on the Admissions & Enrollment page.
Is the admissions process an exam?
No. The online group assessment center is designed to help participants get to know one another. There is no testing of knowledge. The focus is on your motivation for studying Social Work, your communication and critical thinking skills, and your interest in social issues.
What prerequisites should I meet for the Social Work Bachelor's Program?
You do not need any prior education in a related field to enroll in the Bachelor’s Program in Social Work. What’s important is an interest in social issues, an openness to different life experiences, and a willingness to treat people with respect and empathy. You should also be eager to understand social contexts and enjoy working with others to develop solutions.
How practical is the Social Work Program?
Practical experience plays a central role in the Social Work Program. Even while you’re still a student, you’ll collaborate with social service organizations on projects and complete two professional internships. This allows you to apply your theoretical knowledge directly and develop your professional skills step by step.
Why is the Social Work Program structured around life stages?
The curriculum follows a person’s life journey – from childhood through adulthood to old age. This will help you understand people in different life situations and develop appropriate social work support services.
Can I choose my own specialization during my studies?
Yes. In the fifth and sixth semesters of the Bachelor’s Program in Social Work, you’ll choose a specialization based on your interests – for example, child and youth welfare, international social work, gender and sexuality, or social work in the context of work, daily life, and health. In addition, you can choose from art- and sports-oriented methods, as well as language courses, AI, and Social Work in Italian and Slovenian.
What role do creativity and a variety of methods play?
Social Work thrives on diverse approaches. Creative and language courses expand your methodological repertoire and show you new ways to provide professional support to people, strengthen their resources, and initiate development processes.
Can I also gain practical experience abroad?
Yes. The long-term internship for the Bachelor’s Program in Social Work can be completed either in Austria or abroad. In addition, the “Global Social Dialog” project offers the opportunity to gain practical experience in countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America and to deepen one’s intercultural skills.
What career opportunities will I have after I graduate?
With your Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, numerous career paths are open to you – such as in child and youth services, psychosocial counseling, hospital social work, addiction services, work with people with disabilities, community work, probation services, or research and development. This broad-based education opens up a wide range of career paths in the health, social services, and education sectors.
Can I pursue a Master's Degree after completing my Bachelor's Degree?
Yes. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, you meet the requirements for a Master’s Program. In addition, the degree qualifies you for numerous Master’s Programs in related fields and opens up a wide range of opportunities for professional specialization.
What personal qualities are important for this profession?
In addition to professional knowledge, empathy, communication skills, openness, and the ability to reflect are essential qualities for a career as a social worker. Equally important is the willingness to take on responsibility, to critically examine social developments, and to respectfully support people on their individual life journeys.
What sets the Social Work Program at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences apart?
The Bachelor’s Program in Social Work at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences combines academically rigorous instruction with intensive practical training, diverse study groups, and close guidance from experienced faculty. Individual elective modules, creative courses, and two professional internships allow you to develop your personal profile and gradually build your professional identity as a social worker.