Therapeutic Social Work (M.A.)

Students sit in a circle on chairs, in the front right a young woman turns around and looks into the camera.

The focus of the Therapeutic Social Work degree course are current approaches to social work in health and rehabilitation as well as in therapeutic fields of work.

The degree course provides in-depth scientific and professional qualification to perform activities in psychosocial counseling, child and youth services, addiction therapy and health promotion.

The students deal with methods of prevention, therapy, rehabilitation, aftercare as well as case management and system control, apply them and develop them for specific target groups. Another focus of the degree course is the deepening of competences in the field of empirical social research and quality management.

This prepares the students for future conceptual tasks and leadership functions in the field of social work in health care.

Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)

Standard duration of study / scope of work
3 semesters / 90 ECTS credits

Form of study
consecutive, more application-oriented Master's degree program

Start of studies
every semester

Application deadline
by January 31 for the summer semester, by July 1 for the winter semester

Tuition fees
none

Admission requirements

Bachelor's degree with the grade "good"
Completed Bachelor's degree with 210 ECTS credits in the field of Social Work or a comparable Bachelor's degree in terms of content, scope and orientation.

In the case of a Bachelor's degree with 180 ECTS credits in the above-mentioned subjects, the missing 30 ECTS credits must be completed during the Master's degree course.

Career prospects

Our graduates work in outpatient, day-care and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, psychiatry, public and private healthcare, addiction, child, youth and family support. With a significant increase in demand and a considerable rise in the health economic importance of certain illnesses, social workers with extensive diagnostic, participation-oriented and organizational knowledge, specific methodological skills and therapeutic qualities are sought after.

After completing the Master's degree, it may be possible to train as a child and adolescent psychotherapist (subject to the decision of the respective state examination offices on admission to the licensing examination with regard to the cut-off date of 01.09.2020 and the orientation of the completed Bachelor's degree). Initial qualifications for sociotherapy in accordance with Section 37a SGB V are also acquired during the course and further training in addiction/social therapy can be completed afterwards.

Requirements

Completed Bachelor's degree with 210 ECTS credits in the field of social work or a comparable Bachelor's degree in terms of content, scope and orientation at a state or state-recognized university.
Overall Bachelor's grade of "good".
In the case of a Bachelor's degree with 180 ECTS credits, admission may be granted on condition that the missing 30 ECTS credits are made up

Degree, recognition, accreditation

Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Therapeutic Social Work.

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is a state university of the Free State of Thuringia.

The degree program was accredited by the Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute (ACQUIN) until 30.09.2025. It was awarded the seal of approval of the Accreditation Council.

Course structure

The course is designed as a classroom study and is structured in 15 modules, each with two or four semester hours per week. A semester abroad can be integrated into the university in cooperation with the International Office. Part-time study is possible on request.