Gain, develop and improve a general professional self-conception

The Alice Salomon Hochschule - University of Applied Sciences - in Berlin, Germany, offers the post graduate program Master of Arts in Social Work as a Human Rights Profession (MA-SWHR). The program is realized in cooperation with:

• Centrum for Post gradual Studies of Social Work, Berlin
• Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts
• Malmö University, Department of Social Work
• University of Gothenburg, Department of Social Work
• University of Ljubljana, Department for Social Justice and Inclusion
• University of Strathclyde, School of Applied Social Sciences 

We would like to take the opportunity to introduce the program to you.

If you have any further questions – please do not hesitate to contact the Alice Salomon Hochschule >

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 is in the process of accreditation. Due to the international perspective of the program it is realized in cooperation with other European universities. 

What are the fields of study?

The MA-SWHR is an inter-disciplinary, 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 an racism; poverty and social exclusion; gender, diversity and human rights; children’s rights; human rights education; management of change.

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 winter semester. 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. 

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).

Where might graduates find jobs?

The orientation of the MA-SWHR is suited to the requirements of the job market.  Graduates work in social services, free-lance, in international governmental, non-governmental and private sector organizations, particularly in key roles to achieve social change.

What makes the Alice Salomon outstanding? 

 The Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences (ASH) is Germany's oldest and largest academic training institution in social work. It is recognized as one of Germany's most research-intensive universities of applied sciences in the social field and is committed to international cooperation. The Alice Salomon University is located in Berlin, a culturally vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

What are the admission requirements? 

You must have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, e.g. social work, social sciences, law, humanities or cultural sciences, and a minimum of one year of professional or voluntary work experience in a related field. Furthermore, you are expected to demonstrate adequate training in research skills as well as proficiency in English. 

How can you apply?

You will find our new online application form as well as the application deadlines for applying for the course on our website . Please fill out the online application form and provide a detailed and thoughtful statement on why you would like to be admitted to the program. We will moreover need you to send us the following documents as a single pdf file to our e-mail-address SWHR@ash-berlin.eu: - your CV - your final certificate of undergraduate studies - at least two letters of recommendation of former or current employers - a proof of English language proficiency (unless you are a native speaker or your undergraduate program was taught in English) - a proof of financial ability As only a limited number of students can be admitted to the MA-SWHR program, we would encourage you to apply early. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants from countries with visa requirements for Germany should consider that visa procedures can take three months or longer.

More information >

How much does it cost?

The Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences has a commitment to offer its students high quality courses at a fair price. The tuition fee for full-time degree students is 7920 €. For the first three semesters, the fourth and last semester is dedicated to the master thesis and costs 500 €. There is an administrative fee of 300 € which covers admission and registration. Further fees depend on the services you wish. For instance, the ticket of Berlin's public transport system (valid for 6 months) currently costs 179.40 € for MA-SWHR students. The costs of living – including rent, food, clothing, laundry, personal hygiene, travel, obligatory health insurance, telephone, leisure activities and other expenses – generally average between 500 € and 700 € per month.

Are there any scholarships or grants available? 

Once you have been successfully registered as a student with the local authorities, the ASH refunds 50 €. Furthermore, there are many organizations where you can apply for funding. On the ASH website you find an extensive list of scholarship opportunities. Keep in mind their application deadlines!