Social Work and Childhood Education B.A.

Social work deals intensively with social problems. This may be a simple basic idea, but in everyday practice it is extremely complex. This is because the social and cultural milieus in our society are becoming increasingly diverse. This is why we need people who are unprejudiced, able to communicate and have an ethical attitude. They are a bridge and a link for other people who find themselves in a difficult life situation and need support in coping with their situation. As varied as the activities for such work can be, they all have one thing in common: the focus is always on people.

In order to do justice to this task and at the same time understand and work on social problems and how they arise, students need to have sound academic knowledge and in-depth methodological skills in addition to their personal skills. At htw saar, we teach these skills on the Bachelor's degree course in Social Work and Childhood Education. For both general social work and childhood education, we provide our students with a broad research and action methodology, interdisciplinary skills as well as in-depth and specialized skills that will enable them to work in all fields of social work later on.

Here we build on the tradition of academic training in social work, take up the increased demands in education, upbringing and care in childhood and combine social work with childhood education. In doing so, we combine theoretical knowledge with current findings from empirical research and practice.

The Bachelor's degree program in Social Work and Childhood Education addresses the following questions:

• What should social work practice look like in a society whose social and cultural milieus are becoming increasingly diverse?
• What causes social problems and how can they be dealt with individually and solved effectively in society?
• How can theory, research and practice be linked in a meaningful way?
• How can people be the focus of work without neglecting professional and organizational necessities and legal aspects?

Demographic developments, the shortage of skilled workers and an increasing need for care in the social, educational and healthcare sectors ensure excellent job prospects for graduates of the Bachelor's degree program in Social Work and Childhood Education. Our students often work as freelancers for charitable organizations after their practical semester and usually find a permanent position before they graduate.

The professional fields for which graduates are qualified are extremely varied. For example, they can work in responsible positions in child and youth welfare, youth and school social work, addiction support, youth centers, family support, disability support, elderly care, daycare centers and crèches as well as in public social administration. With the knowledge and skills that we impart to our graduates during their studies, as well as their personal commitment and empathy, they are ideally equipped for a successful career in social work.