Bachelor Studies Social Work (full-time)

Social work is a wide and varied professional field, and it is hard to imagine our daily lives without it. The study of social work offers the possibility of understanding social relationships, gaining relevant skills for practice, and at the same time acquiring the academic qualification of a bachelor. The course can be also studied part-time, while continuing with your day job.

Would you like to know the political, economic and institutional factors, which contribute to life becoming more complex and to more people needing support in their everyday life? Are you interested in the causes and consequences of individual and social problems, and the challenges we face over a lifetime? Would you like to find out about how we develop, and the coping strategies we use to deal with each of the stages of life (childhood, youth, adulthood, old age)?

Then you have come to the right place! We will look at the various life stages and the causes of difficulties in these life stages. In addition, an essential part of the course is the consideration of possible professional interventions for dealing with these issues. Other important elements of the course are:

Practice Placements

In the two periods on placement you will have the possibility to deepen your awareness of integrating theory and practice in social work.

The three years of study at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (FH Kärnten) includes in the 2^nd semester, a 2-week work experience placement exploring a professional field, and also a 12-week practice placement in a professional social care setting. There is also the opportunity to do the practice placement period and/or a semester of study abroad.

Optional Subjects

In the 5th and 6th semester you will be offered the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of one of these four subjects (please note: all students have to take one of these four subjects):

• Intercultural and International Issues
• Social Economy and Social Management
• Gender and Diversity
• Education and Social Work

Creativity

Social workers are often faced with tasks and situations, where the use of creativity can broaden the repertoire of strategies available to help people. The possibilities for using creativity are varied, ranging from its use at personal level (creativity can allow greater access to, and openness with clients, and promotes participation) to its use in public relations for organisations or institutions, and for the documentation of projects, as well as case or field studies.

• Video
• Photography 
• Drama
• Music

Foreign Languages

As part of the course you will have the opportunity to improve your knowledge of foreign languages. All students study English throughout the course, and in addition you will have the option of studying either Italian or Slovenian.