Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences is expanding its range of courses to include its first accredited dual degree programme. The ‘Social Work Dual’ (B.A.) degree programme will commence at the Wolfenbüttel campus in the 2026/27 winter semester. Ostfalia is thus the first state university of applied sciences in Lower Saxony to offer a dual degree programme in Social Work in accordance with the criteria of the Accreditation Council Foundation. The programme is in very high demand. Up to 35 places are available for the start of the 2026/27 academic year, most of which have already been allocated. Further partner institutions may be brought on board in the coming years to ensure the widest possible range of specialisms is offered.
Developed together – shared responsibility
The new degree programme was developed in close collaboration with towns, districts, welfare organisations and social institutions. The university and its practice partners have jointly designed the curriculum to best meet the requirements of modern social work. Prospective students apply directly to the partner organisations. A prerequisite for admission to the programme is an employment or study contract with one of these partner organisations – only then can students enrol at the university, for which they must meet the university’s entry requirements.
The dual study model combines academic study with professional practice right from the start. During term time, students spend three days a week at the university and two days at their placement organisation. They are exempt from attending lectures during examination periods. During the holidays, they also continue to work at their placement organisations. After seven semesters, they can obtain a Bachelor’s degree as well as state recognition as a social worker. A key feature of the programme is the specially developed module series ‘Practical Support and Practical Transfer’, which promotes the continuous transfer of theory into practice. An advisory board has also recently been established at the Wolfenbüttel campus. The committee comprises representatives from the faculty, a future student representative, and representatives from the field – including independent and local authority organisations. At its inaugural meeting, the advisory board laid the foundations for a set of joint rules of procedure, which are intended to establish the framework for future collaboration.
A milestone for Ostfalia and social work in Lower Saxony
“Dual study programmes are in high demand. As well as offering a particularly close integration of theory and practice, they provide our students and partner organisations with clear career prospects. We are delighted that, in addition to our degree programmes in the practice-based network, we can now also offer a dual study programme in Social Work in accordance with the criteria of the Accreditation Council Foundation – making us the first state university in Lower Saxony to do so in the field of Social Work,” says Prof. Dr Thomas Benda, Vice-President for Teaching and Continuing Education at Ostfalia.
The new degree programme builds on the Faculty of Social Work’s many years of experience in providing practice-oriented training for professionals. At the same time, it opens up new opportunities for organisations and institutions to recruit qualified young talent at an early stage and support them in a targeted manner.
“Professional practice and higher education have long been closely linked in social work. Through the new dual study programme, our students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from their studies directly to their professional practice – and, conversely, to analyse professional challenges from an academic perspective. Special thanks go to our partner organisations, such as local authorities, districts and independent organisations in the region,” explains Prof. Dr Sandra Verena Müller, Dean of the Faculty of Social Work.
High level of interest – further partners welcome
Demand for the new programme is already very high even before it has started: no further students can be admitted for the 2026/27 winter semester. The participating industry partners range from local authorities and districts to independent social service providers. For future intakes, Ostfalia is open to further cooperation enquiries from interested institutions and organisations.
Further information on the degree programme:
www.ostfalia.de/s/bachelor/soziale-arbeit-dual (external link, opens in a new window)