OST is a regionally based University of Applied Sciences with a national and international reputation. Over 3800 students are currently studying in one of the six departments of Architecture, Building, Landscape, Space (ABLR), Health, Social Work, Engineering, IT and Business. The Center for Continuing Education registers over 1500 participants in its degree programs, courses and seminars every year.
The courses offered by the Department of Social Work at OST include:
- Bachelor of Science in Social Work
- Master of Science in Social Work
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
The Bachelor's degree program in Social Work enables students to become academically sound and practice-oriented professionals. Students receive practical training in the two optional fields of study, social work and social pedagogy. Depending on the chosen field of study, graduates can work in different fields.
Job description
Social workers and social workers:
- support socially disadvantaged people in financial matters, in their search for work or housing, in the organization of social networks and arrange services from other specialist agencies.
- advise and support people in difficult life situations who are affected by poverty, disability, illness, addiction or abuse, for example.
- create opportunities for disadvantaged people to integrate into their environment.
Social education workers:
- create appropriate meeting and leisure facilities.
- offer educational services for children and young people and support parents in raising their children.
- promote the rehabilitation and integration of people of all ages.
Study content
The course content is divided into four subject areas. The important questions of social work are dealt with in these areas. Students can also choose between two specializations.
Forms of study
The Bachelor's degree in Social Work at the OST has a modular structure and therefore has the advantage that it can be completed full-time, part-time or alongside practical experience.
Prerequisites
In order to be admitted to a Bachelor's degree program in Social Work at the OST, these requirements must be met:
- previous school education
- One year of work experience of at least 50% including a six-month pre-study internship of at least 50% (with recommendation from the practice organization)
- Successfully passed aptitude test
The course starts in the spring and fall semesters.
Master of Science in Social Work
Master's students expand their knowledge from the Bachelor's program and acquire strategic and conceptual skills - always with a direct link to practice and to the three areas of social work: social education, social work and sociocultural animation.
The Master's in Social Work is run in cooperation with the Universities of Bern and Lucerne.
Job description
The Master's degree opens up new career prospects for you: You will qualify for line and staff functions at social and health departments, specialist careers at non-profit organizations, for research or for other interdisciplinary contexts.
Study content
In the first part of the Master's program, students expand their knowledge of the theories and methods of social work. In the second part, students specialize in one of three areas. The three possible specializations are
- Shaping the profession and exerting influence
- Organization, leadership and cooperation
- Shaping pension systems in the welfare state
Forms of study
The modular structure of the course allows students to study full-time or part-time. The course lasts a minimum of three semesters for full-time students and a maximum of six semesters for part-time students.
Prerequisites
Candidates with a Bachelor's degree or UAS diploma in social work (social work, social pedagogy, socio-cultural animation) with a grade of 5 or better are admitted to the program without an examination.
If these requirements cannot be met, an entrance examination must be passed.
