MA in International Social Work with Refugees and Migrants Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS)

The Master’s programme in "International Social Work with Refugees and Migrants (MRM)" is an application-oriented and, in terms of content and sharing, internationally-oriented English-language degree programme.

It is aimed at potential students who want to make a contribution through academic application-oriented qualification in the field of Social Work, in order to

• within the national context, support and empower refugees and immigrants as well as to foster their integration into the host society and the reduction of barriers for migrants in standard services and general administration; a goal is to win foreign experts and their respective linguistic, cultural, and religious backgrounds for international and German Social Work;
• within the European and international context, take on and organise human rights-oriented assistance for refugees in hotspot asylum centres of the European Union or UNHCR refugee camps in regions of origin and transit to ensure orderly access to the protection of refugees and to give a perspective to the people affected within such facilities.

The programme provides professional, social and profession-related competences for the field of action of Social Work with migrants and refugees in the international and national context. Based on empirical findings and theoretical references, students are qualified in intercultural, legal, educational and psychological terms to develop and implement solution-oriented courses of action for the special situation of refugees and migrants. They will be able to operate in the area of policies of local as well as international actors. The professional grasp of Social Work in the context of migration will thus be further developed.

Due to its international orientation and cooperation with universities abroad, this THWS Master’s programme fosters human and professional exchange with countries of origin and transit regions and thus qualifies also for work on site and in the international context. Two first university collaborations for studying abroad in the second semester have already been established. One was founded with the German-Jordanian University (GJU) in Amman/Jordan and another with the University in Palermo/Italy. Against the background of the geographical and political situation of the countries as well as the large number of refugees, the correspondingly planned course content can be conveyed in a targeted, application-oriented manner. In addition, there are project collaborations with other universities and countries, which are continuously developed.

The degree course is designed for international exchange and allows students to study abroad. The degree course also encourages students to take part in practical projects.

Semesters 1-2: Subject specific modules (e.g. Empowerment, Participation and Fields of Action with Marginalised People, Communities and Social Movement; International, European and National Migration and Refugee Law; Violence Prevention & Conflict Transformation; Research Perspectives, Methods & Ethics)

Semester 3: Master's thesis & projects

Qualification can be provided by a degree completed with 210 credit points and an overall grade of 2.5 or better in the subject area(s) of Social Work, Social Affairs, Social Work or Social Education at a German institution of higher education or an equivalent degree. The decision about equivalence of the degree course is made by the Examination Board in accordance with the standards of Section 63 Para 1 BayHSchG (Bavarian Higher Education Act).

182.10 EUR including a semester ticket for free public transport in the city of Würzburg

700 to 850 EUR

In order to finance your living expenses during your studies, you can look for a student job. However, please note that your focus should always be on your studies.

Students from non-EU countries may work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. If you work as a student assistant at a university or a company, the amount of days may be higher.

Students from EU countries: There are no restrictions.

The International Career Service at THWS offers events and information for students in English. Our events help students with the following:

• studying successfully
• transitioning into professional life

In addition, we offer plenty of information about the following topics:

• application
• job interview
• links to online job portals

https://international.thws.de/en/thws-international/ways-to-thws/international-career-service/

Several halls of residence are located in Würzburg within short distance to the campuses, which offer facilities such as furnished rooms, Internet connection, and common areas.

https://international.thws.de/en/thws-international/ways-to-thws/formalities-and-finances/accommodation/

About THWS

The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) was established in 1971, with campuses in two locations in Würzburg and Schweinfurt. Today, the THWS is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria (southern Germany). As a public university, we guarantee an excellent academic education recognised throughout the world.

Course offerings

With its 10 departments and more than 40 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as six research institutes, the THWS offers a broad, practice- and future-oriented course programme. Within the THWS i-Campus concept, English-language programmes add to the wide range of German-language programmes. Courses take place in modern lecture rooms and laboratories equipped with innovative technology and state-of-the-art appliances.

Low student-teacher ratio

Studying at THWS is characterised by small study groups and a low student-teacher ratio. Through a great share of seminar papers, students learn to work independently. Additionally, project work promotes the students' team-working abilities.

Education with a special focus on application and practice

More than 200 professors with solid professional experience from industry and business provide scientific education with special relevance to application and practice. The university collaborates closely with regional and transregional businesses. Students benefit from this close collaboration by being able to do internships and having the possibility to write their theses in one of these companies. Moreover, they have the chance to build a network for their future careers.

International focus

THWS excels due to its international orientation. For more than 30 years, the university has welcomed students from over 80 countries. Worldwide, THWS is associated with more than 230 universities.

Located in Bavaria

The university's location in Würzburg is situated in one of the most beautiful regions of Germany. Franconia, in the northern part of the federal state Bavaria, offers high recreational value as a region of cultural and culinary delight. Due to the favourable geographic location. Würzburg is a perfect starting point to discover Germany and Europe. The international airports of Frankfurt am Main and Munich are within easy reach.

City of Würzburg

Würzburg is an extremely vibrant student city. With approximately 133,000 inhabitants, it is one of the largest cities in the federal state of Bavaria. Lying amidst the vineyards, the climate in Würzburg is pleasant and mild all year round. Wine is part of the cultural heritage here – as proven by the many wine festivals in and around the city. Countless landmarks and places of interest characterise the cityscape: imposing Marienberg Fortress, the city’s landmark, sits high upon a hill overlooking the city and bears testament to Würzburg’s more than 1,000-year history. The sumptuous Würzburg Residence is one of the most significant palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.