What is Social Deaconry?

Professional fields

You enjoy working with other people?
Then this might be the right choice for you. As a social worker and deacon you have to work with individuals and groups in different phases of live. To fulfil the various tasks of this profession your knowledge and personality will be of importance.

Everyday work could involve you in different situations:

Conflict Intervention
Counseling for life
Working with health professional
Financial counseling
Case management for the homeless, drug-addicts, persons on probation, the aged and other special groups
Working with women and their special issues

What will be your competences?

Course content

The main focus of your studies will be the human being in the context of social work.

During your studies you will expand your experience and abilities, and develop them further.

We train you scientifically in order to enable you to be sensitive to the needs of other people. You will learn to provide appropriate help and guidance for others.

You acquire

Program planning and implementation
Interdisciplinary theory and research competence
An ability for theological and ethical judgement and reflection
Protestant theological communication skills and spiritual reflection
Group competence for church-related social work practice
Gender competence
Intercultural communication skills
Problem solution and conceptual capacities
Integrative ability to cope with challenges of diverse situations
Aesthetic-cultural media competence
Self-reflection and evaluation skills

Examples of learning modules

Human development and socialization
Evolving Christian and secular bases for social work
International, intercultural and interfaith perspectives of social work
Theological and ethical perspectives of social work
Legal basis and requirements of social work practice
Organization of professional client relationship and support for daily life requirements (counselling and group work)
Case history, case management and support planning
Social-spatial and community-oriented tasks of social work
Social management and organizational development
Social structures and development of society
Biblical foundations of diaconal action
Historical and systematic theological bases of diaconal action
Theory and practice of pastoral care
Theology of Deaconry

Study further for a double qualification

The Bachelor course in Social Deaconry gives you a double qualification. You graduate with an equivalent social work degree and achieve the theological basis for a degree in deaconry.

This prepares you for a broad range of professional social work practice in secular institutions as well as in church affiliated organizations.

And what else?

Play, have fun and meet up with other students...

We study, celebrate and live together - that is our slogan at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences.

Besides academic studies, everyday life takes place in shared apartments at student hostels. There are possibilities for campus sports, parties, gatherings for special events and weekend outdoor activities such as climbing, kayaking, sailing and hiking. The BBK is a student pub that opens regularly during the week.

The Hochschulgemeinde (University Parish) invites everyone to a shared spiritual life. There are church services at the beginning and at the end of each semester. Prayer services are held every Wednesday. Additional discussion circles are organized around special themes.

Our colourful community events are for anyone and everyone. You are invited to participate with body, soul and spirit.

Drop by and get involved!

Admission Requirements

Do you have a desire to become a social worker and a deacon?

Then you should continue to read on. You can be accepted for this degree if you meet the requirements:

University entrance qualification or its equivalent
Proof of one year practical experience in a profession
Proof of at least one year voluntary service in a parish, in a church social welfare institution, or in a church-supported youth program
Membership to the Protestant Church
If possible, not to be over thirty years of age

The structure of the academic course

The study takes usually seven semesters. The fifth term is a practice term. You will first obtain the Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in Social Work. The following two terms lead to the conclusion of the Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in Social Deaconry. Studying takes place in small groups and includes intensive support and personal advice by experienced faculty members. As a University of Applied Sciences we aim to integrate theory and practice to give you the broadest basis for your professional future in the field of social work and deaconry.

The academic degree

After six study semesters and one practice semester, you will conclude your studies with a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in Social Work.
You can decide to further your studies for another two semesters to complete a second Bachelor of Arts degree in Deaconry. This qualifies you for official ordination as Deacon of the Regional Church of Württemberg.

Those who conclude their B.A. degrees with above average grades have opportunity to proceed with another a three semester Masters Degree. Upon graduation, this could open possibilities to enter higher civil service or qualify you for social science and research leadership positions.

Student contributions

The seven semesters cost altogether 3500.- Euro. The sum can be paid in bi-annual rates. You find more details in the study fee section.

Contact the university advisory service

If you need to clarify further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us:

Evangelische Fachhochschule
Reutlingen Ludwigsburg
- Mrs. Nicole Meyer -
Paulusweg 6
71638 Ludwigsburg
Phone (07141) 9745-224
Fax (07141) 9745-552
n.meyer(at)eh-ludwigsburg.de
www.eh-reutlingen-ludwigsburg.de

For international students contact the International Relations Office Dr. Melinda Madew Paulusweg6 71638 Ludwigsburg, Germany Phone: +49 -7141-9745-280 Fax: +49 -7141-9745-500 m.madew@eh-ludwigsburg.de

Ready to get started?

Apply online!

You can apply online here.