Social Work and Exclusion
An International Study Programme
International fields of social work such as migration, political crisis and processes of globalization play a mayor role in learning social work today. With the nowadays challenges for social work, it is safe to say that international qualification in social work becomes more essential than ever. And that is why you will be profiting from our curriculum of “Social Work and Exclusion”. It will help gain knowledge, skills and experiences in social work practice and theory.
One Study Programme - Three Locations
The study programme “Social Work and Exclusion” is offered each summer semester (March to July) at our campuses in Cologne, Muenster and Paderborn. It will help gain knowledge, skills and experiences in social work practice and theory.
As an international student, you will form one group during the whole semester. You will study side by side with our local students and be a part of our small family campus. Also, you will be provided special support by student buddies and faculty members. Starting with a welcome week and taking part in a one-week excursion to Berlin will highlight your studying with us.
Within the programme, you can obtain 30 ECTS at each of the departments. Your learning outcomes will be documented in a transcript of records.
ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS
Find out more about the study programme – join our online info sessions.
The info session takes place every first Monday of a month.
Time: 1 p.m. (CET)
For participation, please register at incoming[at]katho-nrw.de
Impressions from the study programme
Alberta in front of the katho building in Cologne.
Receiving the opportunity to study abroad at katho in 2025 has been an exceptional turning point in my academic journey. Studying abroad has always been my dream. The opportunity to pursue the study programme “Social Work and Exclusion" in an international environment allowed me to broaden my academic and cultural perspectives while developing valuable skills that extend far beyond the classroom. This experience has greatly strengthened both my personal growth and professional aspirations.
The academic environment was both challenging and supportive. As a student at the Catholic University of Ghana, I must say that the study environment was different. Indeed, the professors and administrative staff were very welcoming and provided me with the necessary information to overcome my academic difficulties. The student buddy and flatmate from katho made my stay in Germany stress-free. I am really obliged for the support they gave me. Learning from professors and engaging with students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds enriched my perspective and deepened my understanding of global issues. Beyond the classroom, the exposure to different traditions, ideas, and ways of life expanded my worldview in ways that will continue to shape my future.
Alberta Amparah, Catholic University of Ghana
Dianelly (right) and María, also from Colombia, at the katho in Muenster.
In summer 2024 I got the opportunity to attend the study programme "Social Work and Exclusion" at katho. I had always dreamed about studying abroad and I could hardly believe I was there, taking an amazing programme about social work in which I learned a lot. The teachers were exellent and the facilities were undoubtedly comfortable and beautiful.
I come from a university located in Colombia and I must say that this experience was marvelous! Having the chance to meet students from all over the world, travel and immerse myself in the German culture was completely meaningful to me. Additionally, I am so grateful for the help I received from the buddies the university provided us, they made me feel like at home the entire time.
Although I am studying a programme about education at my home university, I found several ways to connect all the knowledge I gained regarding social work with my career. This was particularly interesting because I can now apply everything I learned at katho there here in Colombia. Moreover, I personally believe that this experience changed the way I view education and it broadened my perspectives about life and the importance of social work in the world.
Dianelly Arias Ciro, Universidad Católica Luis Amigó/Colombia
Tereza (on the right) and a fellow student in the programme during the Berlin excursion.
At katho I had the possibility to study the program of Social Work in English but in the German-speaking towns of Muenster and Cologne! Both cities are great, but I just fell in love with Muenster deeply.
Muenster is a small student city but with so many activities. The most interesting: bicycling here! Everywhere is such pretty nature, a lot of green areas, with a green belt around the old town, where you can ride. Students will find a big number of bars, pubs, food & clubs scattered around. The prices are student-friendly as well.
We had at katho very interactive classes, where teachers not just explained the theory but also asked students about their opinions. We could work in groups, so we got to know a lot of German students. Not just students, but also professors and the international team were so helpful and understanding with everything! It is such a good feeling that even when you are so far from your home, you can still rely on so many people.
Tereza Fikarová, University of Hradec Králové/Czech Republic
The international incoming students from six different countries together with katho students and professors Dr Karla Verlinden (left) and Dr Sebastian Wen (right).
In the summer term 2022, nine exchange students from various international partner universities participated in the study programme "Social Work and Exclusion". The programme was held in English and encompassed courses at katho’s departements in Münster and Cologne. It also offered opportunities for networking with fellow students on site through a buddy programme and cultural events.
"It's hard to believe that it's already over. Germany is so diverse and interesting. For me, the semester at katho was the most valuable time in my study life so far," enthuses a participant in the English-language study programme "Social Work and Exclusion" at katho. Once again, students from all over the world were guests at the Rhenish-Westphalian university to enrich their studies in applied social sciences with a new perspective. 30 ECTS can be earned each summer semester at the Münster and Cologne campuses. The seminars, which are conducted in English, cover a repertoire of topics within social work. Students of special education or other related fields also find thematically interesting teaching content on social inequality, poverty, domestic violence, human rights, the medical background of disabilities, sex education, racism in times of the Nazi regime, intercultural competence and research methods. International students sit and learn alongside their local fellow students - intercultural exchange in the seminar room is included. In addition, the international students reflect on their stay abroad in courses which are planned especially for them. They visit social work institutions and use theatre techniques to learn first phrases of the German language. Those who have already mastered the German language at a higher level can choose freely from the entire range of courses offered. At the end of the study programme, participants take examinations. A transcript of records is issued, which they can use to have course content credited at their home universities.
Language Requirements
The language of conduction of the “Social Work and Exclusion” programme is English. A good knowledge of English is therefore essential. Each international student applicant must master the English language sufficiently well to be able to understand lectures and to be able to work with English academic texts. The applicants must proof English language skills with an English language certificate of B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Nomination
Students can be nominated by their home universities until
- August 31 for non-EU students
- September 30 for EU Students
Nominations can be send via email to: incoming(at)katho-nrw.de. Please include the folling information about the nominated student: Name/Surname, Date of Birth, E-Mail, Field of Study
After the nomination deadline we will contact the nominated students and provide further information about the subsequent application process.
Team
Academic coordination
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Wen
Professor für Soziologie
Köln, Sozialwesen
Prof. Dr. Georg Albers
Professor für Soziale Abeit
Münster, Sozialwesen
Prof. Dr. Martin Winands
Professor
Paderborn, Sozialwesen
Counselling/student service
Matthias Kaufmann
Mitarbeiter International Office, Abteilungen Aachen und Köln
Köln, Dezernat VI - Akademische Angelegenheiten
Katrin Verhorst
International Office
Münster, Dezernat VI - Akademische Angelegenheiten
Magdalena Koy
Mitarbeiterin International Office, Abteilung Paderborn
Paderborn, Sozialwesen, Dezernat VI - Akademische Angelegenheiten