Master's degree program in Social Work

Do you want to play an active role in developments in the field of Social Work? Are you keen to take on complex tasks and responsibilities in your professional environment and deepen your specialist knowledge?

The Master of Science in Social Work at OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences will give you three key foundations on which to build a professional career: You will create concepts and develop new solutions to complex social issues. You will lead projects and carry out research, development, and evaluation work. You will operate competently at the interface between business, politics, and law, and work within interdisciplinary teams. After completing the program, you will be ideally equipped for the demanding roles and responsibilities of a career in social work.

The Master of Science in Social Work is the product of cooperation between three established Swiss higher education institutions: OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences. You benefit from:

  • a huge degree of freedom in choosing program content and organizing your study
  • flexible organization of study days and locations, which facilitates a healthy balance between study, work, and family life
  • a broad network of lecturers, students, and organizations providing practical experience and on-the-job training throughout all of German-speaking Switzerland.
  • the broad expertise of three universities specializing in teaching and research with a strong practical focus.

Program at a glance

Study forms/time models

Full-time and part-time study

Fees

CHF 1,000 per semester plus additional expenses

Admission

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification (min grade of 5.0, otherwise an entrance exam is required)

Registration

For programs starting in the Spring Semester – mid-November, for programs starting in the Fall Semester – mid-June

Program start

Spring Semester – week 8, Fall Semester – week 38

Location

St. Gallen campus

The Master of Science in Social Work is the product of cooperation between three established Swiss higher education institutions: Bern University of Applied Sciences, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences, and OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences. This close cooperation has been in place since 2007 and is unique across the Swiss higher education landscape. It enables students to benefit from the strengths of the three universities and develop a professional network throughout all of German-speaking Switzerland.

Since the autumn semester 2019, the Master's degree in Social Work has been offered in a new format by the universities of Bern, Lucerne and St.Gallen. For more information

Further information on the cooperative Master's degree program can be found on the joint website of the three universities (in German).