If students are not able to meet the pre-requisites for the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (the so-called: Fachhochschulreife der Fachoberschule mit der Fachrichtung Sozial- und Gesundheitswesen), they are required to attend a mandatory three-month internship period before commencing the Bachelor of Social Work units. The internship needs to correspond within a profession of Social Work, and a qualified person within the selected profession of Social Work will mentor the student during this time.

Exceptions to this rule are possible only in justified cases. If a student can show they have completed a one-year internship, or present previous vocational training that is deemed appropriate, they are able to waive the three-month internship and commence the Bachelor in Social Work course.

Contents of the practical training:

• Overview of the range of duties within the field of social work, deeper knowledge within at least one selected working area;
• Knowledge about the structure and functions of the selected field of practical training;
• Knowledge about the means and methods of field work, taking responsibility of sub-tasks within the selected field and administrative tasks; and,
• Taking part in team meetings and briefings.