Master’s degree in Social Work
Play an active role in shaping social change: the Master’s degree in Social Work combines practical relevance, interdisciplinarity, personal development and a future-oriented approach. The flexible, dynamic study programme at the Zurich campus offers scope for individual specialisation.
A Master’s degree in Social Work expands your professional profile. Our diverse range of degree courses offers you the opportunity to develop specific skills and prepare effectively for your future career.
Complex case work
Acquire advanced case-specific skills. Support people in challenging life situations and design and reflect on sophisticated interaction settings and interventions.
Leadership and social entrepreneurship
Develop leadership skills, transform institutions with innovative ideas, create new programmes and services in Social Work, or start your own business.
Academic activity
Develop, document and communicate essential knowledge tailored to the target audience. Deepen your analytical skills, develop concepts, evaluate practical programmes, or teach and conduct research at a university.
Diverse perspectives
The Master’s degree programme in Social Work at the ZHAW prepares you to play an active role in shaping social change. This practice-oriented degree programme enables you to analyse and address social challenges from different perspectives – individually, institutionally and for society as a whole.
Perfectly integrated into your life
Flexible study modules allow you to integrate the Master’s programme seamlessly into your everyday life. A personal, dialogue-oriented approach creates a supportive learning atmosphere. Interdisciplinary options expand your skills and offer you the chance to put content from other subject areas into practice.
Central location
The campus on the Toni site is centrally located in District 5 and can be reached quickly by public transport. Zurich is home to a large number of social institutions. The ZHAW has close links with many of them, offering close transfer for theory and practice.
At a glance
Programme start: Calendar week 38 (autumn semester), calendar week 8 (spring semester)
Closing date for registration: Autumn semester: 10 August; spring semester: 10 January
Duration: 3 to 4 semesters (full-time), at least 5 semesters (part-time)
Costs: Registration fee: CHF 100, tuition fees CHF 720 per semester plus additional study-related costs
Venue: Campus on the Toni Areal, Zurich
Language of instruction: German
Lesson times: 8.30 am–12 pm; 1–4.30 pm; Thursdays and Fridays, some Saturdays
Degree: Master of Science in Social Work with specialisation in Transitions and Interventions (90 ECTS)
Our Master’s alumni
How do you benefit from a Master’s degree when looking for a job? Find out from our Master’s alumni.
- Luzia Baumann: Quality inspector, City of Zurich (German)
- Selin Demircali: Social worker in Zurich and politician in Thurgau (German)
- Audrey Hauri: Head of Social Services, Glarus canton (German)
- Benjamin Muff: Head of Project and Quality Management for Social Services at Zurich University Hospital (German)
Info event and consulting
In order to learn more about the ZHAW master’s degree in Social Work, or for a consultation on the degree course and study plan, come to one of our info events or make an appointment for a personal meeting.
International courses offered
Students can benefit from various international courses offered. Thanks to cooperation with partner universities in various continents, it is possible to complete a semester abroad and to participate in study trips to Dayton, Ohio (USA) or Bangalore (India).