About us

A future based on tradition: Since its foundation in 1908, our School has maintained a firm focus on the continuing changes in society, thus never losing sight of the requirements its courses and services are expected to meet. To this day, everything we do strikes an ideal balance between continuity and renewal.

Innovation derived from commitment: We recognise social issues at an early stage and join with our partners from social work practice and the fields of politics and science in developing innovative perspectives. In doing so, we set a clear thematic focus. Our core areas comprise: Childhood, Youth and Family, Delinquency and Crime Prevention, Diversity and Social Integration as well as Social Management (interdisciplinary topic).

Professionalism based on practice: We place great value on ensuring that the content of our courses is right up-to-date, in addition to closely combining theory and practice. The work we do thus makes a significant contribution to the development of Social Work both as a scientific discipline and profession. The latest findings from research projects are incorporated into the course material for our general and continuing education programmes, from where they find their way into day-to-day practice. Conversely, questions arising from current social work practice give rise to new research work.

Basic grounding and specialisation: The challenging programmes available at our School comprise a Bachelor's in Social Work, incorporating the disciplines of Social Work, Social Pedagogy and Socio-cultural Animation, as well as a consecutive Master's, which is offered in collaboration with the universities of applied sciences in Bern, Lucerne and St. Gallen. Our continuing education courses build on the broad-based general training and offer Social Work professionals the chance to specialise in their chosen areas. Courses at both levels have a high degree of practical relevance.