Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies
Sustainable Social Policy (BA)
Study Facts
Degree
Bachelor's degree
Standard period of study
7 semesters; incl. practical semester
Lecture language
German & English
Campus
Sankt Augustin
Start of study
Winter term
Type of study
Full-time
Admission requirements
General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur, Fachabitur), technical college entrance qualification or educational qualifications recognised as equivalent by the relevant authorities. Further information can be found on the Student Services website: Admission requirements.
Admission type and enrolment deadline
If you fulfil all the admission requirements, you can enrol within the deadline. You can enrol from 15 June to 1 October for the start of the winter semester.
Language skills
The language of instruction is German, but there are also English-language modules. German language skills at level C1 (CEFR) are required. Proof of this can be provided in the form of a German university entrance qualification or the following German language certificates: Deutsch-Sprachzertifikate. In addition, English language skills at level B2 (CEFR) are required. Proof of university entrance qualification is accepted if it demonstrates English language skills at the required level, or an English-language secondary school/university degree or the following English language certificates: English language certificates.
Costs
Only the current semester contribution is payable for this degree programme: Semester contribution and fees.
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Programme content and qualification objective
Course of study
In the first four semesters of the Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainable Social Policy (BA), basic subjects such as sociology, economics, political science, law and communication studies are supplemented by interdisciplinary topics in the field of societal and social policy. Modules on methodology form the basis for scientific work and analytical thinking. Building on this, students set individual specialisations in the areas of society, economics or communication. A semester abroad is possible in the fifth semester. The practical semester in the sixth semester offers further professional orientation.
Prospects and job opportunities
Graduates of the Sustainable Social Policy degree programme have many career opportunities in the public sector, with civil society organisations and in the private sector. Typical positions are:
- Advisors
- Project staff
- Coordinators
- Editors in public relations
- PR managers or consultants
Potential employers include ministries, political parties, trade unions, foundations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), media companies, consulting, educational and research institutions. H-BRS also offers the Master's degree programme in Social Protection (MSc). The new Master's degree programme "Public Policy & Transformation: Climate-Social Policy" will also start in the summer semester of 2026.
Practical relevance and teaching formats
For us, sustainable social policy means combining social, economic and ecological goals for a sustainable society worth living in. Our lecturers have many years of practical experience and optimally prepare our students for the demands of professional life. In order to strengthen the interdisciplinary approach to socio-political issues, we co-operate with the universities in Bonn and Cologne. Our aim is to closely link theory and practice. The focus subjects and the practical semester offer the opportunity to set individual priorities, specialise and gain initial practical experience
Study location and learning environment
The Sankt Augustin campus is located in North Rhine-Westphalia and is easy to reach by public transport from Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf or Koblenz. Study and research with us on a modern campus with excellent facilities. Small study groups also enable you to socialise with other students and lecturers. The university is well networked and cooperates with around 90 foreign universities in more than 40 countries
Study plan
„I am glad to have chosen the Sustainable Social Policy degree programme. The content of the programme is appealing. The various sub-disciplines can be combined well and enable an interdisciplinary approach to current (social) policy problems. Later on, I would like to work in political counselling. I can find out whether this professional field really appeals to me during the integrated practical semester of the degree programme.”
Bastian Prinz - Bachelor student Sustainable Social Policy (BA)
Applying - but how?
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23. January 2026
09. May 2026
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Contact points
Course guidance service Bachelor Sustainable Social Policy
Campus
Sankt Augustin
Room
K 208
Opening hours
Tuesdays, 09:00-16:00, by prior arrangement
Wednesdays, 14:30-15:30 (presence); Fridays, 09:30-10:30 (by telephone)
Contact Student Advice Centre
Campus
Sankt Augustin
Room
E029, E031, E034, E035, E041
Opening hours
Telephone hours without appointment
Telephone hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00-12:00
and Monday: 13:00-15:00
Consultation hours cancelled: Monday, 8.12., 10.00-12.00
Contact to the Student Services
Opening hours
Telephone consultation hours: Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 12:00
Personal consultations by appointment only
International Office - Sankt Augustin
Campus
Sankt Augustin
Room
E 056 - E 061
Opening hours
Please contact us by phone or email for an appointment