Before studying Social Work, Social Policy & Management

Are you interested in a career managing social institutions and coordinating management activities in the nonprofit sector? Then the Social Work, Social Policy & Management master’s degree program is perfect for you. This program is designed for those interested in social and socio-political framework conditions and economic contexts in which Social Work operates.

<p>Welcome to MCI - The Entrepreneurial School®</p>

Welcome to MCI - The Entrepreneurial School®

<p>Campus Tour at the MCI</p>

Campus Tour at the MCI

Overview

The master's degree program in Social Work, Social Policy & Management is unique in the German-speaking world due to its four different specializations: Social Work, Social Policy, Social Management and Social Work Research.

The study program integrates theory and practice closely. Practical projects and case studies are conducted in collaboration with established institutions to ensure up-to-date and practical knowledge transfer.

In addition, the range of elective courses in the areas of Social Work, Social Policy and Social Management allows you to develop a flexible, individualized academic profile and helps tailor your studies to your personal interests and career goals.

The study program is organized as a full-time program. Courses are primarily held from Wednesday through Friday, and occasionally on Saturdays. This block-based structure allows you to gain practical experience in your professional field or pursue a career. At the same time, it creates attractive conditions for a highly predictable academic experience — even for students whose primary residence is outside of Innsbruck. The program is complemented by a blended-learning concept that combines face-to-face lectures, MCI webinars, and guided self-study.

During the international semester, you have the opportunity to study in English at one of our partner universities abroad or at MCI alongside students from around the globe.

As a graduate, you will be able to apply the latest methods and techniques of Social Work regionally, nationally and internationally. You will also be able to carry out methodologically correct analyses of social problems within the framework of Social Work research and solve social problems. Additionally, it enables you to manage social systems and run social institutions efficiently.

Belachew Gebrewold
Prof. Dr. habil. Belachew Gebrewold Head of Department & Studies
Do you have questions about studying? We look forward to hearing from you.
+43 512 2070 - 3400

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Admission

Applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis. The required documents are to be submitted online. Applicants are welcome to apply for multiple programs of study, as long as a plausible rationale is given. The final decision may be taken by the end of the application procedures.

For Internationals (full-degree), EU and Non-EU, you can find more information here.

Dates & Deadlines

 

Application
deadline

Interview

Date 1

Nov 8, 2026

Nov 26, 2026

Date 2

Feb 7, 2027

Feb 25, 2027

Date 3

Apr 11, 2027

Apr 29, 2027

Date 4

May 30, 2027

Jun 16, 2027

 

Prerequisites

Entrants to the Master program in Social Work, Social Policy & Management will be Bachelor or Diploma graduates in a related subject, or have equally valid further or higher educational qualifications. The following are particularly relevant:

  • Graduates from the Bachelor program Social Work;

  • Graduates from a subject-related, further education social science course which lasted at least 6 semesters. For example:
    Graduates of the 3 year former Social Work Academy and of the Pedagogy Academy;
    Graduates of the 2 year Academy, if an additional, recognized, subject-related training or education lasting at least 2 semesters was undertaken;

  • Other graduates in: Nonprofit, Social & Health Care Management; Social Administration Management; Pedagogy; Psychology; Sociology; Political Science;

  • Graduates who have otherwise at least 6 semesters of further education with social work and social science components who can prove a total of at least 90 ECTS credits.


Information for graduates whose previous degree is based to a significant extent on formally acknowledged recognition of prior learning:
In this case it may be possible that the legal and/or degree specific admission requirements are not or only partly fulfilled. Please consider the relevant legal regulations for this instance (§ 4 Abs 4 iVm § 12 FHG). We will gladly provide further information and consultation via email or phone (admissions@mci.edu; Ext. 1621).

Recognition of previous qualifications in the master program:
Applications for recognition of examinations or credits obtained through other study programs or previous scientific experience must be submitted to the Program Director. A decision will only be taken in cases where the application for admission has met with a positive decision. Recognition of credits or previous experience is only granted for individual classes in the program.

Procedures

In just two steps to your desired study program at MCI:

Step 1 – Online application: CV & motivation

A complete online application consists of a CV, a letter of motivation, information on educational background, qualifications, professional career, social achievements and academic as well as professional goals. We would like to know why you are applying to study at MCI.

You may apply for more than one degree program at the same time, provided you can conclusively explain your respective motivations in your letter of motivation.

Step 2 – Online admission interview

In the second step, all applicants will be invited to an online admission interview.

In this interview, we want to get to know you. We are particularly interested in your motivation to study at MCI as well as your professional and personal goals you want to achieve with the help of your studies.

Within three weeks after the admission interview, we will inform you about the admission decision.

While studying Social Work, Social Policy & Management

Throughout your studies, Social Work research is highly relevant. You will engage in basic and evaluative research using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Research and development projects are carried out in collaboration with partners from the field of Social Work practice and as part of specific internal research projects. This keeps us at the forefront of Social Work research and practice, as well as social, political and legal developments. The goal of these efforts is to maintain the quality of Social Work as a profession and to provide support to individuals in their daily live.

Particularly noteworthy is the unique combination of a specialized degree program with the opportunity to tailor your academic profile through required electives in the fields of Social Work, Social Policy and Social Management.

The internationality of the degree program is reflected in the composition of faculty, students and curriculum, as well as in the practical projects. Furthermore, within the framework of the program, there is the opportunity to spend a semester at one of the numerous partner universities.

In summary, the quality of its content, its scientific approach, its practical orientation and its internationality characterize the program in Social Work, Social Policy & Management.

Module Overview

Fach

%

Social Work

19%

Social Policy

19%

Social Management

19%

Practical Research Projects

8%

Social Research

8%

Electives

12%

Master Thesis & Master Examination

15%

 

Academic Degree

Graduates of the program are conferred the academic title of Master of Arts in Social Sciences, in short MA or M.A. This is attested by a leaving certificate, the Master diploma, the international diploma supplement, and further documents where relevant.*

MCI Alumni are entitled to combine their academic degree with the brand “MCI” to provide trust and orientation in an increasingly intransparent international education market. Example: BSc (MCI).
Source: GZ BMWF-52.330/0195-I/6/2013

*Information about the recognition of the degree in Italy can be found here.

 

International Outreach

One of the most essential components of MCI study programs is their international orientation. This is reflected not only in the curriculum and assigned projects, but also in the backgrounds of our faculty and students. Each program also includes the opportunity for students to spend a semester abroad at one of MCI’s many partner institutions.

Beschreibung

Study Abroad

at our partner universities around the world.

Switzerland
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Brazil
PUC-Rio Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro
Italy
University of Bologna
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Practice

At the Entrepreneurial School®, providing a consistent link between science and practice has top priority. Therefore, we provide you plenty of opportunity to put your newly acquired knowledge to practice, even during your studies. The collaboration with companies and organizations of different sizes and sectors forms one of the cornerstones of the MCI concept. Such cooperative work does not only benefit our students, but also, to a large extent our partners.

The research and development strategy of the Social Work study program includes a variety of focus areas corresponding to current issues. The overall aim of our research is to ensure the quality of Social Work as a profession in order to support people in their everyday lives.

Our research is conducted by way of applied research and development projects in cooperation with partners from Social Work practice and in the context of specific internal research projects carried out by our full-time lecturers. You may become involved in such research projects as part of workshops or practical assignments. They thus acquire a knowledge of basic and evaluation research, applying both quantitative and qualitative methods. In the case of interdisciplinary cooperation, research and development projects are implemented in conjunction with other study programs, depending on the topic. This is to keep our research on the scientific and practical problems of Social Work up to date, especially with regard to social, societal, political, and legal changes. We also aim to give you the opportunity to gain practical experience even before completion of the program.

Research in Social Work

The research and development strategy of the Social Work degree program includes the following research focuses:

  • Social Problems

  • Social Justice

  • Social Security

  • Participation

  • Human Rights

More Information icon

Network “Social Work Platform Tyrol”

The central event of the “Social Work Platform Tyrol” is an annual network meeting at which organizations from various areas of Social Work practice in Tyrol come together to take a joint look at current and future challenges in Social Work and to jointly develop strategies to overcome them. Find more information here.

After studying Social Work, Social Policy & Management

Studying at MCI is an investment in a successful future. Through close cooperation with industry and the practical orientation of all courses, MCI graduates are in particularly high demand on the job market and have several job offers even before graduation.

Professional opportunities

The interdisciplinary program opens up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates, including:

  • Regional & International Development Cooperation in the Social Care & Health Sector

  • Social Space Analysis and Social Planning

  • Social Management and Social Policy

  • New Perspectives in Social Work: Green Social Work and Digital Social Work

  • Social Entrepreneurship

  • Empirical Social Work Research and –Teaching

  • Management of Social Institutions

Success Stories

Elisabeth Lehmer
MA Social Work, Social Policy & Management
Elisabeth Lehmer

Refugee and integration advisor, Caritas Asylum counseling Garmisch-Partenkirchen

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Johannes Scheiber
MA Social Work, Social Policy & Management
Johannes Scheiber

Manager Youth Services, SYC

Read more
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Continue studying

Graduates of the "Social Work, Social Policy & -management" master's degree program are entitled to admission to doctoral studies in accordance with Federal Law Gazette II No. 241/2009.

Belachew Gebrewold
Prof. Dr. habil. Belachew Gebrewold Head of Department & Studies
Do you have questions about studying? We look forward to hearing from you.
+43 512 2070 - 3400

News

Social Work, Social Policy & Management

Minimum Income Support in Tyrol: Perspectives of Those Affected
Minimum Income Support in Tyrol: Perspectives of Those Affected
Research findings and discussion on minimum income support program in Tyrol
MCI Student Presents Research at Poverty Conference
©Katharina Eisenköck
MCI Student Presents Research at Poverty Conference
Katharina Eisenköck showcases her master’s thesis in Salzburg
Department of Social Work Confirmed in Key Role at ogsa
©ogsa
Department of Social Work Confirmed in Key Role at ogsa
Moritz Reisberger re-elected to the Board of the Austrian Society for Social Work (ogsa)
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Questions & Answers

Where can I find information about the admission procedure?

Under the heading "Application & Admission" you will find all important information about the admission process: https://www.mci.edu/en/study/application-and-admission

How many study places are allocated per year?

We offer 30 places of study per academic year for this study program. The ratio of applicants to study places is 3:1 each year.

Are there any areas of specialization in my studies? Are there any electives in my study program?

In this degree program, you have a choice: Within the curriculum, you can choose from required-elective modules in the areas of Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Management. But you can also take supplementary courses, optional subjects or courses, etc. outside the curriculum. But that's not all: the semester abroad with its numerous partner universities as well as project and final thesis gives you the opportunity to choose and design your studies, making it an individual experience for you.

Is it possible to study in the master’s degree program in Social Work, Social Policy & Management on a part-time basis?

The study program Social Work, Social Policy & Management is organized as a full-time program. Courses are primarily held from Wednesday through Friday, and occasionally on Saturdays. This block-based structure allows you to gain practical experience in your professional field or pursue a career. At the same time, it creates attractive conditions for a highly predictable academic experience — even for students whose primary residence is outside of Innsbruck. The program is complemented by a blended-learning concept that combines face-to-face lectures, MCI webinars, and guided self-study.

When do the courses take place?

The master’s program in Social Work, Social Policy & Management is organized as a full-time program. Courses are generally held from Wednesday through Friday, and occasionally on Saturdays. This results in a study structure that is easy to plan.

Is attendance mandatory?

Attendance is mandatory in all classes. If you miss 25% of a course or more, this will have an effect on your final grade.

Exemption from mandatory attendance may be granted if a valid reason is given (e.g. sickness, visit to authorities or other personal reasons). Please submit your written request including relevant proof to the department for approval.

Is the degree recognized in Italy?

Yes, the academic degree is recognized in Italy due to a grade conversion agreement (“Notenwechsel”) starting May 1, 2026.

This bilateral agreement between Austria and Italy provides a simplified procedure for the recognition of many academic degrees. Further information can be found here.

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