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Application Deadline: February 4, 2024
As a commencing student you may have many questions: What does the desired course of studies teach me? How do I apply? What are the requirements for admission to studying at MCI, and what is the application deadline? What are my career options after graduation? Below you will find all the answers and information you may need.
The four central focus areas are Social Work, Social Work Research, Social Work & Social Policy, and Social Work & Management. Social work is consistently faced with change and new challenges. Yet, with a Master’s degree in Social Work, our graduates are qualified to meet these challenges.
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By including four different areas of specialization, the MCI Master’s in Social Work, Social Policy & Management program presents an education that is unique in the German-speaking world. The aim of the program is to provide practical training for students to become experts in solving social problems on a regional, national, and international level. Our graduates are qualified to apply the most recent methods and techniques in social work, to conduct methodologically sound analyses of social issues in the context of social work research, and to successfully manage social systems as well as social institutions. The requirements for admission to the Master’s program include a Bachelor’s or diploma degree in a relevant subject or an equivalent post-secondary education.
The program targets individuals interested in the social and socio-political conditions as well as economic interrelations of social work. It has been designed to improve students’ management skills and knowledge with a particular focus on social institutions. It aims to enable them to take over coordinative and executive positions in the nonprofit sector.
If you have any questions about the study program, please contact us.
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.
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:
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.
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.
MCI study programs stand out due to the quality of their content, relevance to the business world, and their international orientation. The close cooperation with partners from industry and integrative internships enable students to gain practical experience as early as in their Bachelor’s studies. In addition to providing expert knowledge, MCI places great importance on encouraging personal development and the development of social and intercultural competencies.
The four central focus areas are Social Work, Social Work Research, Social Work & Social Policy, and Social Work & Management. The emphasis throughout the program is on providing practical training, ensured by our international lecturers and the assignment of both numerous practical projects and research projects. As part of these projects, students are familiarized with basic research and the methods of evaluation research. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used.
Moreover, students are given the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at one of MCI’s many partner institutions across the globe. The program, however, not only emphasizes an international education, but also equips students with a highly sought-after interdisciplinary background. Creative thinking is, in fact, a central part of the curriculum and practiced by both students and lecturers throughout the course. A strong network and cooperation with partners in the industry additionally ensures that students are able to put their newly acquired knowledge to practice.
** International semester (either at a partner university abroad or in an English-speaking environment at MCI with international incoming students)
Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits
* Decide on one of the three elective modules (A, B, or C) and take the respective courses.
Full-time
The Master program Social Work, Social Policy & Management is a full-time degree program. In full-time studies, lectures and seminars are held on weekdays, with blocked units allowing for an intensive immersion into individual topics. The classes usually take place from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:15 and / or from 13:30 to 16:45. In exceptional cases, the times may vary and the lessons and / or examinations may take place outside the specified times or possibly on Saturdays.
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
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.
The qualifications acquired in the MCI in the area of criminal offenders and the knowledge based on the theories of social work support me in my daily work.
Stefan Thaler, Graduate, Probation Officers and Mediators of Charitable Benefits, NEUSTART Vorarlberg
The degree in social work prepared me very well for my professional life. I particularly appreciated the practical orientation at MCI. In addition, I now benefit greatly from the various aspects and focus areas (legal, educational, social, economic, etc.) that were set in the program.
Martina Tschug, Graduate of Social Work, Vocational training assistant at Arbas Work Assistance
At the Entrepreneurial School®, providing a consistent link between science and practice has top priority. Therefore, we provide our students plenty of opportunity to put their newly acquired knowledge to practice, even during their 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. Students 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 participants the opportunity to gain practical experience even before completion of the program.
• Social Problems• Social Justice• Social Security• Participation• Human Rights
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.
MCI Alumni & Friends provides a dynamic service platform promoting contacts, image, professional careers, and personal development of MCI and its graduates. We are delighted with all the graduates who choose to stay in touch even long after completion of their studies, and allowing us to be a part of their various careers:
A number of applicants interested in this degree program have also expressed interest in the following master's program.
It is possible to apply for more than one degree program at the same time if you present your motives in a meaningful explanation.
Yes, it is possible and it is even recommended that you apply before obtaining your Bachelor’s Degree certificate in order to secure one of the limited places in your desired course of study. Please include the most recent transcript of records in your application. Should your application be successful, the Bachelor’s certificate is to be submitted by the start of your studies.
Multiple applications are welcome as long as a plausible reason is provided in your cover letter. If you are admitted to two or more study programs, you are required to inform us of your final decision by the conclusion of the application procedures.
The interview takes place online. Please reserve the relevant dates (see application deadlines). The exact dates and times will be communicated to you immediately after the conclusion of the application period.Under the heading "Application & Admission" you will find all important information about the admission process: https://www.mci.edu/en/study/application-and-admission
For citizens of the following countries, the tuition fee is 363 euros per semester plus a fee for compulsory membership to the Austrian National Union of Students:
For students of non-EU countries not considered eligible according to above regulations, the tuition fee is as follows:
Your application documents regarding nationality will be assessed in detail as part of your admission procedure. Scholarships are available for applicants from non-EU countries and can be applied for as part of your online application.
Students of the study program have the choice: Within the curriculum, an in-depth elective module can be chosen from one of the fields of Social Work, Social Policy or Social Management. But also outside the curriculum, supplementary events, free subjects or additional courses, etc. can be taken. Additionally, the semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities as well as projects and final papers, enable our students to make their study program a truly unique experience.
The study program is a full-time study with a career-friendly model. Lectures and seminars are held from Wednesday midday to Friday evening and occasionally on Saturday.
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.
