Social Work Research

This Master's programme trains students to carry out rigorous, research-driven work in academia and research institutions. You will deepen your understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of social work, learn contemporary empirical methods, and engage with the ethical standards that guide research practice. The course is designed to build strong analytical skills so graduates can design, conduct and interpret studies that inform policy and practice.

Teaching is project-focused and emphasizes empirical research design, data collection and analysis, and theoretical reflection. Students work in small research teams, take part in interdisciplinary discussions, and contribute to active research projects hosted by the university or partner organisations. The learning environment features close supervision and collaborative learning, preparing you for team-based research and independent scholarly work.

Core study areas include theories and methods of social work research, quantitative and qualitative empirical techniques, research ethics and academic integrity, plus project management and teamwork in research settings. The programme also develops academic writing, presentation and publication skills and offers preparation for teaching and academic self-administration. A Doctoral Track option is available for students who wish to begin doctoral research while finishing their Master’s degree, making this a strong pathway toward a PhD.

Key facts and requirements

• Degree awarded: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
• Field: Social Sciences; focus on social work research
• Language of instruction: English
• Location: Lüneburg, Germany
• Teaching format: project-based learning, small research groups, participation in ongoing university or partner research projects
• Core competencies: empirical research design, quantitative & qualitative methods, research ethics, academic writing and publication, project management, preparation for academic teaching
• Doctoral Track: option to start doctoral studies while completing the Master’s degree

Overview

This MSc is designed to guide students step-by-step into academic research within social work, blending theory, empirical methods, and hands-on academic experience across four semesters. The programme balances classroom-based methodological training with collaborative field research and university-based practice so you build both analytical expertise and real-world impact. By the end, graduates are prepared to design and carry out independent research projects and communicate their findings to academic and non-academic audiences.

What you will study and do

• Semester 1 establishes the research foundation: a Master’s Forum for critical engagement with current studies, intensive training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, and participation in an applied, collaborative research project conducted with external partner organisations. This combination develops your capacity to evaluate literature, select appropriate methods, and contribute to socially relevant investigations.
• Semester 2 shifts to academic practice through a university-based research internship and a focused module on research ethics and academic reflection, strengthening your understanding of day-to-day scholarly work and responsible research conduct.
• Semester 3 introduces university teaching in social work and deepens application of methods to contemporary discourses, practices, and diagnostic approaches in the field. A science communication module prepares you to present research results clearly and demonstrate their societal relevance.
• Semester 4 is devoted to independent research and the Master’s thesis, where you plan, execute and present a substantial piece of original academic work that synthesises the skills and knowledge gained.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Master’s Forum: critically review and evaluate current research literature in social work.
• Qualitative and quantitative research methods: design and apply appropriate empirical methods for social work research.
• Collaborative research project with field partners: conduct applied research that produces practical, socially meaningful outcomes and experience teamwork with external organisations.
• University-based research internship: gain practical insight into academic workflows and research environments.
• Research ethics and academic reflection: demonstrate responsible conduct, reflexivity, and integrity in research practice.
• University teaching in social work: develop basic teaching skills and experience pedagogy in higher education settings.
• Science communication: present research findings clearly to academic and public audiences, emphasising social relevance.
• Independent Master’s thesis: plan, carry out, and defend a substantial, autonomous research project demonstrating methodological competence, critical analysis, and academic writing.

These components together prepare graduates for research-oriented careers in academia, policy, or practice-oriented institutions, and equip them with transferable skills in critical reasoning, empirical methods, ethical judgment, teaching, and public communication.

Graduates are primarily prepared for research and academic careers: roles include research assistants, academic staff, doctoral candidates, and positions at research institutions. The programme’s strong emphasis on empirical methods, research design, academic writing and science communication also equips graduates for roles in policy analysis, evaluation, consultancy, and research coordination in public institutions, NGOs and international organisations.

The Doctoral Track specifically facilitates direct transition into PhD studies, while training in project management, teaching practice and publication skills supports employability in university administration, teaching roles and externally funded research projects. The programme’s applied research projects and internship experience increase readiness for both academic and applied research positions.