Information for applicants and prospective students

What's a local numerus clausus (NC) and what average grade do I need for the BA in Sustainable Social Policy?

In general, numerus clausus ("closed number") is a grade-based admission limit for schools, colleges and universities. The numerus clausus is calculated each year, because it depends on the number of applicants and available spots.

A local admission procedure (NC procedure) is used to admit students under a quota. The admission grade is adjusted for applicants with a completed university degree, applicants who have completed their degree at a non-German secondary school (Bildungsausländer), particularly qualified applicants, and applicants with waiting semesters (Sofortzulassung). 20% of available spots are reserved for students with waiting periods, 80% are awarded by average grade.

Hence, the numerus clausus expresses which admission grade or how many waiting semesters (periods without enrolment since completion of the university entrance qualification) the last admitted candidate has.

Starting from the 2018/19 winter semester, we will limit admission to 120 students for the Sustainable Social Policy programme in order to maintain course quality and a good student-faculty ratio. However, the previous year's NC says little about the future, since it depends on the number of applicants whether we apply an NC and what the minimum average grade is.  

You must apply online for admission to the bachelor's programme. Online admissions for the winter semester begin on 15 May.

You can find here all relevant information on admissions to NC programmes at H-BRS and the NC selection limits of previous semesters. (page available in German only)

Where do I find the programme contents?

The first four semesters include the basic subjects of sociology, economics, political studies, law and communication studies and additional interdisciplinary modules on social policy. Additional modules on methodology teach you the basics of academic work and analytical thinking. In the following semesters, you can choose between the specializations economy, society and communication. The specializations offer various choices to build your own profile and find your strengths.

Our programme’s website offers a visual study schedule and individual module descriptions. Under Dokumente und Ordnungen you will also find the latest programme schedule and the examination regulations (pages available in German only) and the Module Manual Sustainable Social Policy – Society, Economics, Communication.

What do I need to study Sustainable Social Policy?

• You're not satisfied with just studying one subject but want to think outside the box and learn about different fields?
• You're interested in the programme content mentioned above?
• You were into political and social issues while still in school?
• You enjoy reading – even literature on theory?
• You don't just want to look at statistics, but create, understand and interpret them?

Then the Sustainable Social Policy programme is just for you!

If you're passionate about social policy and are motivated to work towards and be part of the solution, this programme is for you.

Your English level should be at least B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

 If your skills could need improvement, you have the opportunity to take a refresher course during the first semester.

If you have any questions, please contact the Central Study Guidance Service or the department (contacts at the end of this document).

Where and when do I apply?

Start by registering at http://www.hochschulstart.de/ (page available in German only), the website of the Foundation for University Admission (SfH).

The application period starts on 15 May and ends on 15 July.

Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) uses the local NC determined by the SfH using the dialogue-oriented service procedure (DoSV). This service procedure is used to compare all applications between participating universities and hochschulstart.de in order to give applicants the best possible ­offer. This automatically frees up spots that are no longer needed for other applicants. The service procedure of hochschulstart.de speeds up the admissions process, gives you a transparency over your application status and makes it ­easier for you to collaborate in the admission procedure. Find all information about admission to H-BRS here: Time schedule for application, enrollment and student affairs.

What is my course schedule and how can I register for courses?

Sometime in September, you'll find the course schedule and the course catalogue for the first semester on our website:

https://www.h-brs.de/de/sv/stundenplan 

The registration phase for courses of the first semester begins after the introduction days. Here you will hear all you need to know about choosing your courses.

In higher semesters, you will find the course schedule along with a detailed, annotated course catalogue on our course platform LEA several weeks before each semester. This allows you to personalize your course schedule ahead of time and adapt it to your interests and private schedule. The free choice of courses and different options allow you to personalize not just your course schedule, but the entire degree programme.

Are there introduction days?

We offer introduction days so you can quickly find your way around the university (usually before the beginning of classes in late September or early October). During these days, you'll be introduced to the IT systems and get all information on registering for courses and examinations, about your programme schedule and the library.

You will also take a mandatory English test, to assess whether your skills are sufficient or whether you should take a refresher class during the semester or the semester break.

You will also get to know the campus, your lecturers and contact persons at H-BRS, your fellow students and your department's student council.

After the introduction days, you'll be ready for student life!

Find all info on the introduction days here (latest infos coming around September 2020):

https://www.h-brs.de/de/sv/infos-fuer-erstsemester-nachhaltige-sozialpolitik (page available in German only)

When does the semester start and end?

Roughly speaking, winter semester classes start in October and end in February. In the summer semester, they usually start in April and end in July. The semester break has two examination phases. You can find all important dates for the semester here.

Can I study abroad?

Studying abroad makes sense in the fifth semester, since here you will mostly have courses in your specialization and electives (such as language classes), which you can choose as you wish. This combination makes it easier to transfer course credit earned abroad.

Studying abroad has many benefits, and we will support you. It doesn't just improve your language skills, but also expands your horizon. You'll have the chance to really live in another country instead of just travelling as a tourist. Studying at another university also gives you a new perspective on your subject. In addition to or instead of studying abroad, you can also complete an internship abroad.

What can I do after graduation?

Social policy is a broad field and offers many opportunities. While still studying, you'll have the chance to focus on your preferences (society, business, communication), complete an internship to gain real-life experience, and make contacts in Germany and abroad.

If you plan to start working right after your bachelor's degree, you can find academic or political positions in the social policy field. Potential employers include ministries, social insurance agencies, political parties, labour unions, associations, foundations, NGOs, media companies, consulting firms, or educational/research institutions.

If you plan to start a post-graduate degree, the department offers an international English-language master's programme in Analysis and Design of Social Protection Systems.

Any more questions? Don't hesitate to contact us!

Your Sustainable Social Policy Team