Catholic and Protestant universities launch new international degree

Newman University in Birmingham has signed a partnership with the Protestant University of Applied Social Sciences (Ludwigsburg, Germany) to offer what is believed to be the world's first international degree in the social work sector with an emphasis on children, young people and families in multi-cultural communities.

The dual award in Working with Children, Young People and Families and International Social Work will be completed over seven semesters with students from both universities spending two semesters at the partner university.

Taught entirely in English, the programme will also see students undertaking international work placements and receiving a European Social Worker qualification at the end of the course.

Graham Brotherton, Programme Leader Working with Children, Young People and Families at Newman University, said: "This is a truly ground-breaking programme and we're really excited by the opportunities it offers students, as well as the organisations and clients they will work with in future.

"Working in the social sector is an ever-evolving, challenging career choice and the broader an understanding we can help our students develop, the better.

"Within the social sector, we often talk about the value of working alongside complementary professionals to build a full picture of client's circumstances and
the support they need. With the development of this course, we are taking that approach to the next level, helping students develop a stronger international
perspective that will serve them well as issues such as growing levels of migration add another layer of complexity to the role.

"With the dual award course, students will always be studying alongside international peers, challenging accepted 'norms' in the profession and sharing
ideas and best practice across international borders."

Prof Dr Heike Stammer, Head of the Social Work Department at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Ludwigsburg, added: "The international degree
responds to the growing need for professional social workers who are equipped with competences relevant to the political and cultural contexts that various clientele groups currently bring to the European continent.

"Our institutional resources and organizational network will be optimised to guarantee that students are provided with learning experiences that prepare them for the professional challenges faced by social service agencies as they innovate on models of good practice in serving diverse communities."

The dual award programme begins in September 2016. For further information, visit:
www.newman.ac.uk/single-and-combined-honours/4371/working-with-children-young-people-and-families-international-social-work?1=mor