Diversity and Inclusion in Social Work
02.–11.09.2025
Purpose and content
Diversity is key for a progressive and vibrant society. The mindset here means seeing diversity as a resource with positive potential. (Arndt, Susan & Ofuatey-Alazard, Nadja, 2021, 256). Dimensions such as citizenship, social background, people with disabilities, age, skin colour, gender, mental health, language, formal education, neurodiversity, housing, etc. all belong to the concept of diversity. Inclusion is the action of respecting, acknowledging, accepting and integrating these dimensions into an organisation or society. This fosters innovation, creativity and empathy and can lead to a more resilient and harmonious community. The module is designed for students of Social Work/Education and related studies. Through a broad mix of workshops, visits to practical settings and lectures, different topics related to „Diversity and Inclusion“, such as migration, (post-)colonialism and racism, queerness, community-building, transnationality and happiness, will be discussed in an international setting. Students are thereby provided with the opportunity to reflect on these issues and be part of a joint learning process within a group of students from different countries and with diverse backgrounds.
Learning outcome
After completion of the course students:
- can define diversity and know its different dimensions
- are sensitive towards and aware of diversity
- know the concepts of (everyday) racism, inclusion, global ethics, intersectionality and postcolonialism
- understand the concepts of allyship and empowerment
- have a deeper understanding of migration
- are able to refer to human rights, in order to guide their social practice
You are welcome to join this course, You will meet fellow students from different countries and diverse backgrounds with lecturers from different departments and countries.
The course is divided into a campus part (in Osnabrück) with 8 full days from 09.15–17.30 in two weeks (02.-11.09.2025 /arrival is on Monday 1st September 2025. Departure is on Friday 12th September 2025) a presentation and a subsequent written assignment, including supervision.
- English language certificate equivalent to English level B2
- 30 credit points in a Bachelor study-programme in Social Work, Social Sciences or related studies
For further information about the application procedure please contact Abigail M. Joseph-Magwood: a.joseph-magwood@hs-osnabrueck.de
Active participation in all three modules is required. Additionally, for each of the two-week modules, students are asked to present a specific topic during each module and submit a learning journal of 5 to 6 pages (excluding cover page and references). The oral presentations are evaluated by the participating lecturers of all three universities.
Further information
- Course instructor
Abigail M. Joseph-Magwood
E-Mail: a.joseph-magwood@hs-osnabrueck.de