International Social Work Diversity and Inclusion – 31st August until 11th of September 2026, Osnabrück (Germany) International Social Work specialisation The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES‑SO Valais-Wallis, Sierre), Hochschule Osnabrück (Germany), and Malmö University (Sweden) jointly offer a three‑module specialisation in International Social Work. The aim is to reflect upon and compare international theories and practices on selected topics in social work in Germany, Sweden and Switzerland, combining lectures, field visits and international student exchange. The specialisation focuses on three themes; each covered in a two‑week module at one of the partner universities: Module 1: Children’s Rights – 29th June until 10th of July 2026, Sierre (Switzerland) This module addresses the international, historical and legal framework of child protection (e.g. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, national laws), the challenges faced by children in need of protection, and the specific situation of migrant children. It includes visits to research institutions, political bodies and social work facilities in the field of child protection. Module 2: Diversity and Inclusion – 31st August until 11th of September 2026, Osnabrück (Germany) The Osnabrück module (described in detail below) focuses on diversity, inclusion and anti‑discrimination in social work within an international learning environment. Module 3: Social Work, Social Policies and Welfare Studies – 1st of February until 12th of February 2027, Malmö (Sweden) This module deals with social policy and social work organisation in different situations from a comparative perspective. It discusses practice in culturally diverse and international environments and focuses on welfare systems, social policy and social work across themes such as children and family, ageing, migration, drug addiction, community‑based social work, methodology, disaster risk management, profession and education. Active participation in all three modules is required for the full specialisation. Purpose and content of the Diversity and Inclusion Module Diversity is key for a progressive and vibrant society. The mindset here means seeing diversity as a resource with positive potential. Dimensions such as citizenship, social background, disability and impairment, age, skin colour, gender or gender identity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, mental health, language, formal education, neurodiversity and housing all belong to the concept of diversity. Inclusion is the action of respecting, acknowledging, accepting and integrating these dimensions into organisations and society, fostering innovation, creativity and empathy. 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, topics such as migration, (post-)colonialism and racism, queerness, community‑building, transnationality and happiness are discussed in an international setting. Students are provided with the opportunity to reflect on these issues and to be part of a joint learning process within a group of students from different countries and diverse backgrounds. Learning outcome After completion of the course, students: Diversity: can define diversity and know its different dimensions. Awareness: are sensitive towards and aware of diversity. Key concepts: know the concepts of (everyday) racism, inclusion, global ethics, intersectionality and postcolonialism. Allyship and empowerment: understand the concepts of allyship and empowerment. Migration: have a deeper understanding of migration. Human rights: can refer to human rights to guide their social practice. Course details You are welcome to join this course. You will meet fellow students from different countries and diverse backgrounds, together with lecturers from different departments and countries. The course consists of: An intensive campus part in Osnabrück with eight full days within the period 1st to 10th September 2026 A presentation and a subsequent written assignment, including supervision Location: Osnabrück, Germany – Westerberg Campus Participation, accommodation and meals The module includes a range of academic and practical activities such as workshops, excursions and visits to local organisations, embedded in the International Social Work specialisation. Students from partner universities may receive support for accommodation and reduced meal costs at the Hochschule Osnabrück Mensa. External students are invited to contact the programme coordinator by email for information regarding participation conditions, accommodation options and potential support. Admission requirements English language: English language certificate equivalent to level B1 Academic background: 30 credit points in a Bachelor study programme in Social Work, Social Sciences or related studies Participation in the full specialisation is open to Bachelor students in Social Work at Hochschule Osnabrück, HES‑SO Valais-Wallis and Malmö University, as well as selected external students upon request. Oral / written exam Active participation in all three modules of the International Social Work specialisation is required. Additionally, for each of the two‑week modules, students are asked to present a specific topic and submit a learning journal of 5–6 pages (excluding cover page and references). The oral presentations are evaluated by the participating lecturers of all three universities. Applications Students from Hochschule Osnabrück and partner universities: Students should coordinate their participation directly with the head of their study programme (International Social Work). External students: External students are asked to request application information by email. For further information about the application procedure, please contact: Abigail M. Joseph-Magwood (she/her) Senior Lecturer, Hochschule Osnabrück Email: a.joseph-magwood@hs-osnabrueck.de Further information Course instructor Abigail M. Joseph-Magwood Senior Lecturer Email: a.joseph-magwood@hs-osnabrueck.de