Theories of social work and professional ethics: lifeworld orientation, triple mandate, the IFSW definition and ethical case reflection, explained clearly.
Online self-study course for students of social work and related degree programmes, and for newly qualified practitioners who want to give a theoretical basis for their practice – 8 modules, about 8 hours, at your own pace, with a confirmation of participation once all modules have been completed. Sources in APA 7, legal position as of September 2026.
The modules:
- Why theories? Subject matter, explanation and justifying practice
- Historical roots: from poor relief to profession
- Profession, definition and double mandate: help and control
- Lifeworld orientation and coping with life compared
- Human rights profession and the triple mandate according to Staub-Bernasconi
- Systemic and ecosocial perspectives and the capabilities approach
- The DBSH professional ethics and ethical case reflection in dilemmas
- Transferring theory to practice and critical perspectives
📘 Background reading (in German): Academic work in your studies: good practice, citing and AI
Self-study without supervision, assignments or evaluation of learning progress by instructors; the voluntary self-reflection is for your own orientation only. Your confirmation of participation becomes available once you have marked all modules as done yourself.