Master International Social Work Full-time
The program starts 1 September 2026
Do you want to understand global social challenges and help create meaningful change? In this 1-year English-taught master program International Social Work you explore how social problems are connected across countries and cultures — and how to design real, community-based solutions.
Why study International Social Work at HAN University of Applied Sciences?
International orientation
The master International Social Work is the first and only full-time professional master focused on international social professionals – taught entirely in English.
Strong global connections
The program has strong ties with the IFSW, IASSW and ICSW, to international NGO’s and field practices around the world. We are also linked to the Global Agenda for Social Work. You get to join a global network of social work professions.
Practice-based and research-driven
You design and carry out your own transformative project in a real community. You combine critical thinking with practical strategies for social impact.
International learning community
Study with classmates from different cultural backgrounds. Strengthen your intercultural communication and develop ethical, context-sensitive practice.
Critical and empowering approach
You explore perspectives such as feminist theory, postcolonial studies and eco-social thinking. These help you recognize power structures and become a reflective and ethical professional.
Online Open Day
Get the full picture before you apply. At the HAN Online Open Day on 17 January 2026, you can explore your future degree in detail - study load, career prospects, student life, and more. Plus, join our general chat to ask about housing, visas, and what it really costs to live and study in the Netherlands. Don't miss this chance to connect with HAN students, lecturers and ask all of your questions.
What do you learn?
In this master, you learn to analyze social issues with a critical lens, understand how power operates across contexts and recognize how global challenges shape local realities. You design and carry out your own community-engaged research project and learn to collaborate respectfully across cultures, while questioning harmful practices and imagining real alternatives to unjust systems. You also develop your transformative potential: reflecting on your own position, unlearning biases, and practicing responsible global citizenship. In a year, you grow into a social worker who takes meaningful action.
What can you do with this master?
As a graduate, you become a critical practitioner who can navigate complex social challenges across borders. You're equipped to work in diverse settings - from local communities to international NGOs and everything in between - always with a focus on social justice, inclusion, and transformative change. Whether you work locally or globally, you bring a reflective, ethical and transformative approach to every context.
Why study in the Netherlands?
Planning to study in the Netherlands? The Netherlands has a large population of international students so you won’t feel alone. In fact, 1 in 10 students at Dutch universities is an international student. Why do so many international students pursue their education at universities in Holland? Because the Netherlands has excellent, affordable higher education. It also has a thriving economy (17th in the world) so there are plenty of job opportunities. What’s more, the Dutch are open-minded and almost everyone speaks English.
Dutch way of learning
The atmosphere in a Dutch classroom is quite informal and your lecturers are easy to talk to. In fact, at Dutch universities like HAN, you’re seen as a partner in the learning process. Class sizes are small and your lecturers encourage you to actively participate in class. To ask questions. To give your own opinion. They also stimulate you to be creative. And to discover things for yourself.
Discover the city of Nijmegen
Nijmegen is a lively university town near the German border. It has a great atmosphere. Just wander through its beautiful old streets and you’ll feel its rich history. Looking for a charming pub or restaurant, a bit of culture or a great night out? Nijmegen has all this and more. Keen on sport or nature? Nijmegen has loads of sports clubs and is surrounded by beautiful forests full of hiking and bicycle trails. Safe and friendly student cities are just one of the 7 reasons to study at HAN.
The location
Contact us
Got a question? First check our FAQ. Can't find the answer to your question there? Contact us at ASK HAN. We're happy to help!
Program
Find out more about the structure of this program and subject details.
