University of Applied Sciences for Social Work and Education

What University of Applied Sciences for Social Work and Education does

The University of Applied Sciences for Social Work and Education (Hochschule für angewandte Pädagogik, HSAP) is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences located in Berlin, founded in 2013. It operates on a non-profit basis and delivers dual and part-time B.A. and M.A. degree programs in Social Work and Pedagogy, alongside a portfolio of certificate-based continuing-education (Weiterbildung) programs that carry ECTS credits. The institution is anchored in the Berlin-Brandenburg region and positioned within the German applied-sciences segment, where degree-program funding flows through Berlin's public higher-education framework and private providers compete on specialization, schedule flexibility, and proximity to practice employers.

HSAP's academic platform runs on Moodle-based digital learning infrastructure, supporting both its hybrid dual-study cohorts and stand-alone certificate learners. The affiliated FSAP research institute drives the institution's scholarly output, with more than 200 publications attributed to faculty and a track record of externally funded projects including BMBF-sponsored PaedBez (2020-2024) and TOBIS Verbundprojekt, plus the Robert Bosch Stiftung-funded REMI partnership. Multiple faculty hold doctoral qualifications, and the institution has received recognitions including the DGfE Wissenschaftspreis (2019), the Förderpreis (2020), and the 'audit familiengerechte hochschule' certification (2018).

HSAP's business model combines two revenue streams: state-funded degree-program economics under the German Fachhochschule funding framework, and direct tuition from its Weiterbildung catalog, where individual modules are priced at €275-€850 and bundle packages (Zertifikatsprogramme) range from €1,375 to €2,125. Distribution relies on a regional practice-partner network (Paritätische Akademie, Serviceagentur Ganztag, ASH Berlin collaborations) and emerging international academic ties, most notably with ETSUP Paris. Recent strategic activity centers on portfolio expansion into digital-inclusion pedagogy content and on navigating an announced 2026 senior faculty departure to TU Dresden.

Name

University of Applied Sciences for Social Work and Education

Legal name

Hochschule für soziale Arbeit und Pädagogik (HSAP)

Website

https://hsap.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Short description

HSAP Berlin is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences offering dual and part-time B.A. and M.A. programs in Social Work and Pedagogy, plus ECTS-bearing continuing-education certificates, serving working professionals and employers across the Berlin-Brandenburg region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Continuing Education (Weiterbildung) Program Fees: HSAP generates revenue through tuition fees for its non-degree continuing education programs aimed at pedagogical professionals. Programs are priced per module or as a full package, with modules ranging from €275 to €850 and full program packages from €1,375 to €2,125. Programs are offered online with flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

HSAP is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences in Berlin that delivers dual and part-time Bachelor and Master degree programs in Social Work, Childhood Pedagogy, Special Needs Pedagogy, Inclusive Education, and School Social Work, alongside ECTS-bearing continuing education certificates for working pedagogical professionals. Courses are delivered in a hybrid format combining asynchronous Moodle-based online learning with in-person weekend seminars, with the dual track enabling students to be employed by partner schools and welfare organizations while studying.

Product overview

HSAP is a private university of applied sciences offering a portfolio of dual and part-time Bachelor and Master degree programs in Social Work, Pedagogy, and related fields (B.A. Soziale Arbeit with specializations in Full-Day School, Child and Youth Welfare, and Childhood and Family; B.A. Kindheitspädagogik; B.A. Heilpädagogik; M.A. Inklusive Bildung; M.A. Schulsozialarbeit), primarily delivered in Berlin. Complementing the degree programs is a structured continuing education (Weiterbildung) arm delivering academic certificate programs (with ECTS credits) for pedagogical professionals, including 'Sprachkompetenz fördern' (25 ECTS Master level), 'Sprachbildung 360°' (25 ECTS Bachelor level), 'Kinder stärken', and 'Mathematik im Leben der Kinder' — all delivered online via Moodle with in-person seminar components. Research is anchored by the FSAP institute.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Forschungsinstitut für Soziale Arbeit und Pädagogik (FSAP): Research institute for Social Work and Pedagogy affiliated with HSAP, conducting research projects in areas such as Kita-Sozialarbeit, Ganztagsschule, and TOBIS.

Products and services

• B.A. Soziale Arbeit (Dual) State-accredited dual-format Bachelor program in Social Work with specialization tracks in Full-Day School (Ganztagsschule), Child and Youth Welfare (Kinder- und Jugendhilfe), and Childhood and Family (Kindheit und Familie). Designed for working professionals who study while employed by partner schools, Kitas, or welfare organizations.
• B.A. Kindheitspädagogik (Dual) State-accredited dual-format Bachelor program in Childhood Pedagogy for working professionals in early childhood education settings, combining academic study with supervised practice at partner Kitas and educational institutions.
• B.A. Heilpädagogik (berufsbegleitend) State-accredited part-time Bachelor program in Special Needs Pedagogy offered in cooperation with the Paritätische Akademie, enabling employed professionals in the welfare sector to earn their degree while working.
• B.A. Soziale Arbeit (berufsbegleitend) State-accredited part-time Bachelor program in Social Work offered in cooperation with the Paritätische Akademie, enabling employed social work professionals to earn their degree while working.
• M.A. Inklusive Bildung State-accredited Master program in Inclusive Education, with lateral and cross-entry options into Berlin schools for educators seeking advanced qualification in inclusive pedagogy.
• M.A. Schulsozialarbeit State-accredited Master program in School Social Work for professionals working in school social work and related educational welfare contexts.
• Sprachkompetenz fördern – Continuing Education Program Three-module continuing education program (25 ECTS on Master level, €2,125 for full package) for pedagogical professionals on inclusive language education, multilingualism, literacy, and resilience in primary schools. Delivered online via Moodle with weekend seminar days over 12 months.
• Sprachbildung 360° – Continuing Education Program Three-module continuing education program (25 ECTS on Bachelor level, €1,375 for full package) on language development, aesthetic-cultural education, and digital competencies. Completed online over 6 months, awarding the 'Zertifikat Sprachbildung und ästhetisch-digitale Lernwelten' certificate.
• Kinder stärken – Continuing Education Program Continuing education program for pedagogical professionals focused on supporting children with additional support needs, providing professional competencies for working with children who require enhanced educational or developmental support.
• Mathematik im Leben der Kinder – Continuing Education Program Continuing education program for pedagogical professionals on understanding, supporting, and digitally designing mathematics learning for children in early childhood and primary education settings.
• Forschungsinstitut für Soziale Arbeit und Pädagogik (FSAP) Research institute affiliated with HSAP conducting applied research across the institution's subject areas, including Kita-Sozialarbeit, Ganztagsschule, and the TOBIS project, producing over 200 publications spanning inclusion, pedagogy, digital education, school development, and community work.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dual study graduates earn a state-recognized B.A. degree while maintaining employment, effectively eliminating the choice between work and study.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Paritätische Akademie (Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHSAP cooperates with the Paritätische Akademie for two part-time (berufsbegleitend) degree programs: B.A. Heilpädagogik and B.A. Soziale Arbeit. The Paritätische Akademie provides the practice-based framework and institutional support for these programs, enabling HSAP to offer recognized qualifications for working professionals in the social welfare sector.
• ETSUP (École supérieure de Travail social et Éducation) ParisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner institution in Paris, France. HSAP students of Childhood Pedagogy (Kindheitspädagogik) conducted a study trip to Paris visiting ETSUP and local early childhood education facilities. Reciprocal visits from French partners to HSAP occur. Exchange covers comparative pedagogy and early childhood education systems between Germany and France.
• Sozialpädagogisches Fortbildungsinstitut Berlin-Brandenburg (SFBB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSFBB co-hosts the online event series 'Praxis trifft Wissenschaft' (Practice Meets Science) with HSAP, targeting school social workers, teachers, and educators in Berlin. The series presents practice research projects and theses by HSAP dual/part-time students, facilitating knowledge transfer between practice and academia. Jointly organized with Roman Riedt (SFBB) and Prof. Rebekka Bendig (HSAP).
• Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin (ASH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of the annual Berliner Pädagog:innentag together with HSAP and the Serviceagentur Ganztag Berlin. The event brings together ~200-350 aspiring pedagogical professionals to engage with inclusive whole-day schooling and multiprofessional teamwork topics.
• Serviceagentur Ganztag Berlin (SAG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer with HSAP and ASH of the Berliner Pädagog:innentag. SAG also collaborates with HSAP on the online event series 'Praxis trifft Wissenschaft' and participates in the Ganztagskongress 2025.
• TOBIS Verbundprojekt (Transprofessionelle Organisationsentwicklung begleiten)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHSAP coordinates the nationwide TOBIS project on transprofessional collaboration between school providers (Schulträger) and digital change/OER. Partners include multiple universities and over 50 school provider organizations across Germany. Funded by BMBF, the project supports digital school development through open educational resources and transprofessional cooperation.
• All Means All (International Inclusion Education Project)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational project on inclusive education with partners from Turkey, Iran, and Ireland. HSAP faculty (Prof. Dr. Anne Piezunka) co-authored a chapter on children's well-being in inclusive education alongside international collaborators. The project produced a multimedia handbook for teacher training.
• Wikimedia DeutschlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Dominik Scholl from Wikimedia Deutschland conducted a guest session for HSAP students on the Wikipedia/Wikimedia ecosystem, open knowledge, and AI implications for education within the module 'Inklusion – Digitalität – Bildung'.
• Education Innovation LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHSAP students visited the Education Innovation Lab to explore the 'Digital Sparks' learning platform, which addresses future topics such as mental health, climate change, AI, and futures literacy for school students. The visit was part of the module 'Inklusion – Digitalität – Bildung'.
• Stiftung Barrierefrei Kommunizieren!minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarola Werning from the foundation conducted a seminar session for HSAP students on assistive technologies (eye-tracking, screen readers, live translation tools) as part of the Inklusion – Digitalität – Bildung module, demonstrating how everyday smartphones contain accessibility features.
• Berliner Schulen as Dual Practice PartnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNumerous Berliner schools (Ganztagsschulen) serve as dual practice partners for HSAP's dual study programs in Social Work and Childhood Pedagogy. Students are employed by these schools while studying at HSAP, creating a three-way partnership model.
• Unionhilfswerk BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnionhilfswerk Berlin regularly hosts HSAP student excursions and field visits to its homeless shelters and housing facilities across Berlin (Hellersdorf, Wedding, Bohnsdorf). Students gain practical exposure to social work in housing support and homeless services.
• Nachbarschaftshaus Urbanstraße e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity center serving as a field placement and excursion destination for HSAP social work students studying Gemeinwesenarbeit (community work). HSAP students learn about empowerment, participation, and neighborhood development through direct engagement with the center's programs.
• tjfbg (Institut für Teamaktion und Bildung)minorStrategic or Co-development Partnertjfbg organized the international study trip to Paris for HSAP Kindheitspädagogik students, handling logistics and on-site coordination. DFJW (Deutsch-Französisches Jugendwerk) co-funded the exchange.
• Freie Universität BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProf. Dr. Christin Tellisch completed her Master of Arts in Childhood Studies and Children's Rights at Freie Universität Berlin (2010-2012). The university is also mentioned as a participant in the 3. Berliner Pädagog:innentag.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin (HWR Berlin): Large public Berlin Hochschule with applied social sciences and public administration programs. Serves a similar Berlin-based student pool for vocational and applied degree programs, but as a public institution offering tuition-free degrees.
• IU Internationale Hochschule: Germany's largest private university with extensive online and dual study programs, including social work and education tracks. Comparable in offering flexible/dual formats but vastly larger scale and broader portfolio.
• FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management: Large private Hochschule specializing in berufsbegleitend dual and part-time degree programs for working professionals. Competes with HSAP for the same employed-student demographic but focused primarily on business/management disciplines.
• SRH Hochschule Berlin (SRH Holding): Private state-recognized Hochschule within the national SRH group, offering a much broader portfolio (engineering, business, design, social work) including therapy and social-work-adjacent programs. Far larger scale but overlapping on social-work pedagogy offerings.

Regional players

• Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg (DHBW): Germany's pioneering state-level dual-study university. Operates the most established dual-education model in Germany and serves as the reference architecture for HSAP's dual format, though it is public and located in a different Bundesland.

Direct peers

• Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin: State-recognized Berlin university of applied sciences offering B.A. and M.A. programs in Social Work, Pedagogy, and Health. Directly comparable to HSAP in mission, location, and degree portfolio, and co-organizes the Berliner Pädagog:innentag with HSAP.
• Evangelische Hochschule Berlin (EHB): Protestant-affiliated state-recognized university in Berlin offering degrees in Social Work, Education, Nursing, and Health. Competes for the same Berlin-based student pool seeking social-work and pedagogy credentials.
• Katholische Hochschule für Sozialwesen Berlin (KHSB): Catholic-affiliated state-recognized Berlin Hochschule specializing exclusively in social work, social pedagogy, and Heilpädagogik. Most direct comparable in both mission and narrow scope of programs.

Emerging players

• IB Hochschule für Gesundheit und Soziales: Private, state-recognized Hochschule within the IB Group focused on health and social professions. Comparable niche positioning (private, mission-driven, social-work/health focus) but operates from a different site and is part of a larger national group.

Others

• Paritätische Akademie Berlin: Continuing education and qualification arm of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband. Co-develops HSAP's B.A. Heilpädagogik and B.A. Soziale Arbeit berufsbegleitend programs and serves a parallel continuing-education audience in the welfare sector.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/people/Hochschule-f%C3%BCr-Soziale-Arbeit-und-P%C3%A4dagogik-HSAP/100089540530959
• Instagraminstagram.com/hsap_hochschule

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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