The College of Social Pedagogy of the Diocese of Linz offers a wide-ranging course of initial training for people in a variety of social professions. We are committed to a comprehensive and holistic view of education. Our view is that for the social pedagogue there can be no incompatibility between profession and private life. The aim is participation in a socially just society, oriented towards human rights. We see our comprehensive training as a contribution to lifelong learning.

The  College of Social Pedagogy is oriented towards ethical standards in social work and a humanistic-Christian world view, to such values as respect for the dignity of mankind and the preservation of creation. Basic principles include the ability to think critically, work in a team, show social responsibility, take responsibility, and to open to, and respect oneself, and one’s social and physical surroundings.

Students obtain competencies which enable them to react in a professional way to changes in society and help to form them, particularly with respect to the wide variety of  ways of life, social structures, cultures and religions.

Vocational field and practice-orientation.

Our training course at the College of Social Pedagogy of the Diocese of Linz is designed to promote professionalism in the dynamic field of personality, subject competence and pedagogical challenge, particularly in connection with work with children, adolescents and adults experiencing difficulties.We place particular emphasis in all aspects of our training on a practical approach with a theoretical background. In view of the wide variety of differing social professions (e.g. educators, ambulant family care, street work, leisure activities, after-school care, social pedagogy for schools, intercultural work, working with handicapped people) our students complete, in addition to compulsory practice (after – school care centres, youth welfare) further practical work connected with their own specialised fields. Individual support and reflection are at the centre of our students’ training.

Teaching and Learning

Our daily life and work at the College of Social Pedagogy of the Diocese of Linz is characterised by respect for each other and a willingness to engage in dialogue with each other. One of our central aims is to equip out trainees with the necessary communicative, creative and problem-solving competencies. Our course content is based on the creative arts, combined with various forms of therapy, outdoor pedagogy and projects, and aims to develop the personality as a whole, to create positive attitudes to each other, all of which is relevant in all forms of social pedagogy.

Sustainable training effects are made possible through a variety of teaching methods, the use of a variety of media forms, independent learning and work, interdisciplinary and project-oriented planning, practice-orientation, individual support, responsible involvement of students in planning and transparency of assessment.

International relations.

Great value is placed on international relations at the College of Social Pedagogy of the Diocese of Linz. We support cosmopolitanism, mobility, intercultural understanding and a sense of democracy. Our institution encourages participation in partnership, exchange and mobility projects and supports international practice programmes.

Due to the above mentioned factors, our qualifications are recognised throughout Europe. We also attach great importance to communication and co-operation with other training colleges and social institutions.

Quality control and development

Standards of development in teaching and learning, working atmosphere, management, organisation of practical work and co-operation with practice institutions are ensured by regular evaluation and reflection involving students and in-service teachers. The willingness of so many to take part in further training is a reflection of the quality of our teaching staff.