Social Management is far more than simply managing social organisations – it is a professional response to societal challenges and the changes they bring. In this academic continuing education programme, you will explore the fundamentals of social policy, law and sociology, and reflect on their significance for contemporary Social Management. The programme focuses on topics such as the law governing non-profit organisations and employment law, healthy leadership and management, gender and diversity, as well as a critical examination of your own role as a manager.
Law, Diversity & Responsible Leadership in Social Organisations
Inseparable perspectives on successful leadership
Period:
Start: 27/11/2026
End: June 2027
Status:
Free places
Registration end:
Format:
Certificate Course
Degree:
University certificate
Credits:
5 ECTS credits
Requirements:
A degree + at least 2 years’ professional experience
Participation fee:
2,590.00 Euro (5 per cent discount for FHP alumni)
Educational leave:
Recognition in Brandenburg and Berlin
© Andrea Vollmer Social Management means thinking in economic terms without losing sight of the social mission. Our training programme is aimed at specialists and managers who wish to further develop their organisation – and who, in doing so, must continually reassess their own role as leaders.
Prof Dr Andrea SchmidtScientific Director
Leadership responsibility cannot be delegated; it must be consciously embraced. Most managers bring valuable experience to the course – after the course, they will find it easier to justify their decisions more effectively and to take a structured approach, particularly when it comes to their own role. Ultimately, this makes all the difference in a manager’s day-to-day work.
Matthias SchreckenbachScientific Director
At a glance
Social organisations are facing far-reaching social, legal and economic changes. Professionals and managers are called upon to combine social responsibility with economic activity, to apply the legal framework correctly, and to shape organisations in a way that ensures their long-term viability. At the same time, issues such as health management, gender and diversity, and the development of a sustainable organisational culture are becoming increasingly important. Professional Social Management lays the foundations for addressing these challenges competently and responsibly.
This postgraduate programme provides you with in-depth knowledge in the fields of social policy, charity law and employment law, as well as the structures and developments of the welfare state. You will learn about concepts in modern human resources and health management and explore the implications of gender and diversity management. Furthermore, you will reflect on your own role as a manager and address issues of power, ethics and professional conduct. The aim is to further develop your management and leadership skills on a sound academic basis and to apply them to current challenges in the education and social services sectors.
Key topics
- Employment law, law governing non-profit organisations, aspects of data protection
- Responsibilities of senior managers
- Diversity, inclusion and gender-sensitive leadership
- health management
- Power, ethics and professional conduct in leadership roles
How it works
- Lectures, individual and group work
- Guided discussions, self-reflection, peer groups
- Case studies, application exercises
- Examination and development of practice-oriented case studies, scenarios and situational sketches
- Incorporation of students’ practical experience
- Self-study: thorough study of literature and specialist materials, subject-related research
Target audience
Professionals in the social sector who are aiming for a leadership role or who already hold such a position:
Managing directors, HR officers, board members of associations, legal advisers, HR managers, department heads and facility managers in social organisations
Lecturers
- Prof Dr Claus Richter, Department of Social and Educational Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
- Uwe Hanf (retired), Arts Management and Cultural Work degree programme
- Mathias Schreckenbach, Academic staff member for theory and practice of social work, family/youth and programme development Social Management (M. A.), curriculum planning, University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
- Prof Dr Andrea Schmidt, Professor for social pedagogical action concepts, University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
Modules & Content
Dates & Timetable
| Module 1 | 27th – 28th of November 2026 |
| Module 2 | 29th – 30th of January 2027 |
| Module 3 | 5th – 6th of March 2027 (18th of March: online session) |
| Module 4 | 14th – 15th of May 2027 |
| Module 5 | 18th – 19th of June 2027 |
Registration and Information
ZEW – Centre for Further Education
Room
1.10
(
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Central Recognition and Recognition of Prior Learning Achievements Counselling & Coordination ZEW
Head of the Further Education Unit (ZEW)