The study programme Missionary and Charitable Work belongs to the field of Social Work and is offered in both full-time and part-time forms across three levels of higher education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral studies.
This programme represents an alternative to traditional social work studies, with a strong interdisciplinary character. It connects knowledge from social sciences, theology, cultural anthropology, and healthcare. Its main goal is to prepare professionals for a holistic approach to individuals and communities facing social exclusion or at risk of marginalisation.
The programme emphasises the integration of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and Gospel values, preparing graduates for qualified work in social, missionary, humanitarian, and development activities. Graduates are equipped not only for work in Slovakia but also in international contexts, especially in developing countries.
A student of the Bachelor’s programme in Missionary and Charitable Work gains systematic knowledge in key areas of Social Work and understands interdisciplinary connections in missiology, Christian social teaching, charitable, and humanitarian work.
Students learn to synthesise knowledge from fundamental theories, methods, and forms of social, charitable, and humanitarian work, both in direct and indirect contact with target client groups.
The curriculum also includes foundations of missiology, philosophy, ethics, sociology, psychology, pedagogy, law, geography, cultural and social anthropology, social policy, the social security system, and social insurance.
Students gain insight into the functioning of social services, child protection systems, social guardianship, and mechanisms of assistance in material need. They learn to identify the specifics of poverty and social exclusion and understand concepts of social inclusion in an interdisciplinary context.
The programme develops the ability to work with the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of a person. Graduates apply a holistic approach that respects the integrity of the individual in both personal and social contexts.
Master’s students acquire extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of social work theories, methods, and forms, which they can apply in direct work with diverse client groups and in analysing and evaluating social policy concepts.
They gain deeper knowledge of models and methods of missionary work applicable in both domestic and international settings, including culturally sensitive environments.
Students master research methodology and statistics in social work, enabling them to plan, implement, and evaluate research projects and applied research in practice.
They also gain knowledge in public health, nursing, and infectious diseases, which is especially important in humanitarian and development contexts.
Graduates are able to take professional positions on processes in social, missionary, charitable, and humanitarian work and contribute to their improvement and innovation in accordance with ethics, professionalism, and social justice values.
Bachelor’s graduates may work as social work assistants in areas connected to key sectors of public administration, such as:
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Justice
They find employment in social service institutions, childcare facilities, organisations and foundations focused on charitable, humanitarian, and missionary activities, and in field social work projects in Slovakia and abroad, especially in developing regions.
They may also work in project administration, resocialisation programmes, NGOs, church organisations, and public institutions focused on social services.
Master’s graduates are qualified professionals prepared for all areas of social, charitable, missionary, humanitarian, and development practice.
They may work as:
Social workers
Missionary and charitable workers
Humanitarian and development professionals
Social counsellors
Managers in social institutions
They find employment in state administration, local government, social service facilities, migration offices, child protection centres, correctional institutions, re-education centres, and healthcare facilities.
Graduates are also prepared to participate in humanitarian and development cooperation projects at national and international levels.
They are capable of initiating and leading civic associations, non-profit organisations, and social projects. With competencies in supervision, leadership, management, and project coordination, they are ready to lead teams and create sustainable solutions in social and charitable services.
A special emphasis is placed on community work and community development, contributing to social cohesion and active citizenship.
Professional practice is mandatory in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year, usually during the winter semester.
Practice takes place in public administration institutions, social service facilities, child protection centres, as well as missionary, charitable, and humanitarian organisations.
The required extent is 75 hours per semester, including consultations and self-study. Active participation must be confirmed by the contracted institution, and a practice report must be submitted.
Professional practice is mandatory, usually in the first year during both winter and summer semesters.
The practice focuses on client work, with supervised client work during the summer semester.
The required extent is 72 hours per semester, including consultations and self-study. Participation must be confirmed and documented through a practice report.
The main requirement is completed secondary education with a school-leaving exam (maturita).
Applicants must submit:
A completed application form
A certified copy of the school-leaving certificate
Copies of final school reports and grade transcripts
CV (signed)
Recognition documents for foreign secondary education (if applicable)
If the number of applicants exceeds capacity, an entrance test may be required, focusing on general social science knowledge.
Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (Bc.) with a state examination.
Required documents include:
Completed application form
Certified copy of diploma
Certified copy of state examination certificate
Transcript of completed courses
CV (signed)
Recognition documents for foreign university education (if applicable)
Admission decisions are issued by the rector or dean. Upon receiving the acceptance decision, the applicant gains the right to enroll.