Diakoniewissenschaftliches Institut Heidelberg (DWI)
The Institute for the Study of Christian Social Service (DWI) is part of the Faculty of Theology of Heidelberg University, Germany. It focuses on research and teaching concerning principles and the development of the practice of Diaconia and Christian welfare organizations.
Since its foundation in 1954, the Institute for the Study of Christian Social Service has developed a strong research orientation – for many years being the only diaconal research institute directly linked to a university in Germany. Research results are regularly published either in our own book series (several monographs per year) or in our annual yearbook (DWI-Jahrbuch). The director of the institute, Prof. Dr. Johannes Eurich, is also member of the editorial board of the international journal Diaconia Journal for the Study of Christian Social Practice .
Diaconia research at DWI is embedded in a multidisciplinary and multifaceted research framework. DWI is closely connected to other institutes and faculties at Heidelberg University (e.g. The Centre for Social Investment, the Department of Psychological Aging Research or the Faculty of Behavioural and Cultural Studies) as well as to other international universities. DWI is also a member of the European Diaconia Research Network and has hosted the Third International Conference for the Study and Development of Diaconia from 23.-25.9.2010 in Heidelberg, Germany.
There are currently several alternative ways to study at the DWI.
All courses offered are open to all students regardless of faculty or discipline. Courses can be taken as integral part of one’s studies or purely out of personal interest.
The second alternative is the so-called ‘Schwerpunktstudium’, which is a special set of courses for future pastors and co-workers in the church-based social work. The courses convey a basic diaconal competence. They are rounded off by a certificate in diaconal studies.
An offer to post-graduates is the European Master’s program ‘Diaconia and Christian Social Practice’: After four semesters students leave the institute with a postgraduate diploma in diaconal studies.
Since 2005, the DWI also offers two Master’s degree programmes that have been designed to provide advanced training for professional workers employed in the welfare system:
Professionals can graduate in ‘Corporate Governance in the Welfare System’ or choose to concentrate on ‘Leadership in Church and Diaconia’.
Located at the heart of the old town of Heidelberg, the Institute for the Study of Christian Social Service provides a library specialized on Diaconia and welfare with more than 20.000 volumes as well as offices for the altogether 16 staff members (4 full time and 12 part time).
