Students’ perspectives on studying social work online in Spain

Abstract

Online higher education has undergone a substantial expansion in recent years, driven by the rapid advancement of digital technologies and broader global dynamics. This study aims to examine the preferences and motivations of Spanish students and graduates for enrolling in the Bachelor in social work (BSW) and the Bridge Course to the Social Work (BCSW) offered in an online learning format. An exploratory mixed-methods design was employed to address the research objectives. Data were collected through 21 semi-structured interviews with students representing diverse academic years, age groups, and work-life balance. A structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic information from both current students and program alumni. Findings indicate that the flexibility inherent in online education constitutes a significant advantage for participants, enabling them to balance academic responsibilities with professional, personal, and family commitments. The absence of commuting requirements and the ability to study at any time and from any location were consistently highlighted as critical factors influencing their choice of modality. Participants also shared their individual preferences regarding the organization of their study routines. The study concludes by discussing the distinctive features of online social work education and its potential to support the development of key professional competencies in the field.