Degree Programme in Social Services

DEGREE PROGRAMME IN SOCIAL SERVICES (taught in finnish)

Degree
Bachelor of Social Services
Title
Social worker (Sosionomi (AMK))
Degree options
Option in social pedagogy for work with children and young people
Option in social pedagogy for work with adults
Credit requirement
210 ECTS credits (hereinfter op)

The objective in education in social services is to train students with a broad professional competence appropriate for various tasks in the social field. It is a prerequisite of a broad professional competence that students should be familiar with those human, social, socio-cultural and social structure-related factors having bearing on people’s well-being and functioning ability. During their studies students will develop their functioning skills to support individuals’, families’ and communities’ quality of life and coping abilities in collaboration with various helping organs. The objective is that students should achieve a level of professional competence in which high-quality theoretical knowledge is combined with high-quality practical skills.

On the degree programme in social services, in addition to completing many-faceted and multidisciplinary basic studies, students learn about various forms of work and action models in the social field by means of which various actors endeavour to promote people’s well-being. Students learn not only the dominant working practices but also to assess, research and develop both work in the social field and themselves as workers in that field. The aim is that students should construct the basis of a sound professional expertise. This enables them to develop into professionals in the social field and to successfully respond to the demands of working life, present and future.

On this degree programme the overall objective is that ‘knowing what’ and ‘knowing how’ should fit smoothly together. Periods of practical training form an integral part of education in social services. During such periods theoretical knowledge is put into practice and experiences gained in practical working life take shape as a firm component of the students’ theoretical knowledge base. The students’ role in studies is active and requires initiative: students must take responsibility for their own learning. Their development of their professional competence is goal-oriented and departs from their own premises. The task of the teacher is to support and guide students’ learning processes. Teaching takes account of the individual and social dimension of the learning process. Effort is invested in making the learning environment stimulating, realistic and challenging. Wherever possible things are learned in their real and natural contexts. The purpose of this is that what has been learned should not be divorced from its context of use.

Degree option in social pedagogy for work with children and young people

The purpose of this option is to equip students with the capability to support children and young people of various ages and their families and organisations. Studies focus on the following areas of special expertise: early childhood education and care, special education for children and young people, child protection, social work with young people and pedagogical work at school.

Degree option in social pedagogy for work with adults

The purpose of this option is to equip students with the capability to support, arrange services for and guide adults at various life stages, their families and immediate contacts. Studies focus on ageing, social work with disabled and handicapped people, mental health, various addictions, criminality or special fields concerned with multiculturalism and work with citizens.