Bachelor of Social Services, Full-time studies: SOS27A
Code: SOS26
- Degree title
- Bachelor of Social Services
- Credits
- 210 ects
- Duration
- 3.5 years (210 cr)
- Start semester
- Spring 2027
- Teaching language
- Finnish
Descriptions
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEGREE PROGRAM AND AREAS OF EXPERTISE
The core competencies of a Bachelor of Social Services (AMK) are interpersonal skills and interaction. The task of a social worker is to promote the overall well-being and social security of clients. Social phenomena are examined broadly through the lens of the individual, the community, and the cultural framework. In their work, social workers (AMK) guide and support people of all ages in their growth, development, and strengthening of social functioning. The focus of the work is on the client's own everyday life and lifestyle, the client's participation in society, and sustainable well-being.
At the beginning of their studies, students are provided with tools for higher education, such as digital skills, communication skills, and guidance on written work. The first year of studies focuses on familiarizing students with the key knowledge base of the field, such as well-being, participation, growth and development, and multiculturalism. Students also gain an understanding of the core theories of social work and key legislation. Through their studies, students will gain an understanding of the service structures of a welfare society and the social security it provides.
The second year focuses on developing and deepening professional interaction skills and how to utilize them in client work. Students gain exposure to group guidance, the significance of culture for human well-being, and how structural social work is reflected in the work of a social worker. Through these studies, students will increase their knowledge of methods that promote inclusion and social security.
Third-year studies focus on research and development work in the social sector. Students begin the thesis process, and the course selection enables them to acquire skills in information retrieval, social research methods, evaluation and development, and reporting. Students also learn about service management and human resource management issues from a social services perspective.
The studies include 45 credits of guided practical training that promotes professional skills. The practical training is divided between different academic years.
Development of artificial intelligence skills
Students develop their artificial intelligence literacy and skills in using artificial intelligence tools throughout their studies and learn to use artificial intelligence responsibly in social work and as a learning aid in information retrieval, communication, and development work. Artificial intelligence skills are included in the different stages of the studies and support the student's professional growth, the development of critical thinking, and working life skills.
Responsible and sustainable development
Responsibility and sustainable development are reflected in the studies throughout the program. Students will familiarize themselves with the principles of sustainable development and learn to apply them as part of their working life skills in their own field. They also learn about key legislation and guidelines, commitments, and regulations that guide their activities, and understand the goals of the green transition and its impact on social work.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE PROFILE
The Bachelor of Social Services (AMK) program provides a strong theoretical foundation for high-level professional skills and high-quality work in the social services field. The broad-based education enables employment in a variety of client groups and services. The degree does not offer specialization options, but SEAMK's social services education provides opportunities for professional growth and research and development skills. Students have the opportunity to complete advanced studies in early childhood education as part of their optional professional studies. Students can also include courses that deepen their professional skills from other universities of applied sciences in their personal study plan as part of their optional professional studies.
The studies as a whole take into account the general competencies agreed upon by the universities of applied sciences and the professional competencies developed in cooperation with all universities of applied sciences offering social services education in Finland. Competencies: ethical competence, client work competence, social services system competence, critical and participatory social competence, research-based development and innovation competence, and work community, management, and entrepreneurship competence.
PEDAGOGICAL MODELS
The Bachelor of Social Services degree program uses a socio-constructivist approach to learning as its pedagogical background theory. Student learning is promoted through a variety of student-centered and experiential, individual and collaborative, and exploratory learning methods. A wide range of learning methods are used: theoretical studies in the form of lectures, digital learning environments, small group exercises, simulation exercises, and practice in various methods. Some of the studies can be completed as online studies, distance learning, or contact teaching. The studies also include independent study. Studies can also be completed abroad as part of an exchange program in accordance with the student's personal study plan. Students can also complete their studies in SEAMK's multidisciplinary SEAMK Project Expert program and in the Wellbeing Labs student work learning environment. Students have the opportunity to include freely selectable studies and optional professional studies in their studies in accordance with their personal study plan.
Development
The development of the curriculum takes into account current development challenges in the social and health care sector, the results of research, and the competence needs expressed by working life. In addition, the results of national competence needs surveys and information produced by various research and development bodies on competence development needs are utilized. The curriculum development process also takes into account student feedback from the AVOP survey of graduates, course feedback, and feedback from the student cooperation group, which meets regularly. The degree program works in close cooperation with working life actors.
Objective
The learning outcomes are based on the general competencies of polytechnic education and the field-specific competencies of the Bachelor of Social Services (AMK) program, which are common to all higher education institutions offering social services education. The learning outcomes are detailed in the course descriptions.
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Show study timings by semester, study year or period
| Code | Name | Credits (cr) | 2026-2027 | 2027-2028 | 2028-2029 | 2029-2030 | Spring 2027 | Autumn 2027 | Spring 2028 | Autumn 2028 | Spring 2029 | Autumn 2029 | Spring 2030 | 3. / 2027 | 4. / 2027 | 5. / 2027 | 1. / 2027 | 2. / 2027 | 3. / 2028 | 4. / 2028 | 5. / 2028 | 1. / 2028 | 2. / 2028 | 3. / 2029 | 4. / 2029 | 5. / 2029 | 1. / 2029 | 2. / 2029 | 3. / 2030 | 4. / 2030 | 5. / 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOS26-1001 |
SEAMK'S COMMON BASIC STUDIES
(Choose all ) |
15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1002 |
Study skills
(Choose all ) |
10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00DM02 | Academic Studies and Career Planning | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00EA97 | Digital Competence | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00DM04 | Communication Skills | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1003 |
Entrepreneurship and innovation
(Choose all ) |
5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00EA92 | Entrepreneurship as Part of Expertise | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00DM01 | Innovations and Development | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1004 |
BASIC STUDIES IN THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN ELDERLY CARE
(Choose all ) |
52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STPO301 | English | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ST00DS96 | Swedish | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| VIRKARUKI | Swedish Skills of the Staff of Public Organizations, written | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| VIRKARUSU | Swedish Skills of the Staff of Public Organizations, oral | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DT97 | Introduction to Social Welfare Legislation | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU02 | Interaction in social work | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU05 | Social Work Ethics | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU06 | The welfare society yesterday, today, tomorrow | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU23 | Principles of the social security system | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1029 |
Knowledge base in the social sector
(Choose all ) |
26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU16 | The knowledge base of social welfare | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU13 | Lifelong growth, development and socialization | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU14 | Cultural diversity | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU15 | Socially inclusive society | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU04 | Sustainable well-being and information searching | 5 | 5 | 5 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY12 | Practical Training: Orientation to Social Services Field | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1006 |
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES IN THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
(Choose all ) |
108 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1036 |
Social guidance in the work of social workers
(Choose ects: 21 ) |
21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU28 | Social guidance | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU33 | Social guidance for children and young people | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU32 | Social guidance in child welfare | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU30 | Social guidance for working-age people | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU34 | Social guidance for older people | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU31 | Social guidance in disability work | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DX18 | Social guidance for immigrants | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1041 |
Client work training
(Choose one ) |
15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY13 | Practical training: Professional client work in the social services | 15 | 15 | 15 | 7.5 | 7.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY38 | Practical training: Pedagogical training | 15 | 15 | 15 | 7.5 | 7.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1034 |
Professional competence of a social worker
(Choose all ) |
42 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DW98 | Methods of professional interaction | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DT98 | Technology and Digital Services in Social and Health Care | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DT96 | Basics of Medication for Social Services Professionals | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU26 | Cultural well-being | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU27 | Social expertise in mental health care | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DW99 | Group Guidance | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DX01 | Structural social work | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DX70 | Methods promoting participation and agency | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY14 | Practical training: Strengthening participation and agency | 12 | 12 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1038 |
Management and Leadership
(Choose all ) |
18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU07 | Human resource management | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU08 | Social Services Management | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY15 | Practical Training: Advanced Practice Placement | 10 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1032 |
Research and development expertise
(Choose all ) |
22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DX05 | Introduction to Research and Development | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU09 | Project activities in the welfare sector | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DX04 | Studies preparing for the thesis | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU25 | Information searching and communication in a thesis | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DX71 | Development and Evaluation in the Social Field | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY10 | Research Methods in Social Science | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY17 | Practical training: Developing expertise | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1031 |
Professional growth
(Choose all ) |
5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU17 | Orientation to the Profession of Bachelor of Social Services | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU18 | Developing as an expert | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU19 | Professional Competence of a Bachelor of Social Services | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1021 |
THESIS
(Choose all ) |
15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00DX77 | Thesis Plan | 5 | 5 | 5 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00DX78 | Thesis Implementation | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00DX79 | Thesis Reporting and Maturity Test | 5 | 5 | 5 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1022 |
OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
(Choose ects: 20 ) |
20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1037 |
Early childhood education studies
(Choose all ) |
18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY33 | Child Growth, Development, and Learning | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY34 | Knowledge base and pedagogy of early childhood education | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY37 | Small Group Activities and Communality in Early Childhood Education | 5 | 5 | 5 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY36 | Family-Centeredness and Systemic Approach in Early Childhood Education | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1026 |
Optional professional studies
(Choose ects: 15 ) |
0 - 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DX57 | Sexuality at different stages of life | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DT99 | Remote Guidance in Social and Health Services | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU00 | Technology for Everyday Life | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU01 | Communication Aids | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DU29 | Rehabilitation to work | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY30 | Family Work | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BC00DZ86 | Diverse aging | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DZ27 | Cultural well-being | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00EB04 | Traumainformoitu lähestymistapa hyvinvointiin | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1039 |
Other optional professional studies
(Choose ects: 15 ) |
0 - 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1027 |
FREE ELECTIVE STUDIES
(Choose ects: 5 ) |
2 - 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BE00DY11 | Practical training: Responsibility as a social worker's skill | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOS26-1040 |
Other free elective studies
(Choose ects: 5 ) |
0 - 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 210 | 35 | 66 | 103 | 34 | 35 | 29 | 37 | 74 | 29 | 29 | 5 | 11.5 | 11.5 | 11.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 | 12.2 | 12.2 | 12.2 | 37 | 37 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 14.5 | 14.5 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
Bachelor of Social Work competencies
Bachelor’s Degree studies
Shared Competences of Universities of Applied Sciences, 2022
Shared Competences of Universities of Applied Sciences, Arene 2022
Due to the timing of optional and elective courses, credit accumulation per semester / academic year may vary.