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Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Social Work

Degree:
Master of Social Services and Health Care

Degree title:
Master of Social Services

Credits:
90 ects

Name of the Degree Programme

Master's Degree in Social Work

Field of study

Health and welfare
The classification of the educational field is based on the international ISCED classification used by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Specialisations

There are no lines of specialization in this degree programme.

Qualification awarded

The degree completed in the programme in social work leads to the qualification of Master of Social Services (UAS) or Master of Social Services and Health Care (UAS). Graduates are eligible for positions which require a Master's degree from university.

Level of qualification

The degree programme leads to a higher education degree which is a second cycle Master-level degree in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). According to the eight-level classification of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) the degree represents level 7.
The description of the level of the Degree is included in the Statute, at
http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2017/20170120

Specific admission requirements

Eligibility for studies at a university of applied sciences is stipulated in the Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014.
The selection criteria are specified in the data of the Degree Programme at www.opintopolku.fi and www.seamk.fi/haku
Please see the websites www.opintopolku.fi and www.seamk.fi/haku.
On the websites, application and instructions are in Finnish language for the degree programmes taught in Finnish.

Qualification requirements and regulations (incl. graduation requirements)

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.
Link

Structure of the studies

In accordance with the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, the studies of a Degree Programme consist of advanced professional studies, free elective studies, and a final project/thesis.
Studies consist of four components that make altogether 90 study credits (ECTS):
Expertise in social services, where the aim is to deepen the critical and analytical skills in social services.
Research and development component focuses on methods and parctices in research and development work.
Management component is to enhance the knowledge in principles and practices of management and leadreship.
Finally there is a small amount of studies to be chosen freely.

Profile of the programme

The programme emphasizes the interaction between theory and practice the perspective of development of social service practices. The competence produced by the education can be utilized in all social sectors.
The studies have a strong working life orientation, and they are carried out using varied study methods. It is possible to study while at work, as the studies include two days of contact teaching per month on average. The degree programme takes two years to complete.
The education provides a professionally oriented possibility to renew and develop social field expertise at different stages of the working career.
The graduates can be employed in demanding positions in client work or planning and management of the public or private social services and in non-governmental organisations.

Generic and subject specifc competences

Competencies are extensive knowledge entities, or combinations of the individual’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes. They describe qualifications, performance potential, and the ability to cope with professional duties.
Common/general competencies are fields of know-how common to different Degree Programmes, but their special characteristics and importance may vary between professions and work assignments. General competencies form the basis for professional activities, cooperation, and the development of expertise. According to Arene’s (Rectors' Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences) recommendations, general competencies include learning skills, ethical competence, cooperation skills, innovation skills, and internationalization skills. In addition to the above-mentioned competencies, entrepreneurial skills and quality management skills are emphasized in the degree studies of SeAMK as competencies common to all.
Degree programme-specific competencies form the basis for the development of the student’s professional expertise.
*
Competences are broad combinations of know-how that consist of knowledge, attitudes and skills. Competences represent the potential to manage assignments and tasks that are part of the social welfare professionals.
General competences consist of skills that are shared in various degree programs. However, they have different levels of importance in differing tasks and positions. General competences are the building stones of employment, working life cooperation and development as a professional. The general competences are, according to Rectors' Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, the following: skills in learning, ethical issues, working life, innovation and international activities. In addition to that, in Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences two additional competences are skills in entrepreneurship and quality control.
The degree-specific competences, on the other hand, are the foundation for the professional development in the field of social work and social welfare. I social work and social welfare degree programs essential are the knowledge over social work issues, ethics, development and research as well as management.

Pedagogical approach and learning environment

Multimodal learning methods are used in the degree programme. The pedagogical approach is defined for each study module separately. A central principle is however the combination of practise and theory.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (RPL)

The RPL procedure means the identification and recognition of the student’s previously acquired learning. The student has the opportunity to apply for the recognition of their competencies if the competencies correspond to the learning goals of the Degree Programme. The identification process is closely connected with the preparation of the student’s personal curriculum and is updated during personal counselling discussions.
The identification and recognition practices are presented in the RPL Instruction of SeAMK. It specifies how recognition of competencies is applied for, how the application is processed, and how the student is informed of it. The instruction lists the RPL contact persons of each Degree Programme, who counsel students on matters related to the process.
In the assessment of prior learning, for example the following evidence is used:
– certificates on training programmes with similar content and other training programmes
– testimonials and further clarifications by an employer
– interviews of the student
– written and oral exams or reports
– functional or written assignments or other evidence
– presentations, portfolios
The final project/thesis and the Maturity Test cannot be submitted to the RPL procedure.
The recognition of prior learning is based on the general RPL guidelines established at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

Work-based learning and work placements

The Degree Programme doesn’t include practical training.
The student’s salaried work during their studies and the competencies achieved through it can be used in order to complete a course. This is referred to as employment-integrated learning, and it can also be related to voluntary work or hobbies. It is essential that the things learnt through working contribute to the attainment of the learning goals of the course. Learning achieved through employment-integrated learning can be verified, for instance, through skills demonstrations and assignments.

Occupational profiles

The graduates of the degree programme are qualified to work as experts in the social work and social welfare field. Their competence focuses on the critical analysis and development of practices as well as on management. The competence produced by the education can be utilized in all social work related sectors.

Internationalization

International publications and visiting scholars are part of the studies. Additionally the group has usually done one study-related trip abroad together.

Access to further studies

The degree provides the eligibility for doctoral studies.

Graduation requirements

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and instructions for graduates at Intra.

Mode of study

It is possible to conduct the studies while employed. Classroom teaching is organised generally two days per month.

Head of degree programme

Anne-Maria Aho
e-mail:anne-maria.aho(at)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 4173

Tiina Hautamäki
e-mail: tiina.hautamaki(at)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 0495

Student counsellor

Essi Hauta
e-mail:essi.hauta(a)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 1262

Coordination of Practical Training

Practical training is not included in the degree program.

Coordination of international mobility

Tiina Välimäki, 040-830 4127, tiina.valimaki(at)seamk.fi, Coordinator, Outgoing student exchanges to Europe
Maria Loukola, 040-830 2240, maria.loukola(at)seamk.fi, Coordinator, Incoming and outgoing student exchanges outside Europe

Student services

Tel. +358 20 124 5055, studentservices@seamk.fi

Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Social Work

Master's Degree Programme in Social Work

Master's Degree Programme in Social Work

Enrollment

01.08.2023 - 30.11.2023

Timing

04.09.2023 - 31.12.2023

Credits

5 op

Virtual proportion (cr)

5 op

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
Degree programmes
  • Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Social Work
Teachers
  • Tiina Hautamäki

Objective

The student can explain cultural well-being as part in social and health care services and name goals and methods of cultural well-being. The goal is to study cultural well-being as part of organizing social and health care with different kind of clients. The student can evaluate cultural well-being as part of social and health care services. The student is familiar with the concept of cultural well-being and can present development proposals that can be used to support the well-being of people through culture. The goal is to develope sustainable cultural action that support clients´ well-being.

Content

The definition of cultural well-being.
The connection between culture and well-being.
Cultural well-being in different contexts and as part of social and health care services. Cultural well-being as part of work with individuals and participatory methods in social and health care.
Cultural well-being and sustainable development as part of services.
Promoting cultural well-being.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student recognizes role and discussions of cultural well-being. The student can name goals, tools and methods of cultural well-being for developing social and health care services. The student is familiar with the concept of cultural well-being.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student can describe role and discussions of cultural well-being. The student can adapt goals, tools and methods of cultural well-being for developing social and health care services. The student is familiar with the concept of cultural well-being and presents development proposals that can be used to support the well-being of people through culture.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student can analytically and critically describe role and discussions of cultural well-being. The student can analytically adapt goals, tools and methods of cultural well-being for developing social and health care services. The student is familiar with the concept of cultural well-being and presents innovative proposals that can be used to support the well-being of people through culture.

Enrollment

17.04.2023 - 06.09.2023

Timing

28.08.2023 - 15.12.2023

Credits

5 op

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
Degree programmes
  • Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Social Work
Teachers
  • Katja Valkama
  • Leena Elenius
  • Helena Yli-Harja
Student groups
  • YSOS22

Objective

Students recognise development targets in their work environment and are able to plan and implement a development process.

Content

Stages in development activity: arguing for the development need; organisation, action and evaluation of development; various ways of organising a development process; development tools.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students are able to describe types of development activity and the methods used.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students are able to compare types of development activity and evaluate the suitability of various methods for assignments or situations at hand.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students are able to critically analyse types of development activity and make use of them in development undertakings.

Qualifications

No previous studies are required.

Enrollment

17.04.2023 - 06.09.2023

Timing

28.08.2023 - 24.05.2024

Credits

5 op

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
  • English
Degree programmes
  • Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Social Work
Teachers
  • Katja Valkama
  • Tiina Hautamäki
Student groups
  • YSOS22

Objective

Students recognise international discussions on social work and are able to apply an international perspective to the development of social services.

Content

International view points of social policy and social work for example in comparative research. If students are interested, this course can be combined with a trip abroad. The course can also involve cooperation with a university in another country. The possible cooperation influences on
the content. One possibility is to study welfare and social services in Finland in comparison to other countries.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students are able to describe international discussion on social work and an international perspective to the development of social services.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students are able to describe international discussion on social work and apply an international perspective to the development of social services.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students are able to analytically and critically describe international discussion on social work and analytically apply an international perspective to the development of social services.

Qualifications

No previous studies are required.

Enrollment

17.04.2023 - 06.09.2023

Timing

28.08.2023 - 15.12.2023

Credits

5 op

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
Degree programmes
  • Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Social Work
Teachers
  • Katja Valkama
  • Helena Yli-Harja
Student groups
  • YSOS22

Objective

Students are able to interpret meanings occurring in the changing work settings and the effects these changes have on management. Students are able to recognize and explain changes in management principles.

Content

The changing social and health field as a context of management. Changes in the principles and focal points of management.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students know and are able to describe changes in the management contexts and principles in the social and health care.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students are able to compare and evaluate changes in the management contexts and principles in the social and health care.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students are able to compare and critically evaluate changes in the management contexts and principles in the social and health care.

Qualifications

No previous studies required.

Enrollment

17.04.2023 - 15.01.2024

Timing

01.01.2024 - 24.05.2024

Credits

5 op

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
Degree programmes
  • Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Social Work
Teachers
  • Katja Valkama
  • Tiina Hautamäki
Student groups
  • YSOS22

Objective

Students are able to evaluate relationships between professionals and clients as part of social services and to explain various principles, limitations and possibilities of a client-centred approach.

Content

Presumed roles of professionals and clients, the client-centred approach, clients’ possibilities to influence services and systems of producing services.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students are able to present roles of professionals and clients and to name principles of the client-centred approach.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students are able to compare various roles of professionals and clients and their consequences for the service provision. Students are able to interpret the principles and practices of the client-centred approach from different perspectives.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students are able to evaluate various roles of professionals and clients and the means and limitations of the client-centred approach, relating them to the limits and possibilities of social services set by society.

Qualifications

No previous studies are required.