Master's Degree Programme in Development and Management of Social Work and Health Care
Master of Health Care
Master of Health Care
Master of Social Services
Name of the Degree Programme
Master's Degree Programme in Development and Management of Social Work and Health Care (in Finnish)
Specialisations
There are no lines of specialization in this degree programme.
Qualification awarded
Successful graduates will be awarded a Master’s Degree with one of the following titles: Fysioterapeutti or Registered Physiotherapist (Master of Health Care); Geroromi or Elderly Care Expert (Master of Social Services and Health Care ); Sairaanhoitaja or Registered Nurse (Master of Health Care), Sosionomi (Master of Social Services);Terveydenhoitaja or Registered Public Health Nurse (Master of Health Care). They will be eligible to hold public office or employment that requires a second cycle degree.
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.
Specific admission requirements
Applicants must have a first cycle (Bachelor’s) degree in physiotherapy, elderly care, nursing, social services or public health nursing, completed in Finland or another country. They must also have two years of work experience in the field.
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.
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 altogether 90 study credits (ECTS) including Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS credits).
The degree provides expertise in leadership and development in the field of health and social care. Research and development component focuses on methods and practices in research and development work. Students also gain knowledge in entrepreneurship, international collaboration and sustainable development. There is a small amount of studies to be chosen freely.
Profile of the programme
This Master's degree programme aims at creating development, management and evaluation competences to meet changing needs in social work and health care practice. The studies are linked to work community development through innovative practices and models. The programme offers students new competences and career opportunities.
The studies are working life-oriented and multi-professional. Multimodal teaching and learning methods are used, including national and international expert networks (e.g. for occupational health). Students and teachers stay organized via email and an online learning platform. It is possible to study while at work, as the studies include 2 days of contact teaching per month on average. Each student will have an individualized study plan, which will take previous learning into account.
Career prospects in the public sector: demanding client work in social and health services, service planning and management
• Career prospects in organizations: development, education and management
• Career prospects in the private sector: first line management, management, development of intersectoral practices and service models
Pedagogical approach and learning environment
A variety of pedagogical practices are used, specifically defined for each course
Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (RPL)
The arrangements are based on the general RPL guidelines established at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences. The members of the RPL team (AHOT in Finnish) in the DP in Development and Management of Social Work and Health Care are: Head of the Degree Programme Jenni Kulmala; Senior Lecturers Arja Hemminki and Tanja Hautala all responsible for their assigned areas of instruction. All students are expected to write a Bachelor’s Thesis, which is not subject to the RPL practice.
Students are expected to write a personal study plan in which they describe their previously acquired competences and provide documentary evidence. Prior learning objectives will be compared to the learning outcomes defined for the degree programme.
Work-based learning and work placements
The Degree Programme doesn’t include practical training.
Work-based learning and work placements
The Degree Programme doesn’t include practical training.
Work-based learning and work placements
The Degree Programme doesn’t include practical training.
Work-based learning and work placements
The Degree Programme doesn’t include practical training.
Occupational profiles
Upon completion of the degree programme students will be qualified to work in expert positions in health and social services. Their competence will focus on ability to develop and manage practice in the health and social field. The graduates may work in development and managerial positions, as consultants, experts, entrepreneurs or in first-line management in the public, private or third sector.
Internationalization
Objectives: to encourage and motivate students and to promote and facilitate their mobility and internationalisation at home and to promote staff’s international opportunities.
Forms: Students’ international study trips, intensive programmes and conferences as part of free-choice studies; use of international literature, case studies and online contacts in teaching; staff participation in international collaboration, conferences and courses with students together.
Access to further studies
Please see the general regulations on higher education studies.
Graduation requirements
The requirements for graduation can be found on the Intranet and in the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.
Mode of study
This programme is a part of our adult education. Students attend part-time and teaching takes place through various modes.
Head of degree programme
Anne-Maria Aho
e-mail: anne-maria.aho(a)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 4173
Kaija Loppela
e-mail: kaija.loppela(a)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 3958
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
Enrollment
22.04.2024 - 04.09.2024
Timing
01.08.2024 - 31.12.2024
Credits
5 op
Virtual proportion (cr)
4 op
Teaching languages
- Finnish
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in Development and Management of Social Work and Health Care
Teachers
- Kaija Loppela
Student groups
-
YKEJO23Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Development and Management
Objective
Students know and understand how to compare various evaluation approaches and how to apply appropriate methods of evaluation throughout the evaluation process and also in research and development activities.
Content
Evaluation research, different evaluation trends, e.g. process evaluation, evaluation of effects/effectiveness, participatory evaluation and realistic evaluation, ex ante and ex post evaluation and various evaluation methods and models. The use and utilization of evaluation research and other evaluation methods in the development of the working community.
Teaching methods
Lectures, discussions, students own work and groupwork
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)
The student knows and can describe evaluation research and various evaluation trends and evaluation methods and models.
.
Assessment criteria, good (3)
The student knows how to compare various evaluation approaches and methods and can also analyze how to use of them in research and development activities.
Assessment criteria, excellent (5)
Students know how to analyze, also critically, various evaluation approaches and methods. They can analyze, also critically, how to use of them in different research and development situations and activities. Student shows ability to implement evaluation research in practice.
Qualifications
No previous studies are required.
Enrollment
22.04.2024 - 04.09.2024
Timing
26.08.2024 - 31.07.2025
Credits
5 op
Virtual proportion (cr)
4 op
RD proportion (cr)
5 op
Teaching languages
- Finnish
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in Development and Management of Social Work and Health Care
Teachers
- Mari Salminen-Tuomaala
- Katriina Kuhalampi
Student groups
-
YKLAS24Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Advanced Clinical Practitioner
Objective
Students analyze their need for information and know how to use library and information services and other sources of information in their field. Students are familiar with the systematic information seeking process and they know how to evaluate and apply the information. Students are able to plan and implement processes in research and development. They can justify the points of view they have taken.
Content
Evidence baced action and data search
Types and kinds of information
Evaluating information
Conceptualizing information seeking problems
Sources of information and databases
Reading, using and writing references
Stages of development work: planning, realizing, evaluating and implementing.
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)
Satisfactory 1-2:
Students are familiar with systematic information seeking and with important national and international sources of information. Students know how to describe the stages of a development process and how to implement it.
Assessment criteria, good (3)
Good (3-4):
Students know how to seek information from most databases and how to read them critically. Students know how to compare and implement development processes, justifying their choices.
Assessment criteria, excellent (5)
Excellent (5):
Students are aware of reliability factors concerning existing information. They are able to critically evaluate national and international research and to form an overall picture of data.
Students evaluate and analyze development processes and their own contribution.
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)
Student can not describe the stages of a development process. Student can not conduct systematic information seeking and does not know important national and international sources of information in nursing area.
Assessment criteria, good (3)
Students are familiar with systematic information seeking and with important national and international sources of information. Students know how to describe the stages of a development process and how to implement it.
Assessment criteria, excellent (5)
Students know how to seek information from most databases and how to read them critically. Students know how to compare and implement development processes, justifying their choices.
Assessment criteria, approved/failed
Students are aware of reliability factors concerning existing information. They are able to critically evaluate national and international research and to form an overall picture of data.
Students evaluate and analyze development processes and their own contribution.
Qualifications
No previous studies are required
Further information
RDI-points 5 cr
Enrollment
22.04.2024 - 04.09.2024
Timing
01.08.2024 - 31.12.2024
Credits
5 op
Virtual proportion (cr)
4 op
Teaching languages
- Finnish
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in Development and Management of Social Work and Health Care
Teachers
- Kimmo Kulmala
- Kari Jokiranta
Student groups
-
YKEJO23Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Development and Management
Objective
The student is able to:
- know the basic concepts of business and financial management in the operating environment of the social and healthcare sector,
- know the principles of budgeting and investment calculation,
- know the regulations related to the social and healthcare sector
- follow and critically evaluate the discussion and development trends related to the topic, and
- develop their abilities to guide customers regarding their rights in crisis situations
Content
- business start-up and financing
- business plan and Business Model Canvas
- the basics of profit and cash budgeting
- basics of scenario and investment calculation
- constitutional rights
- social law and social security
- working life legislation and other regulations
- data protection
- guardianship act
- family and legacy law
Materials
Material given by the lecturers
Teaching methods
Kari Jokirannan osuus: Luennot, opetuskeskustelut
Kimmo Kulmalan osuus: Luennot, tehtävät
Student workload
Lessons 16h, independent work 119h
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)
The student has actively participated in the study module, is able to describe the basic concepts of the topic and define them in the study module assignment. The student understands the basics of business planning and budgeting.
The student has participated in the lecture education of the legislative part and has studied the independent study material offered by the lecturer. He shows that he knows the central content of the studied laws and is able to link the matter he is studying to the perspective of his own profession.
Assessment criteria, good (3)
The student has successfully completed the study module, has participated actively and constructively in the study module, is able to analyze the concepts of the topic and critically apply the acquired knowledge in practice. The student understands the basics of business planning and budgeting well and is able to participate in the planning process.
The student has actively participated in lecture education and has shown that he knows the essential content of the independent study material provided by the lecturer. He is able to apply the perspectives he has studied to the specific characteristics of his own profession. He is able to guide his customers in their information needs and support them in their rights.
Assessment criteria, excellent (5)
The student has completed the study module excellently, and has participated very actively and constructively to the study module, is able to synthesize the concepts of the topic and critically apply knowledge into practice. The student is able to develop creative solutions in the study module assignment. The student understands the basics of business planning and budgeting very well and is able to perform basic planning tasks.
The student has shown special activity in lecture studies and independent study material processing. He is critically able to assess specific regulatory needs from the point of view of his profession. He is able to properly argue his own views and participate constructively in the debate on the development of the sector.
Assessment methods and criteria
Kari Jokiranta: Learning diary and activity
Kimmo Kulmala: Based on assignment
Qualifications
No previous studies required
Enrollment
11.11.2024 - 15.01.2025
Timing
01.01.2025 - 31.07.2025
Credits
15 op
Teaching languages
- Finnish
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in Development and Management of Social Work and Health Care
Teachers
- Kaija Loppela
Student groups
-
YKEJO23Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Development and Management
Objective
The student is able to carry out and report a research-, development- and evaluation project.
Content
According to the Master thesis plan
Materials
Carr, W. & Kemmis. S. 1986. Becoming critical. Education Knowledge and Action Research. London:
Routledge / Deakin University Press.
Heikkilä, A. , Jokinen, P. & Nurmela, T. 2008. Tutkiva kehittäminen: avaimia tutkimus- ja kehittämishankkeisiin terveysalalla. Helsinki: WSOY.
Heikkinen, H., Rovio E. & Syrjälä, L. 2006. Toiminnasta tietoon. Helsinki: Kansanvalistusseura.
Seppänen-Järvelä, R. & Karjalainen, V. 2006. Kehittämistyön risteyksiä. Helsinki: Stakes.
Toikko, Timo & Rantanen, Teemu 2009. Tutkimuksellinen kehittämistoiminta. Tampere: Tampere University Press.
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)
The final Master thesis will be evaluated according to the Seinäjoki UAS Master thesis evaluation criteria.
Assessment criteria, good (3)
The final Master thesis will be evaluated according to the Seinäjoki UAS Master thesis evaluation criteria.
Assessment criteria, excellent (5)
The final Master thesis will be evaluated according to the Seinäjoki UAS Master thesis evaluation criteria.
Qualifications
No requirements
Further information
15 RDI-credit points
Enrollment
22.04.2024 - 04.09.2024
Timing
26.08.2024 - 31.07.2025
Credits
5 op
Virtual proportion (cr)
3 op
RD proportion (cr)
5 op
Teaching languages
- Finnish
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in Development and Management of Social Work and Health Care
Teachers
- Mari Salminen-Tuomaala
- Hannu Tuuri
Student groups
-
YKLAS24Master's Degree in Social Services and Health Care, Advanced Clinical Practitioner
Objective
Students know how to apply qualitative and quantitative research and development methods. They are able to justify their choice of method for development activities. Students know how to apply different participatory development methods.
Content
Qualitative methods
Quantitative methods
Participatory development methods
Teaching methods
Theory lessons, discussions and reflections, participatory and action methods in research methods, statistical methods, qualitative methods, Webropol and SPSS exercises
Completion alternatives
Independent tasks, active participation in exercises in participatory and action methods and in qualitative and quantitative research methods
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)
Students know how to describe quantitative and qualitative methods and methods in development work.
Assessment criteria, good (3)
Students know how to compare quantitative and qualitative methods and methods in development work.
Assessment criteria, excellent (5)
Students know how to analyze and evaluate quantitative and qualitative methods and methods in development work.
Assessment methods and criteria
Independent tasks, numeric evaluation: 1-5
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)
Students don't know how to describe quantitative and qualitative methods and methods in development work.
Assessment criteria, good (3)
Students know how to describe quantitative and qualitative methods and methods in development work.
Assessment criteria, excellent (5)
Students know how to compare quantitative and qualitative methods and methods in development work.
Assessment criteria, approved/failed
Students know how to analyze and evaluate quantitative and qualitative methods and methods in development work.
Qualifications
No previous studies are required.
Enrollment
22.04.2024 - 04.09.2024
Timing
01.08.2024 - 31.12.2024
Credits
5 op
Teaching languages
- Finnish
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in Development and Management of Social Work and Health Care
Teachers
- Emilia Kangas
- Hannu Tuuri
Responsible person
Elisa Kannasto
Student groups
-
YLI23Master of Business Administration, Business Competence
Objective
Students know how to apply qualitative and quantitative research and development methods. They are able to justify their choice of method for development activities.
Content
Qualitative methods
Quantitative methods
Development methods
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)
Students know how to describe quantitative and qualitative methods and methods in development work.
Assessment criteria, good (3)
Students know how to compare quantitative and qualitative methods and methods in development work.
Assessment criteria, excellent (5)
Students know how to analyze and evaluate quantitative and qualitative methods and methods in development work.
Qualifications
No previous studies are required.