Master's Degree Programme in Development and Management of Social Work and Health Care

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.

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