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Social Services (in English): Social Services

Code: SXG24S1

Degree:
Bachelor of Social Services and Health Care

Degree title:
Bachelor of Social Services

Credits:
210 ects

Duration:
3.5 years (210 cr)

Start semester:
Autumn 2024

Descriptions

The degree programme in social services provides socio-pedagogical competences and expertise with an urban and local focus, which meets the changing requirements of both society and the metropolitan area. The aim of the Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services is to educate experts in the field, who are able to analyse structural determinants of urban inequality; taking them into account when supporting and advocating for well-being and inclusion while working to prevent social deprivation and exclusion in their work. In this way Bachelors of Social Services are developing both their profession and their abilities to engage more fully at a societal level on social issues or questions.

Objective

Bachelors of Social Services are able to critically analyse societal phenomena and deal with issues such as inequality, poverty, urban sprawl, discrimination and segregation as they unfold in the everyday life in urban areas. Their work is based on appreciating diversity as well as meeting people in a dialogue that is both holistic and resource-based. Bachelors of Social Services work with people at different stages of their life cycle and have gained multifaceted knowledge regarding the special needs of client groups, different work methods, as well as legislative frameworks and service systems. Their work is carried out in the everyday lives and diverse environments of people and communities. Bachelors of Social Services know how to identify and create solutions that support sustainable development from the perspective of social sustainability. They have expertise in working in professional communities and are able to master tasks focusing on research and management. The Bachelors of Social Services represent social expertise in different work environments and in various networks.

Show study timings by semester, study year or period

Code Name Credits (cr) 2024-2025 2025-2026 2026-2027 2027-2028 Autumn 2024 Spring 2025 Autumn 2025 Spring 2026 Autumn 2026 Spring 2027 Autumn 2027 1. / 2024 2. / 2024 3. / 2025 4. / 2025 1. / 2025 2. / 2025 3. / 2026 4. / 2026 1. / 2026 2. / 2026 3. / 2027 4. / 2027 1. / 2027 2. / 2027
SXG24S1-1001
Orientation to Social Services studies at the University of Applied Sciences

(Choose 35)

30 - 35
SX00FD53 Orientation to studies 5
SX00FD54 Finnish 1 (A1.2) 5
SX00FD55 Internship in voluntary and civic environments 5
SX00FD57 Professional communication and academic writing 5
SX00FD61 Introduction to social pedagogy 5
SX00FD62 Development of the welfare state 5
SX00FD63 Working environments in social services 5
SXG24S1-1002
Inclusion and Supporting Life Course

(Choose 35)

30 - 35
SX00FD64 Human behavior in the social environment 5
SX00FD65 Basics of individual, group and community counselling 5
SX00FD66 Inclusion and disadvantage 5
SX00FJ69 Global awareness of Wellbeing of Children and Families 5
SX00FD67 Creative methods and advocacy work 5
SX00FD68 Finnish 2 (A1.3–A2.1.) 5
SX00FD69 Language aware and anti-discriminatory guidance 5
SX00FD70 Work placement and language internship 1 – Social pedagogy and client’s everyday life 5
SXG24S1-1003
Social Pedagogical Work in Urban Areas

(Choose all )

30
SX00FD71 Introduction to the urban context 5
SX00FD72 Mental health and substance abuse 5
SX00FD73 Child welfare 5
SX00FD74 Discovering challenges in urban areas 5
SX00FD75 Empowerment, ethics and social work challenges 10
SXG24S1-1004
Developing Professional Competences

(Choose 35)

30 - 35
SX00FD76 Social service work 5
SX00EQ81 Basics of research and development 5
SX00FD78 Finnish 3 (A2.1/A2.2) 5
SX00EQ85 Swedish at work 5
SX00FD80 Work placement and language internship 2 – Sustainable development in client work 15
SXG24S1-1005
Professional Development and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

(Choose 35)

30 - 35
XX00DZ39 Multidisciplinary Innovation Project 10
SX00EQ83 Advanced research and development 5
SX00FD82 Facing superdiversity 5
SX00FD83 Exploring creativity in community based development 5
SX00EP19 Planning the bachelor’s thesis and English 5
SX00FD84 Finnish 4 (A2.2/B1.1) 5
SXG24S1-1006
Deepening Professional Expertise

(Choose 20)

15 - 20
SX00EP22 Implementing the bachelor’s thesis 5
SX00FD85 Leadership and entrepreneurship in social services 5
SX00EP24 Reporting and publication of the bachelor’s thesis 5
SX00FD86 Finnish for professionals (B1) 5
SXG24S1-1007
The Anti-discriminatory Professional in Social Services

(Choose 35)

25 - 35
SX00FD87 Work placement and language internship 3 - Strengthening anti-discriminatory competences 20
SX00FD88 Professional development and career planning 5
SX00FD89 Finnish for professionals 2 (B1 – B2) 5
SX00FD90 Professional Finnish in the social field (B2) 5
SXG24S1-1008
Elective Studies

(Choose ects: 20)

20
SX00EP41 Basics of Early Childhood Education 5
Total 210 75 65 52.5 42.5 35 40 30 35 35 17.5 42.5 17.5 17.5 20 20 15 15 17.5 17.5 17.5 17.5 8.8 8.8 21.3 21.3

Due to the timing of optional and elective courses, credit accumulation per semester / academic year may vary.

amk::amk-tutkintojen kieliopinnot

AMK-tutkintoon johtavien opintojen tavoitteena on, että tutkinnon suorittaneella on riittävä viestintä- ja kielitaito oman alansa tehtäviin sekä kansainväliseen toimintaan ja yhteistyöhön. (Valtioneuvoston asetus ammattikorkeakoulusta 1129/2014, 4 §).

Professional English

Vieraan kielen kirjallinen ja suullinen taito, joka ammatin harjoittamisen ja ammatillisen kehityksen kannalta on tarpeellinen.

Professional communication and academic writing
Planning the bachelor’s thesis and English
Second language (Finnish)
Finnish 1 (A1.2)
Finnish 2 (A1.3–A2.1.)
Finnish 3 (A2.1/A2.2)
Finnish 4 (A2.2/B1.1)
Finnish for professionals (B1)
Work placement and language internship 3 - Strengthening anti-discriminatory competences
Finnish for professionals 2 (B1 – B2)
Professional Finnish in the social field (B2)
Second domestic language (Swedish)

Ruotsin kielen taito, joka julkisyhteisöjen henkilöstöltä vaadittavasta kielitaidosta annetun lain (424/2003) mukaan vaaditaan korkeakoulututkintoa edellyttävään virkaan kaksikielisellä virka-alueella ja joka ammatin harjoittamisen ja ammatillisen kehityksen kannalta on tarpeellinen.

Swedish at work
Not grouped
Orientation to studies
Internship in voluntary and civic environments
Introduction to social pedagogy
Development of the welfare state
Working environments in social services
Human behavior in the social environment
Basics of individual, group and community counselling
Inclusion and disadvantage
Global awareness of Wellbeing of Children and Families
Creative methods and advocacy work
Language aware and anti-discriminatory guidance
Work placement and language internship 1 – Social pedagogy and client’s everyday life
Introduction to the urban context
Mental health and substance abuse
Child welfare
Discovering challenges in urban areas
Empowerment, ethics and social work challenges
Social service work
Basics of research and development
Work placement and language internship 2 – Sustainable development in client work
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Advanced research and development
Facing superdiversity
Exploring creativity in community based development
Implementing the bachelor’s thesis
Leadership and entrepreneurship in social services
Reporting and publication of the bachelor’s thesis
Professional development and career planning
Basics of Early Childhood Education

STRUCTURE Bachelor (A18.12.2014/1129)

Asetuksen 18.12.2014/1129 mukainen rakenne. 2 § Opintojen rakenne Ammattikorkeakoulututkintoon johtaviin opintoihin kuuluu: 1) perus- ja ammattiopintoja; 2) vapaasti valittavia opintoja; 3) ammattitaitoa edistävää harjoittelua; 4) opinnäytetyö.

Professional Studies
Internship in voluntary and civic environments
Basics of individual, group and community counselling
Mental health and substance abuse
Child welfare
Discovering challenges in urban areas
Empowerment, ethics and social work challenges
Social service work
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Advanced research and development
Facing superdiversity
Exploring creativity in community based development
Leadership and entrepreneurship in social services
Professional development and career planning
Basics of Early Childhood Education
Work Placement
Internship in voluntary and civic environments
Work placement and language internship 1 – Social pedagogy and client’s everyday life
Work placement and language internship 2 – Sustainable development in client work
Work placement and language internship 3 - Strengthening anti-discriminatory competences
Bachelor´s Thesis
Planning the bachelor’s thesis and English
Implementing the bachelor’s thesis
Reporting and publication of the bachelor’s thesis
Core Requirement Studies
Orientation to studies
Finnish 1 (A1.2)
Professional communication and academic writing
Introduction to social pedagogy
Development of the welfare state
Working environments in social services
Human behavior in the social environment
Inclusion and disadvantage
Global awareness of Wellbeing of Children and Families
Creative methods and advocacy work
Finnish 2 (A1.3–A2.1.)
Language aware and anti-discriminatory guidance
Introduction to the urban context
Basics of research and development
Finnish 3 (A2.1/A2.2)
Swedish at work
Finnish 4 (A2.2/B1.1)
Finnish for professionals (B1)
Finnish for professionals 2 (B1 – B2)
Professional Finnish in the social field (B2)
Elective Studies

No attached course units

Not grouped

ARENE 2022::UAS shared competences::Bachelor’s degree

Replaces the Metropolia's Generic Competences::Bachelor's Degree, UAS” -matrix.. Heidi Rontu/31.8.2022

Ethics

The graduating student adheres to the ethical principles and values of their field of profession, taking the principles of equality and non-discrimination into account.
- Is able to take responsibility for their own actions and their consequences and reflects on them in accordance with the ethical principles and values of their field.
- Takes others into account and promotes equality and non-discrimination.
- Take into account the realisation of diversity and accessibility in their actions.
- Understands the principles of responsible conduct of research and adheres to them.
- Is able to influence society based on ethical values.

Internship in voluntary and civic environments
Introduction to social pedagogy
Development of the welfare state
Working environments in social services
Human behavior in the social environment
Basics of individual, group and community counselling
Inclusion and disadvantage
Global awareness of Wellbeing of Children and Families
Creative methods and advocacy work
Language aware and anti-discriminatory guidance
Work placement and language internship 1 – Social pedagogy and client’s everyday life
Introduction to the urban context
Mental health and substance abuse
Child welfare
Empowerment, ethics and social work challenges
Basics of research and development
Work placement and language internship 2 – Sustainable development in client work
Advanced research and development
Facing superdiversity
Exploring creativity in community based development
Professional development and career planning
Basics of Early Childhood Education
Proactive development

The graduating student is able to develop solutions that anticipate the future of their own field, applying existing knowledge and research and development methods.
- Solves problem situations creatively and reforms operating methods together with others.
- Is able to work in projects in cooperation with actors of different fields.
- Is able to apply existing knowledge in the field in development and utilises research and development methods.
- Is able to seek customer-oriented, sustainable and economically viable solutions, anticipating the future of their field.

Internship in voluntary and civic environments
Language aware and anti-discriminatory guidance
Introduction to the urban context
Discovering challenges in urban areas
Empowerment, ethics and social work challenges
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Advanced research and development
Exploring creativity in community based development
Planning the bachelor’s thesis and English
Implementing the bachelor’s thesis
Reporting and publication of the bachelor’s thesis
Internationality and multiculturalism

The graduating student is able to operate in multicultural and international operating environments and networks.
- Is familiar with the impacts of their cultural background on their activities and is able to develop operating methods that take multiculturalism into account in their work community.
- Is able to monitor and utilise the international development of their field in their work.
- Is able to communicate internationally in their work tasks.

Internship in voluntary and civic environments
Introduction to social pedagogy
Development of the welfare state
Working environments in social services
Human behavior in the social environment
Basics of individual, group and community counselling
Creative methods and advocacy work
Language aware and anti-discriminatory guidance
Introduction to the urban context
Child welfare
Discovering challenges in urban areas
Empowerment, ethics and social work challenges
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Facing superdiversity
Exploring creativity in community based development
Basics of Early Childhood Education
Sustainable development

The graduating student is familiar with the principles of sustainable development, promotes their implementation and acts responsibly as a professional and a member of society.
- Is able to use information related to their field in finding, implementing and establishing sustainable solutions and operating models.
- Understands sustainability challenges, their interdependencies and the various aspects of issues and problem

Internship in voluntary and civic environments
Introduction to social pedagogy
Development of the welfare state
Working environments in social services
Human behavior in the social environment
Basics of individual, group and community counselling
Inclusion and disadvantage
Global awareness of Wellbeing of Children and Families
Language aware and anti-discriminatory guidance
Work placement and language internship 1 – Social pedagogy and client’s everyday life
Introduction to the urban context
Discovering challenges in urban areas
Empowerment, ethics and social work challenges
Work placement and language internship 2 – Sustainable development in client work
Facing superdiversity
Exploring creativity in community based development
Learning to learn

The graduating student recognises the strengths and development areas of their competence and learning methods, and they utilise the opportunities communities and digitalisation provide in their learning.
- Assesses and develops their competence and learning methods in different learning environments.
- Is able to acquire, critically assess and appropriately apply the national and international knowledge base and practices of their field.
- Also takes responsibility for group learning and sharing what has been learned.

Orientation to studies
Finnish 1 (A1.2)
Internship in voluntary and civic environments
Professional communication and academic writing
Introduction to social pedagogy
Development of the welfare state
Working environments in social services
Human behavior in the social environment
Basics of individual, group and community counselling
Inclusion and disadvantage
Global awareness of Wellbeing of Children and Families
Creative methods and advocacy work
Finnish 2 (A1.3–A2.1.)
Language aware and anti-discriminatory guidance
Work placement and language internship 1 – Social pedagogy and client’s everyday life
Introduction to the urban context
Mental health and substance abuse
Child welfare
Discovering challenges in urban areas
Empowerment, ethics and social work challenges
Social service work
Basics of research and development
Finnish 3 (A2.1/A2.2)
Swedish at work
Work placement and language internship 2 – Sustainable development in client work
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Advanced research and development
Facing superdiversity
Exploring creativity in community based development
Planning the bachelor’s thesis and English
Finnish 4 (A2.2/B1.1)
Implementing the bachelor’s thesis
Leadership and entrepreneurship in social services
Reporting and publication of the bachelor’s thesis
Finnish for professionals (B1)
Work placement and language internship 3 - Strengthening anti-discriminatory competences
Professional development and career planning
Finnish for professionals 2 (B1 – B2)
Professional Finnish in the social field (B2)
Basics of Early Childhood Education
Operating in a workplace

The graduating student has versatile working life skills and is able to operate in work communities of their field.
- Is able to work constructively in a work community and promotes their own and their work community’s well-being.
- Is able to act professionally in communication and interaction situations at a workplace.
- Utilises the opportunities offered by technology and digitalisation in their work.
- Understands the complexity of changing working life and their own resilience in changing working life situations
- Has capabilities for an entrepreneurial approach.

Orientation to studies
Finnish 1 (A1.2)
Internship in voluntary and civic environments
Professional communication and academic writing
Introduction to social pedagogy
Development of the welfare state
Working environments in social services
Human behavior in the social environment
Basics of individual, group and community counselling
Inclusion and disadvantage
Global awareness of Wellbeing of Children and Families
Creative methods and advocacy work
Finnish 2 (A1.3–A2.1.)
Language aware and anti-discriminatory guidance
Work placement and language internship 1 – Social pedagogy and client’s everyday life
Introduction to the urban context
Mental health and substance abuse
Child welfare
Discovering challenges in urban areas
Empowerment, ethics and social work challenges
Social service work
Basics of research and development
Finnish 3 (A2.1/A2.2)
Swedish at work
Work placement and language internship 2 – Sustainable development in client work
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Advanced research and development
Facing superdiversity
Exploring creativity in community based development
Planning the bachelor’s thesis and English
Finnish 4 (A2.2/B1.1)
Implementing the bachelor’s thesis
Leadership and entrepreneurship in social services
Reporting and publication of the bachelor’s thesis
Finnish for professionals (B1)
Work placement and language internship 3 - Strengthening anti-discriminatory competences
Professional development and career planning
Finnish for professionals 2 (B1 – B2)
Professional Finnish in the social field (B2)
Basics of Early Childhood Education
Not grouped

Code Name Credits (cr)
SXG24S1-1001
Orientation to Social Services studies at the University of Applied Sciences

(Choose 35)

30 - 35
SX00FD53 Orientation to studies 5
SX00FD54 Finnish 1 (A1.2) 5
SX00FD55 Internship in voluntary and civic environments 5
SX00FD57 Professional communication and academic writing 5
SX00FD61 Introduction to social pedagogy 5
SX00FD62 Development of the welfare state 5
SX00FD63 Working environments in social services 5
SXG24S1-1002
Inclusion and Supporting Life Course

(Choose 35)

30 - 35
SX00FD64 Human behavior in the social environment 5
SX00FD65 Basics of individual, group and community counselling 5
SX00FD66 Inclusion and disadvantage 5
SX00FJ69 Global awareness of Wellbeing of Children and Families 5
SX00FD67 Creative methods and advocacy work 5
SX00FD68 Finnish 2 (A1.3–A2.1.) 5
SX00FD69 Language aware and anti-discriminatory guidance 5
SX00FD70 Work placement and language internship 1 – Social pedagogy and client’s everyday life 5
SXG24S1-1003
Social Pedagogical Work in Urban Areas

(Choose all)

30
SX00FD71 Introduction to the urban context 5
SX00FD72 Mental health and substance abuse 5
SX00FD73 Child welfare 5
SX00FD74 Discovering challenges in urban areas 5
SX00FD75 Empowerment, ethics and social work challenges 10
SXG24S1-1004
Developing Professional Competences

(Choose 35)

30 - 35
SX00FD76 Social service work 5
SX00EQ81 Basics of research and development 5
SX00FD78 Finnish 3 (A2.1/A2.2) 5
SX00EQ85 Swedish at work 5
SX00FD80 Work placement and language internship 2 – Sustainable development in client work 15
SXG24S1-1005
Professional Development and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

(Choose 35)

30 - 35
XX00DZ39 Multidisciplinary Innovation Project 10
SX00EQ83 Advanced research and development 5
SX00FD82 Facing superdiversity 5
SX00FD83 Exploring creativity in community based development 5
SX00EP19 Planning the bachelor’s thesis and English 5
SX00FD84 Finnish 4 (A2.2/B1.1) 5
SXG24S1-1006
Deepening Professional Expertise

(Choose 20)

15 - 20
SX00EP22 Implementing the bachelor’s thesis 5
SX00FD85 Leadership and entrepreneurship in social services 5
SX00EP24 Reporting and publication of the bachelor’s thesis 5
SX00FD86 Finnish for professionals (B1) 5
SXG24S1-1007
The Anti-discriminatory Professional in Social Services

(Choose 35)

25 - 35
SX00FD87 Work placement and language internship 3 - Strengthening anti-discriminatory competences 20
SX00FD88 Professional development and career planning 5
SX00FD89 Finnish for professionals 2 (B1 – B2) 5
SX00FD90 Professional Finnish in the social field (B2) 5
SXG24S1-1008
Elective Studies

(Choose ects: 20)

20
SX00EP41 Basics of Early Childhood Education 5