Study Guide

Descriptions

STUDYING IN THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN SOCIAL SERVICES, ONLINE IMPLEMENTATION

In an online implementation, the entire bachelor’s degree in social services is completed mainly online. A degree in social services provides you with comprehensive skills and expertise to work in the social field, in its different tasks and sectors, and with different client groups.

The studies include scheduled online studies on a weekly basis, i.e. students participating in online sessions using remote connections. The studies also include individual work and teamwork in an online learning environment.

The online implementation provides an opportunity to complete social services studies in genuine working environments and different development projects carried out with our working life partners. In addition to online studies, the curriculum includes four traineeship periods in practical work. These traineeships are carried out as full-time work, guided by individual learning objectives.

The first semester’s schedule and timings for the online sessions will be released at the beginning of the studies. Online implementation means full-time studying and scheduled classes will take place during office hours. Further progress of studies and the scheduling of courses will be released semester by semester. A PSP (Personal Study Planning) counsellor will assist you throughout your studies and a Personal Study Plan is drawn up at the beginning of your studies.

Online studies are particularly suitable for self-guided learners. The progress of your studies is facilitated by taking responsibility for the planning and progress of your studies, and an interest in seeking information and combining research-based information into larger patterns and meanings.

BASIC TASK OF THE BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SERVIVES (UAS) DEGREE PROGRAMME

Metropolia’s Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) degree programme produces socio-pedagogical skills and expertise in the social services sector, in response to the changing needs of society and the metropolitan area. The objective of the Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) degree programme is to educate experts in the social services sector to support and promote human well-being, life management and inclusion in their work, and to prevent socioeconomic disadvantage and marginalization. Bachelors of Social Services also develop their professional field and act as societal advocates in social matters.

TARGETED BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES (UAS) EXPERTISE IN THE DEGREE PROGRAMME

The basis for a Bachelor of Social Services professional expertise is ethical understanding and a socio-pedagogical work approach. Social pedagogy combines social and pedagogical approaches at work: it looks into the social growth of a human being into a member of society and various communities. The starting point of socio-pedagogical work is promoting individuals’ and communities’ well-being, life management, inclusion and agency and preventing socioeconomic disadvantage and marginalization. The work of a social services professional is based on acknowledging diversity and encountering human beings in a holistic, resource-based and dialogical manner.

A Bachelor of Social Services has the skills to encounter clients in different stages of their life course, diverse knowledge of the special needs of their client groups, different work methods, legislation, and the service system. A Bachelor of Social Services works in the everyday life of communities and clients of different ages, in a variety of operational environments. A Bachelor of Social Services has the skills to critically analyze societal phenomena and understand their implications on the lives of individuals and communities and their well-being, and act as an advocate for social matters in society. A Bachelor of Social Services is able to recognize and provide solutions from the perspective of social sustainability. A Bachelor of Social Services has strong working community skills and is able to work in managerial and developmental positions. A Bachelor of Social Services represents social sector expertise in different working environments and networks.

COMPETENCES IN THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES (UAS)

The curriculum of the degree programme is based on the following competence areas of the Bachelors of Social Services (the UAS social services network):

1. Ethical competence in social services
2. Competence in customer work
3. Competence in service systems in the social field
4. Critical and participatory societal competences
5. Research based development and innovation competences
6. Work community, leadership, and entrepreneurial competences