Social Services, social counceling: Social Counceling
Code: SXH25S2VE
- Degree title
- Bachelor of Social Services
- Credits
- 210 ects
- Duration
- 3.5 years (210 cr)
- Start semester
- Autumn 2025
- Teaching language
- Finnish
Descriptions
The Bachelor of Social Services (BSS) programme at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences equips students with expertise in social pedagogy and social services that meets the evolving needs of society and the Helsinki metropolitan area. The goal of the Bachelor of Social Services programme is to educate social service professionals who support and promote individual well-being, life management, and social inclusion, and actively work to prevent inequality, disadvantage, and social exclusion.
The social services degree programme employs diverse methods of teaching and learning, such as investigative learning, project-based learning, and dialogical and collaborative learning. Studies consist of online teaching, as well as independent and group work. During the programme, students may participate in various social service development projects alongside professionals in the field. All students engage in multidisciplinary studies as part of their curriculum. Students may select elective courses from the social services degree programme and other degree programmes, totalling 22 ECTS. At Metropolia, students also participate in international studies, i.e. international internships, exchange programmes, and projects, and they are offered opportunities for internationalisation at home. The social services degree programme is conducted in both Finnish and English, so all students may complete part of their studies in English.
Students who select the early childhood education specialisation path gain a qualification to work as Bachelor of Social Services in early childhood education after having completed the required courses.
The degree programme in social services includes academic guidance from the first semester onward, in line with each student’s personal study plan (PSP). Additionally, the programme provides guidance in professional development and career planning.
Development
The curriculum is updated regularly to respond to both current and future competency needs. In 2024-2025, the curriculum and the degree structure were redesigned. Teachers of the social services degree programme, together with working life partners and students, contribute to curriculum development.
Teaching and learning in the social services degree programme are conducted in close cooperation with organizations, NGOs, companies, and other actors based in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The social services degree programme includes several practical work placements, totalling 40 ECTS credits.
Objective
The Bachelor of Social Services degree at Metropolia is grounded in ethical competence (IFSW 2018; Etene 2011; Talentia 2022), the competencies required for a Bachelor of Social Services (SOAMK 2023), and a social pedagogical approach. This expertise aims to promote the well-being, life management, inclusion, and agency of individuals and communities, and to address social inequality and exclusion.
A Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) represents expertise in various work environments and networks and contributes to societal issues. Their professional competence is based on an ethical foundation, recognition of diversity, and a comprehensive, strengths-based, and dialogical approach to interacting with people. They possess the skills to engage with clients at different stages of their lives and have a broad knowledge of the specific needs of different client groups, various working methods, relevant legislation, and the social service system. Social services work is carried out within communities and in diverse operational environments involving individuals of all ages. A Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) is capable of critically analysing global and social phenomena and understands their impact on the lives and well-being of individuals and communities and can also act as an advocate in social issues. They can identify issues and take decisions that support sustainable development, with a focus on social sustainability. Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) gains organisational and management skills and can work in roles focused on development and leadership.
COMPETENCIES OF THE BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES DEGREE
The curriculum of the degree programme in social services is built upon the following core competencies (Social Services Network of Universities of Applied Sciences, 2023):
- Ethical competence in social services (Sosiaalialan eettinen osaaminen)
- Competence in social service work with clients (Sosiaalialan asiakastyön osaaminen)
- Competence in social service systems (Sosiaalialan palvelujärjestelmäosaaminen)
- Critical and inclusion-promoting civic competence (Kriittinen ja osallisuutta edistävä yhteiskuntaosaaminen)
- Research, development and innovation skills (Tutkimuksellinen kehittämis- ja innovaatio-osaaminen)
- Work community, management and entrepreneurship competence (Työyhteisö-, johtamis- ja yrittäjyysosaaminen?)
Select timing, structure or classification view
Show study timings by semester, study year or period
| Code | Name | Credits (cr) | 2025-2026 | 2026-2027 | 2027-2028 | 2028-2029 | Autumn 2025 | Spring 2026 | Autumn 2026 | Spring 2027 | Autumn 2027 | Spring 2028 | Autumn 2028 | 1. / 2025 | 2. / 2025 | 3. / 2026 | 4. / 2026 | 1. / 2026 | 2. / 2026 | 3. / 2027 | 4. / 2027 | 1. / 2027 | 2. / 2027 | 3. / 2028 | 4. / 2028 | 1. / 2028 | 2. / 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXH25S2VE-1001 |
1. Semester: Orientation to social services and higher education studies
(Choose all ) |
30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE00 | Orientation to studies | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE02 | Social Pedagogy in the Working Environments of a Bachelor of Social Services | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GH44 | Professional Communication and Academic Writing | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FX89 | Professional in Social and Health Care | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE03 | Individual and Group Counselling | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FY23 | Human Growth, Development and Socialization | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SXH25S2VE-1002 |
2. Semester: Orientation to social services and higher education studies
(Choose all ) |
30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FX90 | Culture, Gender and Sexuality in Client Work | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FX92 | Client and Patient Orientation | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FY26 | Social Inclusion and Disadvantage | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE04 | Social Pedagogical Methods | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE10 | Basics of Welfare Society | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE11 | Professional English in Social Services | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FX95 | Digital Services in Social and Health Care | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE13 | Internship 1: Social Services Work and Clients’ Everyday Life | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SXH25S2VE-1003 |
3. Semester: Development of Professional Competences in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FY28 | Legislation and Organisation of Social Services | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00EQ85 | Swedish for Working Life | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE15 | Civil Society and Advocacy | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE16 | Social Welfare Ethics and Challenges | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE17 | Child Protection | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FX96 | Basics of Research and Development | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SXH25S2VE-1006 |
4. Semester: Development of Professional Competences in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00FV31 | Metropolia Minno 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00FV32 | Metropolia Minno 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE21 | Mental Health and Addictions | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE22 | Disability and Neuropsychiatric Special Needs | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00EQ83 | Advanced Research and Development | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE25 | Internship 2: Professional Client Work in Social Services | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SXH25S2VE-1007 |
5. Semester: Advanced Expertise in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
25 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00FV33 | Metropolia Minno 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE23 | Trauma, Crises and Violence | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00EL75 | Planning of the Thesis Work | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE24 | Internship 3: Client Work in the Service System | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SXH25S2VE-1008 |
6. Semester: Advanced Expertise in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FY34 | Globalisation and Urbanisation | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00EL76 | Implementation of the Thesis Work | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FX55 | Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Social and Health Care | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SXH25S2VE-1009 |
7. Semester: Advanced Expertise in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XX00EL77 | Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00FY36 | Professional Development and Career Planning | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SX00GE26 | Internship 4: Professional Development of a Bachelor of Social Services | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SXH25S2VE-1004 |
Profile Studies in Working Life Skills
(Choose ects: 5) |
5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SXH25S2VE-1005 |
Elective Studies
(Choose ects: 22) |
22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 210 | 60.8 | 60.8 | 40.8 | 20.8 | 30 | 30.8 | 30 | 30.8 | 25 | 15.8 | 20.8 | 15 | 15 | 15.4 | 15.4 | 15 | 15 | 15.4 | 15.4 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 7.9 | 7.9 | 10.4 | 10.4 |
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 §).
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.
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. |
| Individual and Group Counselling |
| Culture, Gender and Sexuality in Client Work |
| Client and Patient Orientation |
| Social Inclusion and Disadvantage |
| Social Pedagogical Methods |
| Internship 1: Social Services Work and Clients’ Everyday Life |
| Legislation and Organisation of Social Services |
| Civil Society and Advocacy |
| Social Welfare Ethics and Challenges |
| Child Protection |
| Mental Health and Addictions |
| Disability and Neuropsychiatric Special Needs |
| Internship 2: Professional Client Work in Social Services |
| Trauma, Crises and Violence |
| Internship 3: Client Work in the Service System |
| Implementation of the Thesis Work |
| Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test |
| Professional Development and Career Planning |
| Internship 4: Professional Development of a Bachelor of Social Services |
|
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. |
| Digital Services in Social and Health Care |
| Basics of Research and Development |
| Metropolia Minno 1 |
| Metropolia Minno 2 |
| Advanced Research and Development |
| Metropolia Minno 3 |
| Planning of the Thesis Work |
| Internship 3: Client Work in the Service System |
| Globalisation and Urbanisation |
| Implementation of the Thesis Work |
| Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Social and Health Care |
| Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test |
| Internship 4: Professional Development of a Bachelor of Social Services |
|
Internationality and multiculturalism
The graduating student is able to operate in multicultural and international operating environments and networks. |
| Orientation to studies |
| Civil Society and Advocacy |
| Metropolia Minno 1 |
| Metropolia Minno 2 |
| Metropolia Minno 3 |
| Globalisation and Urbanisation |
|
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. |
| Orientation to studies |
| Basics of Welfare Society |
| Metropolia Minno 1 |
| Metropolia Minno 2 |
| Metropolia Minno 3 |
| Globalisation and Urbanisation |
|
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. |
| Orientation to studies |
| Social Pedagogy in the Working Environments of a Bachelor of Social Services |
| Professional Communication and Academic Writing |
| Professional in Social and Health Care |
| Human Growth, Development and Socialization |
| Basics of Welfare Society |
| Professional English in Social Services |
| Digital Services in Social and Health Care |
| Legislation and Organisation of Social Services |
| Swedish for Working Life |
| Civil Society and Advocacy |
| Basics of Research and Development |
| Metropolia Minno 1 |
| Metropolia Minno 2 |
| Planning of the Thesis Work |
| Professional Development and Career Planning |
|
Operating in a workplace
The graduating student has versatile working life skills and is able to operate in work communities of their field. |
| Social Pedagogy in the Working Environments of a Bachelor of Social Services |
| Professional Communication and Academic Writing |
| Professional in Social and Health Care |
| Individual and Group Counselling |
| Culture, Gender and Sexuality in Client Work |
| Client and Patient Orientation |
| Social Inclusion and Disadvantage |
| Social Pedagogical Methods |
| Professional English in Social Services |
| Digital Services in Social and Health Care |
| Internship 1: Social Services Work and Clients’ Everyday Life |
| Legislation and Organisation of Social Services |
| Swedish for Working Life |
| Civil Society and Advocacy |
| Social Welfare Ethics and Challenges |
| Child Protection |
| Metropolia Minno 2 |
| Mental Health and Addictions |
| Disability and Neuropsychiatric Special Needs |
| Internship 2: Professional Client Work in Social Services |
| Metropolia Minno 3 |
| Trauma, Crises and Violence |
| Planning of the Thesis Work |
| Internship 3: Client Work in the Service System |
| Implementation of the Thesis Work |
| Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Social and Health Care |
| Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test |
| Professional Development and Career Planning |
| Internship 4: Professional Development of a Bachelor of Social Services |
| Not grouped |
Sosiaaliala::Sosionomi (AMK)
• Sosiaalialan eettinen osaaminen • Asiakastyön osaaminen • Sosiaalialan palvelujärjestelmäosaaminen • Kriittinen ja osallisuutta edistävä yhteiskuntaosaaminen • Tutkimuksellinen kehittämis- ja innovaatio-osaaminen • Työyhteisö-, johtamis- ja yrittäjyysosaaminen