Social Studies - Master's Degree Programme

Societal changes and increased globalisation require social science-related professions to adjust and develop in order to meet new challenges. The social sciences, especially social work and social pedagogy, build on theoretical, empirical and normative science and form the basis for social science-related practice.

Through this programme, students develop their expertise in reflecting scientifically on relevant understandings of social problems and forms of action. Both international developments in this area and the development of the Scandinavian welfare model require higher levels of expertise in understanding problems and designing measures in relation to important social missions.

The programme has a scientific and research-based approach, with great emphasis placed on problem orientation, writing and the practice of independent research work. In addition to the scientific foundation, the programme is also orientated towards social science-related practice. Through the formation of a critically investigative and reflective attitude to ideologies, theories and practical professional practice in the field of social science, students will be qualified in contributing to the development of these in a creative, innovative, constructive and scientific way.

The learning process is facilitated through the teaching of compulsory and elective courses, field visits, independent studies of theory and practice, and through a major master’s thesis. Students will have the opportunity to take elective courses in topics such as substance abuse and mental health, supervision/guidance and conflict management, or to complete a period of study abroad with one of our partners.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing and passing the course, candidates will have achieved the following learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

• has extensive knowledge about the subject area’s ethics, scientific theories and methods, and has in-depth understanding of the research taking place within the field of social science
• can identify social science-related challenges and place these into a larger theoretical and social context
• can analyse social science-related issues based on the subject area’s history, tradition, distinctive character and place in society
• has knowledge about and can identify personal and occupational risks and stress that may result from performing social science-related work
• has detailed knowledge of social science-related theories, methods and practical approaches

Skills

• can critically analyse the needs and interests of individuals and groups who are in vulnerable social and/or educational emergencies
• can assess, plan and implement various social science-related measures
• can apply relevant methods regarding research, professional development work and professional practice in an independent manner
• can apply relevant knowledge and methods regarding self-development and conflict management
• can assess and apply methods for user involvement and participation in social science-related practice
• can carry out an independent, defined research and/or development project under supervision and according to applicable research ethics norms

General competence

• can reflect critically and independently on social and ethical values, and norms and relationships
• can reflect critically on the professional role, risks, conflicts and user involvement
• can apply scientific thinking, working and writing methods
• can disseminate independent work and scientific knowledge within the field of social science
• can contribute to innovative thinking and innovation processes

Career prospects

The programme will qualify candidates for professional leadership positions in child and youth welfare, environmental and welfare work, and professional development positions in central and municipal administration.

The Master’s Degree in Social Studies qualifies candidates for admission to studies at doctoral level.

Course assessment

To ensure the quality of the programme of study and a good learning environment for students and teachers, the students are asked to provide feedback on the individual course relatively early in the semester, in addition to the standardised evaluation of courses that takes place at least every three years. The evaluation of the programme of study and the courses is established in the University’s quality assurance system.