Degree Programme in Social Services, Turku

AUTUMN 2024 (September-December)

Degree Programme in Social Services, Campus TURKU

Leadership and Development Work, 5 ECTS

The student
- has the skills to lead work communities - can apply quality management.
- knows about challenges, trends and current development projects within the social field.
- can critically review and develop activities within the social field.

Content:
- national development programmes and trends
- leadership theories and leadership styles
- strategic leadership: vision, mission and strategy, operating plan
- quality management and work
- personnel management and development
- workers’ protection, safety and crisis planning

Intersectionality and Anti-Oppressive Practice, 5 ECTS

The student
- can reflect on power relations from an intersectional perspective.
- understands how service users’ experiences are connected to power in social services and health care practices.
- has developed an understanding of different cultures and can critically reflect on its own values and biases.
- knows how to actively work to eliminate oppressive practices and structures.

Content:
- Nordic welfare and the principles of equality
- The concept of intersectionality (gender, class, disability, age, ethnicity and sexuality)
- Decolonizing theories
- Anti-Oppressive Practice
- Cultural sensitivity training

Social Work from Nordic and Sub-Saharan Africa Perspectives, 5 ECTS

The student
- has knowledge about the different social- and healthcare systems
- gets a broader perspective on international social work
- is familiar with key policies underpinning social work practice
- develop the understanding of similarities and differences considering culture, needs and conditions in the two regions

Content:
- The Nordic Welfare system and social work practice
- Social Work in Sub-Saharan Africa
- The role of NGO:s
- Client centered approaches
- Ethical and professional perspectives on social work
- Similarities and differences considering needs and conditions
- Tanzanian and Finnish society and culture
- Preparation for traineeship or work in the other region

Integration Promoting Social Work, 3 ECTS

The student
- has knowledge of service systems and legislation within the area of immigration and integration.
- can work with a culture-sensitive and integration promoting approach.
- can promote intercultural encounters and environments.

Content:
- immigration, integration, refugee and asylum
- cultural sensitivity and cultural competence
- integration laws
- the integration process
- the service system for asylum seekers and quota refugees

Students can only pick ONE of the two Internship courses below. All students practicing with minors (under the age of 18) in Finland must submit a certificate proving that they have no criminal records before the practice placement begins. Participation in an Internship course is possible only if a suitable place can be found and cannot be guaranteed in advance. The maximum length of a traineeship period is 6 weeks but can be shorter.

Internship: Socio-pedagogical work, 9 ECTS

The student
- is able to work with a preventive, participation-promoting and recourse enhancing approach.
- is able to plan, implement and evaluate socio-pedagogical activities.
- can analyse service and activities in relation to sustainable development, responsibility and carbon neutrality.
- can work professionally and apply the professional ethical principles

Internship: Social Work 9 ECTS

The student
- is able to support and guide clients in everyday life and crisis.
- can promote client participation and self-determination.
- knows how to apply resource-enhancing methods in working with clients in vulnerable life situations.
- Has a professional, sustainable and development-oriented approach