Study Guide

Descriptions

The Bachelor of Social Services program leads to a degree in social and health care from a university of applied sciences, with the degree title being Bachelor of Social Services (UAS). The extent of the studies is 210 credits and the duration is 3.5 years. The competence produced by the degree corresponds to the higher education level generally defined within the European Union, enabling the mobility of labor and experts.

A Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) works as an expert in social counselling, social pedagogy, or the criminal sanctions field in the services of welfare areas, municipalities, companies, and organizations, as well as an independent professional. A Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) can work under various job titles, for example, in early childhood education, family, youth, child protection, substance abuse, mental health, immigrant, disability, criminal sanctions, working-age and elderly services, as well as in student welfare.

A graduate with a Bachelor of Social Services degree is a social sector expert whose work emphasizes interaction and teamwork skills, guidance competence, social work methods, and networking skills. They can anticipate societal changes, renew social and welfare services, and develop community-based and participatory forms of activities and support for the needs of different population groups. A Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) is familiar with the legislation of the field, the service system that produces well-being and safety, and the various forms of providing social, health, and educational services. They can utilize the possibilities of information, communication, and welfare technology in their work.

The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (VALVIRA) legalizes the Bachelor of Social Services upon application and notification from the university of applied sciences that awarded the degree, as a licensed social welfare professional, a Bachelor of Social Services. The prerequisite for legalization is that 210 credits and the contents according to the curriculum have been completed in the social services education. The task of the university of applied sciences is to verify that the graduating social welfare professional has the competence required by the professional skill requirements.

The Early Childhood Education Act (13.7.2018/540 § 27) defines the qualification for a Bachelor of Social Services in early childhood education as follows: The qualification requirement for the tasks of a Bachelor of Social Services in early childhood education is a degree in social and health care from a university of applied sciences, which includes at least 60 credits of studies oriented towards early childhood education and social pedagogy, which can be further regulated by a government decree, or a Bachelor of Social Services degree supplemented with the mentioned studies.

Professional development

The competence goal of social services education is that the graduating Bachelor of Social Services has broad and strong expertise in social field area, the application of knowledge, development, and evaluation, as well as readiness for continuous learning and international activities. The competence acquired during the education corresponds to the descriptions of competence levels according to the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the national framework for qualifications and other competence entities (120/2017) at level 6 (national framework).

The program-specific competencies of the Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) are ethical competences in social field competence, in social client work competence, social service system competence, critical and participatory societal competence, research-based development and innovation competence, and work community, management, and entrepreneurship competence.

Upon graduation, a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) masters the service systems that produce participation, safety, and well-being and their forms of production in the social, health, and educational sectors. They can guide and support different people and clients at various stages of growth, development, and learning. Additionally, a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) can support and involve children, adults, families, and various groups in changing life situations and everyday challenges. A Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) can also act as an expert in multidisciplinary social, health, and educational services as well as in development and innovation activities.

He can anticipate future changes and produce and develop services that require expertise in social counselling and education. In their work, a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) adheres to the professional and ethical principles of the social sector.

In Savonia’s curricula, courses form broader study modules. This supports the overall development of the student and the growth of their expertise. At the same time, it enables the integration of teaching with work-life-oriented research and development activities.

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Social Services is designed so that:

• The degree provides the competence required in working life.
• The education ensures the development of the student’s expertise.

The student:

• Prepares a personal study and career plan to support their studies, recognizing previously acquired skills.
• Is responsible for the progress of their studies.

Savonia’s teachers and other staff guide and support the definition and achievement of personal goals.

Implementation

The pedagogical approach is the diverse integration of high-quality, work-life-oriented education with research and development activities. Co-development strengthens multidisciplinary activities, the utilization of partnerships, and work-life orientation, which supports the integration of theory and practice in learning. In work-life-oriented education, student motivation and commitment to studies are emphasized. Various virtual and physical environments at Savonia and partner facilities both domestically and internationally broadly and interestingly connect theory and practice as part of the student’s learning and organizational development. The education is characterized by diversity, interdisciplinarity, and independence from time and place.

Comprehensive guidance supports the student’s professional growth throughout their study path. At Savonia, each student is an individual. The education is implemented considering the diverse needs and goals of the students. Personalized education allows for alternative methods of completion and individual paths according to the student’s own goals.

At Savonia, the recognition and acknowledgment of prior learning and the academicization of work are widely utilized as part of the student’s personal study plan. The student can deepen or expand their expertise by utilizing the offerings of Savonia’s national and international higher education partners.

The contents and implementation methods of the annual themes and courses take into account responsibility, sustainable development, and global human security challenges.

Teaching is based on a socio-constructivist learning concept and integrative pedagogy. According to the socio-constructivist learning concept, the student is seen as an active and independent seeker of knowledge, a critical evaluator, and a builder of knowledge. The student constructs knowledge in interaction with others and connects it to their previous knowledge and views through reflection. The student develops an awareness of their own learning. According to integrative pedagogy, the student combines socio-cultural, practical, and theoretical knowledge. The student reflects on their own actions and learning based on phenomena. The progression of professional growth is described by the goals of the academic years and the themes of the semesters, through which the student perceives the construction of their professional competence.

Teaching methods emphasize the collaboration and self-direction required by the profession. Studies are conducted based on the principle of investigative learning. Working on various work-life projects and periods, guided internships in different work communities, and the thesis create individuality in the studies.

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Social Services defines the objectives and key content of each course, the extent in credits, the principles of organizing studies and teaching, and the required achievements. Studies include contact and distance learning, online learning, and independent study and internships.

The student has the opportunity to study internationality and cultural competence for 60 credits either abroad in various exchange programs or at Savonia by choosing multicultural and international courses. The student can also practice cultural skills by tutoring international exchange students and working, for example, with immigrants.

Courses in English and Swedish are included in the degree. The student can also include optional language studies in their personal study and career plan. Finnish language and communication studies are integrated into social studies courses so that the student achieves the communication and interaction skills necessary for studying, practicing the profession, professional development, and further studies.

In advanced professional studies, the student deepens their expertise in social work on their chosen expert path (15 credits). The student can choose from the following expert paths: expert in social pedagogical work with children, youth, and families; expert in social counselling in welfare and social services.

In the specialized studies for the expert in social pedagogical work with children, youth, and families, the student deepens their educational counselling skills with children, youth, and families. The student gains the skills for pedagogical work that promotes the psychosocial well-being, growth, and learning of children and youth, as well as supporting parenting. Additionally, the studies provide the skills to identify and support early and special needs in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary cooperation. Upon graduation, a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) can work in early childhood education (e.g., early childhood education social worker), youth work (e.g., school counselor, child protection), and family work.

In the specialized studies for the expert in social counselling in welfare and social services, the student deepens their counselling kills with people of different ages and in various life situations using a social pedagogical work orientation. The student gains the skills to support the well-being, life management, and functional capacity of clients in different life situations and to prevent social exclusion. The studies provide the skills for a preventive approach and the use of multidisciplinary and multi-professional work methods. Upon graduation, a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) can work under various job titles in child and family services, rehabilitative work activities, substance abuse and criminal work, mental health work, employment services, child protection, immigrant work, disability work, or services for the elderly.

Assessment follows the degree regulations of Savonia University of Applied Sciences. Assessment guides and verifies the achievement of the student’s study objectives. The assessment criteria are based on the course objectives, and the student receives information about the assessment criteria at the beginning of the course. The student has the opportunity to provide feedback on the education and courses.