Social Services (Swedish)

Please note that the following English text is a translation for reference purposes only, and that this degree programme is taught in Swedish. You find more detailed information in Swedish here. 

As a student of social services, you will learn to see the individual from several perspectives, you will observe changes in society and you understand the importance of social interaction in phases and situations in the individual's life. You will understand how social problems occur and how they can be prevented or rectified. As a social services worker, you will inspire, support and strengthen individuals' opportunities and abilities to implement changes, participate and go about their daily lives. You will have the knowledge of how both the individual and society work and you will work to promote the client's well-being and social security.

During your training, you will meet various user groups such as children, the elderly and those with varied functional abilities and you will have the opportunity to specialise according to your own interests. 

You will learn to work independently and responsibly. You will also learn about leadership and team work. We strive to produce enterprising and innovative social service workers, and this will provide you with the opportunity to participate in the development of the social sector.

As a Bachelor of Social Services you will have many different opportunities for work and the demand for qualified personnel is high. You may, for example, work as a school welfare officer, within child welfare services or within welfare services for the elderly. You will also have the opportunity to expand your field of study and become a kindergarten teacher and work with children up to 5 years of age. 

The profession of social worker is regulated by means of the Act on Social Welfare Professionals (817/2015) in Finland. Section 6 details the qualification requirements for social workers and Section 7 details the qualification requirements for kindergarten teachers. Section 7 of the Student Welfare Act (1287/2013) details the qualifications for welfare officer services.