Degree Programme in Social Services
Spring Semester, January-June 2026
Campus Vaasa
* no activities offered in English, Autumn 2026 in Vaasa, only in Turku.
SOV22UVR202 Promotion of Employment and Integration 5 ECTS
The student
- has knowledge of the labor market
- can identify social risks linked to unemployment and incapacity for work.
- can describe rehabilitative employment promotion activities.
- has knowledge of service systems and legislation regarding employment promotion activities
- knows the different forms and causes of immigration.
- can describe the integration process.
- can identify social risks linked to migration and cultural change.
- has knowledge of service systems and legislation on immigration and integration
SOV22PUF202 Diversity in Work Life and Society 5 ECTS
The student
- has knowledge of the labor market
- can identify social risks linked to unemployment and incapacity for work
- can describe rehabilitative employment promotion activities
- has knowledge of service systems and legislation regarding employment promotion activities
- knows the different forms and causes of immigration
- can describe the integration process
- can identify social risks linked to migration and cultural change
- has knowledge of service systems and legislation on immigration and integration
VALXXX Nordic Welfare, Social Services and Professional Practice 5 ECTS
The student
- has knowledge of the Nordic welfare system
- has knowledge of different areas of professional expertise in social services
- develops the reflective capacity concerning one’s own professional development
Ethnicentrism, racism and discrimination 5 ECTS
Contents:
- The conceptual and theoretical foundation of the themes of the course (ethnocentrism, racism and discrimination), as well as on related themes, such as intersectionality, nativism and populism
- Historical legacies of migration, racism and discrimination in Europe and the Nordics
- New and old minorities in the Nordic countries
- Contemporary issues, among others, the rise and consolidation of populist parties, institutional racism and segregation in present-day society,
legal frameworks, racist violence and crime in Finland
Learning objectives:
The student:
- Is familiar with the conceptual and theoretical foundation of ethnocentrism, racism, discrimination, and related concepts (intersectionality, populism, and nativism, among others)
- Is familiar with the historical legacies of migration, new and old minorities, racism, and discrimination in Europe, the Nordics and in Finland, in particular
- Can analyse and critically discuss salient issues and institutional practices in the Nordics
SOV22SPR04 English for Bachelor of Social Services 3 ECTS
The student
- can communicate in a professional way orally and in writing in the situations that arise in working life.
- masters central terminology in their own field and can assimilate the main content of non-fiction in their field
- is positive about developing their receptive and productive language skills.
- is aware of cultural differences in communication
SHV22EI03 Entrepreneurship and Interprofessionalism 3 ECTS
The Student:
- has insights into entrepreneurship in social and health care
- knows what company establishment means
- develops skills in planning and implementing business plans - develops understanding of entrepreneurship and social innovations
- has the prerequisites to cooperate in inter professional activities
VAL20009 Survival Swedish, 2 ECTS
After having completed the course you should
- have a basic vocabulary
- understand and be able to use basic everyday phrases
- have some understanding about basic grammar
- be able to ask and answer simple questions and give basic information about yourself, your family and your immediate concrete surroundings
- be able to interact in a simple way provided that the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help
Content of the study unit
All or a selection
- Introductions, greetings
- Countries, languages
- Family
- Work, professions
- Numbers, time, days of the week, months
- Weather
- Food and drink
- Cultural aspects
VAL24026-3003 Developing a Global Mindset - Foundations of Global Competence, 3 sp (Online, sefl-study course)
After the course, the student should:
- Grasp the fundamental concepts of global competence and its importance in today’s world.
- Recognize key dimensions of culture and develop central intercultural communication skills.
- Develop a global mindset by exploring some cultural and global perspectives.
SOV22PR01 Practice: Client Focused Work, 5 cr
The student
- can establish a professional relationship with clients, relatives and employees characterized by interaction and cooperation and apply the principles of professional ethics.
- can work preventively and participatorily.
- can support the individual's growth and development and serve as support in the client's or family's everyday life/situation.
- can plan, execute, and evaluate meaningful activities for clients.
- can analyse his own role in the activities.
SOV22PR02 Practice: Methods in Social Work, 10 cr
The student
- can plan, perform, evaluate, and document activities in accordance with the key principles, objectives, methods, and content of the profession.
- can identify and describe the role and competence of the Bachelor of Social Services in the working community from an inter professional perspective.
- can actively support the client to develop competences and qualifications as a community member.
- can critically reflect on and describe his methodological choice in social client work in different situations based on theoretical, practical, and value-based foundations.
- can examine and describe the ethical and value bases of the methods in question.
- demonstrates knowledge of the forms of service in the social sector
- has begun a personal design of professional identity.
- can apply the principles of social sustainability in professional practice.
Location of campus Vaasa:
