Degree Programme in Social Services

Spring Semester, January-June 2026

Campus Vaasa

* no activities offered in English, Autumn 2026 in Vaasa, only in Turku. 

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.