Master Programme in Social Work 120 credits

A Degree of Master (120 cr) is awarded after the student has completed the courses required to gain 120 credits with a defined specialisation determined by each higher education institution itself, of which at least 60 credits are for specialised study in the principal field (main field of study) of the study programme. In addition the prior award of a Degree of Bachelor’s degree, Degree of Bachelor’s degree in fine arts, professional or vocational qualification of at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad is required.

The requirement of the prior award of a qualification may be waived for a student admitted to the programme without the basic entry requirement in the form of a qualification. This does not, however, apply if a waiver was granted during admission pursuant to the second paragraph of Section 28 of the Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) on the grounds that the qualification had not yet been issued.

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master (120 cr) the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and

• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Skills and abilities
For a Degree of Master (120 cr) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information

• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work

• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and

• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and attitudes
For a Degree of Master (120 cr) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work

• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and

• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

The Master’s programme in the research profile ‘Health-promoting working life’ (Hälsofrämjande arbetsliv) provides students with the chance to work within the field of social work independently, critically and professionally. The programme provides skills that are relevant for professional social work, conducting investigations and evidence-based social work through courses in social work, as well as thematic links to health issues in social contexts and health-promoting working life. Thus, the programme provides a good foundation for career opportunities both in Sweden and abroad, and qualifies the student for doctoral studies.

Students learn through literature studies, seminars, lectures, case studies, and guidance.

Students in the Master’s programme are offered elective courses totalling at least 60 credits, as well as required courses in research methods for 15 credits, a course that is specifically geared towards health and health-promoting working life for 15 credits, and a thesis course for 30 credits. All courses are held on a part-time basis, except for the degree project, which is conducted on a full-time basis (though there is an option to write the thesis on a part-time basis).

Compulsory courses are always given in the spring semester (semesters 1 and 3), while electives are always taught in the fall semester (semesters 2 and 4).

Compulsory courses (60 credits)
Semester 1
Social work and health issues in society and working life: 15 credits
Qualitative, quantitative and combined research methods: 15 credits

Semester 3
Master’s thesis in social work: 30 credits

Elective courses (60 credits)
Semesters 2 and 4
In addition to the courses listed in the Master's programme, students may choose from advanced level independent courses in social work that are offered at the University of Gävle.

Students admitted to the Master’s programme who have already taken advanced courses, for example in a social work programme or equivalent, may receive credit for these courses as part of the programme.

The language of instruction is predominantly Swedish with parts of English. There is an opportunity to write the individual exam and other individual assignments in English. Some elective courses are conducted in English. In these courses you will be able to write individual exams and other individual assignments in Swedish.

Independent project (degree project)
A requirement for the award of a Degree of Master (120 cr) is completion by the student of an independent project (degree project) for at least 30 credits in the main field of study. The degree project may comprise less than 30 credits, however no less than 15 credits, if the student has already completed an independent project in the second cycle for at least 15 credits in the main field of study or the equivalent from a programme of study outside Sweden.

Degree of Master (120 cr)

• Degree at the undergraduate level that includes at least 180 ECTS credits
  
• 90 ECTS credits in the main area of social work or equivalent