Bachelor of Science in Social Work - Specialization International Social Work 180 credits

• Knowledge of the conditions for international social change using people’s own resources as a point of departure.

• Knowledge of the conditions of professional social work and international development.

• Such skills and abilities as are required to develop and conduct social work from a pluralistic and international perspective.

A Degree of Bachelor is awarded after the student has completed the courses required to gain 180 credits in a defined specialisation determined by each higher education institution itself, of which 90 credits are for progressively specialised study in the principal field (main field of study) of the programme.

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field, understanding of applicable methodologies in the field, specialised study in some aspect of the field as well as awareness of current research issues.

Skills and abilities
For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to search for, gather, evaluate and critically interpret the relevant information for a formulated problem and also discuss phenomena, issues and situations critically

• demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously and to complete tasks within predetermined time frames

• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in speech and writing and in dialogue with different audiences, and

• demonstrate the skills required to work autonomously in the main field of study.

Judgement and attitudes
For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues

• demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and

• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

Overall structure
All instruction within the undergraduate programme in international social work is carried out in English. The programme gives 180 higher education credits (normally three years of study) and consists of six semesters at the first cycle (undergraduate) level. The courses within the programme have a modular structure in which each course is a continuation of the previous courses.

Main field of study and structure of the programme
The main field of study, social work, is intended to provide both broad knowledge and scientific depth. The programme should reflect historical developments, as well as current trends and research. Social work is a field of knowledge that includes a research area, a subject area and an area of practice. It aims to promote social welfare and to identify, prevent and overcome social problems and their consequences. Social work is an interdisciplinary subject that has its origins in theories drawn from the social and behavioural sciences, and is based on both applied and interdisciplinary research.

Semesters 1, 2 and 3 comprise 90 higher education credits and offer insight into the profession and the entire field at the individual, group and societal levels. Methodological, theoretical and ethical aspects of social work are addressed from both national and international perspectives.
Social structures, welfare and the conditions that lead to social problems are dealt with on a basic level. Other aspects addressed include the development and socialisation of the individual in relation to and interplay with families, groups and societal institutions. Marginalisation and vulnerability, as well as the living conditions of various vulnerable groups are also discussed. During semester 3 students also learn to apply basic epistemological concepts, and questions are applied in an independent scientific project based mainly on empirical material collected during a field study.

Semester 4 comprises 30 higher education credits and focuses on practical skills, as students learn how to apply communication and counselling skills. Students also learn how to analyse social problems and methods to prevent them. The semester ends with practical training, including training in the student’s professional approach.

Semester 5 comprises 30 higher education credits and begins with advanced study of social policy. Organisation and leadership in social work are addressed from different perspectives, followed by an introduction to eco-social work. The last course of the semester teaches skills related to evaluation and quality.

Semester 6 comprises 30 higher education credits and includes advanced studies of scientific theory and epistemology, as well as various research methods. Students learn methodological proficiency, critical thinking and scientific knowledge production by writing a thesis based on research within a central area of social work.

Instruction
The Bachelor’s programme in international social work is based on the premise that learning is a process that takes place through interaction between teachers and students. All instruction and guidance presume that students take personal responsibility for their own studies and for the active pursuit of knowledge. Learning entails the integration of the theoretical and practical aspects presented in courses into useful knowledge and skills in each individual.

Instruction should teach students a scientific approach that includes the ability to read, understand and critically evaluate scientific papers. Students will also acquire preparedness for change, and the ability to reconsider prior knowledge in order to actively participate in the development and evaluation of social work-related expertise.

During practical training students will apply their own experiences and develop information seeking and critical thinking skills. The programme focus is on professional development, and studies are designed to foster continuous reflection and discussion of personal values, attitudes and behaviours in relation to the practice of social work.

Studies are full-time. Instruction is provided through lectures, discussions, seminars, literature studies, group work in various forms, applied exercises, projects, papers, and practical training.

Examination
The programme uses a variety of examination formats based on the general principle of both providing a learning experience and monitoring progress. Examinations are held in each course and may be taken individually and/or in groups. However, examinations always entail the individual assessment of the student’s performance in relation to the learning outcomes of the course.

A requirement for the award of a Degree of Bachelor is completion by the student of an independent project (degree project) for at least 15 credits in the main field of study.

Miscellaneous
Specific requirements determined by each higher education institution itself within the parameters of the requirements laid down in this qualification descriptor shall also apply for a Degree of Bachelor with a defined specialisation.

Degree of Bachelor

General entry requirements for higher education in Sweden and courses corresponding to the following Swedish Upper Secondary School courses:

• Mathematics 2a or 2b or 2c
  
• Social studies 1 b or 1a1+1a2
  
• English 6