Degree Programme in Social Services, students who began in 2013 or earlier

Qualification Awarded and the Level of Qualification

Bachelor of Social Services, EQF 6

Contact Information

Outi Wallin
Head of Degree Proggramme in Social Work

Minna Putous
Student Counsellor

Sirpa Sauvola
Study Secretary

Special Admission Requirements

General admission criteria, see TAMK’s websites.

Recognition of Prior Learning

It is possible for students to have their prior competence recognised.

See TAMK’s credit transfer guidelines









https://intra.tamk.fi/en/web/tutkinto-opinto-opas/asiointi/hyvaksilukeminen

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Completion of curriculum studies and achievement of related competence objectives.

Further information:

TAMK Degree Regulations

Ministry of Education and Culture

Profile of the Programme

The degree is a bachelor-level professional higher education degree.

The degree complies with the criteria set by the Finnish national degree system as well as with the European framework for degrees and other competence.

Ministry of Education and Culture

Key Learning Outcomes

Basic Values of Education
Ethical competence in social services and social work is the core of education programme in social services. The work of social sector is guided by United Nations Human Rights and by Finnish laws and regulations of social rights.
Human rights are basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. This means that all humans are endowed with certain entitlements merely by reason of being human.

Competences developed
The nationally defined competence requirements for social service education in universities of applied sciences are:
- Ethical skills
- Client service skills
- Social service system skills
- Societal analysis and influencing skills,
- Reflective development and management skills

During the first year, the study programme is the same for all students. The theme of the first year is basics, objectives and forms of social work and social pedagogy. Students become familiar with the basics, objectives and core know-how of social service work and every day life of the clients. They practise their basic skills in client work in various operating environments. They are familiar with the main theoretical backgrounds of social policy, social work, social pedagogy and education. They are also familiar with the ways and forms of providing social services.

The second-year studies are mainly implemented in the optional professional studies. Students learn to use various work methods and approaches in social service work and to assess and develop them in a reflective way. The theory studies and practical trainings familiarise the students with various client groups and situations as well as communities. Students learn to use diverse methods in client work and deepen their skills in case management and social work, social pedagogy or social rehabilitation.

The theme of the third-year autumn studies is investigative and developing work practices in social service work. Students prepare a working life -oriented bachelor’s thesis, which demonstrates their ability to adopt a developing and investigative work approach. The University of Applied sciences` regional impact task is often connected to bachelor´s theses.

The themes of the third and fourth year are development and action guidance of social service work and development of fourth know-how. Students deepen their skills in client work and can apply their knowledge even in demanding client work. Students are familiar with the quality recommendations of social services and become familiar with the guidance, development and assessment of social services. Students have also entrepreneur studies. Students complete a three-month practical training, which includes also studies of the Management.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

Professional Status
Bachelors of Social Services work in various fields of social services in the public and private sector as well as in organisations. They can work e.g. in early education, child welfare, family welfare, rehabilitation for intoxicant abusers, mental health services and services for the elderly or disabled and probation and aftercare. Students of the option of Social Pedagogy are qualified to work as kindergarten teachers in children’s day care centres. Social Sector is a developing area in Entrepreneurship.

Access to Further Studies

The degree gives eligibility for master’s degrees.

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Assessment of study performances is based on TAMK’s assessment criteria

The detailed assessment criteria can be found in course implementation plans. The teaching and assessment methods are agreed on with students at the beginning of each course.

TAMK Degree Regulations

Graduation Requirements

Completion of studies and achievement of competence objectives in the extent set by the curriculum.

Mode of Study

Qualification Bachelor of Social Services
The Extent of the Education is 210 credits (cr) and it lasts for 3.5 years
Implementation method full-time study

Development of the Programme

The Ministry of Education and Culture’ definitions of policy and TAMK’s strategy have been considered in the curriculum.