Outi Wallin
Head of Degree Proggramme in Social Work
Minna Putous
Student Counsellor
Sirpa Sauvola
Study Secretary
Bachelor of Social Services, EQF 6
General admission criteria, see TAMK’s websites.
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
Completion of curriculum studies and achievement of related competence objectives.
Further information:
TAMK Degree Regulations
Ministry of Education and Culture
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
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.
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.
The degree gives eligibility for master’s degrees.
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
Completion of studies and achievement of competence objectives in the extent set by the curriculum.
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
The Ministry of Education and Culture’ definitions of policy and TAMK’s strategy have been considered in the curriculum.