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Programme:

Social Work and Social Policy (2021/2022)

Study Cycle: Second Cycle (Postgraduate)
Faculty: Contemporary Social Sciences
Programme Code: SWSP120
Academic year: 2024 / 2025
Title: Master in Social Work and Social Policy
ECTS: 120 (2 years) Accrediation
Decision: Decision for starting of the program

Aims of study program:
- Acquiring knowledge about social works with individuals, families, groups and local communities who are at social risk or encounter social problems.
- Acquiring knowledge for overcoming social inequalities and contributing to vulnerable social groups.
- Acquiring knowledge for providing services without discrimination based on race, gender, ethnical background, religion, economic status, age, etc.
- Acquiring knowledge for creating social policies in the fields of social protection, social security, employment, education, housing, etc. 

The study program will have a significant contribution in enabling students to develop innovative knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies in the field of social work and social policy. As such it will have a significant contribution in enabling students to build professional careers by gaining higher education qualifications in line with the needs of the labour market. For this reason, this program creates staff who will manage social services, with the right skills to to provide service tailored to meet the contemporary problems of individuals and society. In accordance with the strategies and programs at central and local level, in terms of strengthening the role of social centers and de-institutionalization, graduates of this program will respond to the needs for human capacities in these structures and system.
 

Knowledge and understanding

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the scientific field of study which is build on previous education including knowledge from theoretical, practical, comparative and critical conceptual perspectives in the field of study of social work and social policy and according to the appripriate methodology. Understands a specific field and recognizes current issues related to scientific research and new sources of knowledge in the social sphere. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of different theories and methodologies in social work and social policy.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Demonstrates competencies to identify, analyze and solve problems faced by individuals, families, groups, local communities and other phenomena in the social field. Demonstrates ability to find and substantiate arguments within the framework of the field of study. 

Making judgement

Ability to collect, analyze, evaluate and present information, ideas, concepts from the relevant data within the competencies of the social protection system. Makes proper assessment taking into account the personal, social, scientific and practical apects which a social worker should have.  Ability to evaluate theoretical and practical issues, to give explanations for the causes and to choose the right solution. 
 

Communication skills

Ability to communicate and discuss with professional and non- professional audiences about information, ideas, problems and solutions. Ability for independent participation with professional approach in specific, scientific and interdisciplinary discussions.

Learning skills

Takes the initiative to identify the needs for further knowledge and learning with a high level of independence.  

Semester 1

  • [CM139] [6 ECTS] Ethics of Social Work
    Objectives of the curriculum: - Has knowledge and understands the semantics and the concepts of morality of ethics, standards of behavior, moral judgment and moral philosophy. - Develops an approach on the moral position in the professional life. - Sets up clear views on the rights and responsibilities of the employee in state and public administration. - Is able to face with problematic ethical situations. - Has sense for the character that is required in the profession of the administrator. - Is informed through literature, about ethics in the field of public administration. - Is ready to use communication tools and to respect ethical standards in working with state institutions and public actors.
  • [CM140] [6 ECTS] Social Work in the NGO Sector
    To gain scientific and in-depth knowledge of the most important approaches to the problems of young people in society and to study the ways in which different groups of young people participate in social life, the construction of specific subcultures and life styles. Students are introduced to the state youth policy.
  • [CM141] [6 ECTS] Labor Law and Labor Relations
    Labor Law is a separate and independent legal discipline in the legal system. The basic subject of study and arrangement is the employment relationship itself. The course syllabus "Labor Law" consists of two parts: Part One - General and Basic Issues of Labor Law and Part Two - Labor Relations. The first part covers general-theoretical questions such as: subject, definition, meanings, and place in the legal system, characteristics, and relation to labor law with other legal disciplines, development, domestic and international sources. In addition to the introductory remarks, in this section considerable attention is paid to the collective agreements and the International Labor Organization (ILO).
  • [6 ECTS] General elective course
    • [EM495] Social Work and Health Care
    • [EM496] Social Work in Education
    • [EM498] Preventive and Social Work
    • [EM499] Protection of Children
    • [EM500] Conflict Resolution
    • [EM501] Economics of Social Policy
    • [EM502] Basics of Crisis Interventions in Social Work
  • [6 ECTS] Professional elective course
    • [EM503] Social Work in Organizing the Community
    • [EM504] Social Work with People with Special Needs
    • [EM505] Poverty and Social Work
    • [EM506] Analysis and Design of Questionnaires
    • [EFIN0104] Public Finances
    • [EM507] Work Searching Strategies
    • [EM508] Leadership and Learning

Semester 2

  • [CM142] [6 ECTS] Basics of Counseling
    The purpose of this course is to provide students with a theoretical and practical experience of conducting counseling and evaluation in the social work. Students should be able to analyze and discuss contemporary approaches to counseling and evaluation in social work and their application in social work.
  • [CM143] [6 ECTS] Youth Work in the Community
    This course provides a contemporary socio-political perspective of politics and the youth as the most essential social group. Today's youth, besides being a subject of the most scientific analysis, it is essentially facing major local and global challenges to their careers and livelihoods. Young people are an integral part of a group in which they were born and live. But at the same time we are part of a complex structure of organizations which have their own problems particularly with political institutions. The course will summarize all theoretical and practical dilemmas in the field of relations of the young generation in political life and institutions of democratic society. The process of socializiation of the young generation and participation in public and political life, is known to be called by Freud as the Super ego and by Herbert Mead as communication with the environment. Topics will cover the process of youth and liberalism, public health and pathological phenomena like: alcoholism, drugs, prostitution, delinquency, etc. Considering the fact that the young generation is the future of the society, do we have proper political participation? Topics that will be elaborated in close relation with the problems of teenagers, collaboration with community, activism, the political life of youth, youth groups- gangs, youth movements, social changes in school, neighborhood, etc.
  • [CM144] [6 ECTS] Planning of Social Development
    Students acquire knowledge about scientific achievements in the field of social development, the importance and the need for the dynamics of social development, its forms, methods and areas of expression, compilation, planning and competencies.
  • [6 ECTS] General elective course
    • [EM495] Social Work and Health Care
    • [EM496] Social Work in Education
    • [EM498] Preventive and Social Work
    • [EM499] Protection of Children
    • [EM500] Conflict Resolution
    • [EM501] Economics of Social Policy
    • [EM502] Basics of Crisis Interventions in Social Work
  • [6 ECTS] Professional elective course
    • [EM503] Social Work in Organizing the Community
    • [EM504] Social Work with People with Special Needs
    • [EM505] Poverty and Social Work
    • [EM506] Analysis and Design of Questionnaires
    • [EFIN0104] Public Finances
    • [EM507] Work Searching Strategies
    • [EM508] Leadership and Learning

Semester 3

  • [MCDP1010] [6 ECTS] Research Methodology
    The purpose of this course is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of different scientific theories and methodologies. Initially the student will be introduced to the conceptual, theoretical definitions and examples of all existing methods of research, hypothesis, direct and indirect variables, validation of the results, the conclusions BIAS and scientific qualitative and quantitative methodologies, "ground research" methodology and other methodological approaches. In each chapter the student will work on practical assignments. After completing the course the student will be able to explain thoroughly and understand the importance of basic scientific concepts, effectively search and find information-relevant literature, identify, describe and formulate scientific problems, make a careful choice of alternative research approaches, thoroughly describe, compare and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different scientific methods for collecting quantitative and qualitative data, apply basic scientific methods to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, understand different frameworks for building theory and review and evaluate scientific publications.
  • [CM145] [6 ECTS] Social Management
    The course will address concepts and tools related to the management of social organizations, as well as the concept of collective influence. The course aims to expose students to a management perspective that is an alternative to traditional approaches to managing social organizations - a social governance approach based on a single concept of a professional role.
  • [CM146] [6 ECTS] Organizing Administrations and Social Services
    Students should master basic knowledge about effective organization and functioning of office work in state bodies, local authorities and various institutions and enterprises. The purpose of studying this course is for students to be ready at the required level to be able to complete their duties fully in an effective and responsible way.
  • [CM147] [6 ECTS] Social Policy of the European Union
    To gain in-depth knowledge of the supranational social policy practiced by the European Union (EU) and to acquire skills to apply specific EU social programs in a national context.
  • [6 ECTS] General elective course
    • [EM495] Social Work and Health Care
    • [EM496] Social Work in Education
    • [EM498] Preventive and Social Work
    • [EM499] Protection of Children
    • [EM500] Conflict Resolution
    • [EM501] Economics of Social Policy
    • [EM502] Basics of Crisis Interventions in Social Work

Semester 4

  • [MCPA4010] [30 ECTS] Master Thesis
    This module enables students to transfer their research skills and knowledge and to do the most complex task- writing their master thesis. The module is designed to be fully practical and students to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to approach writing the thesis. The module has unique return result-to enable students to write the master thesis with minimal difficulties, and with maximum efficiency. The course aims to improve research techniques and style of writing the paper, taking into account the prevention of the usage of illegal means, such as plagiarism and infringement of copyright, which are prohibited by the Statute of SEEU.
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