Advanced University of Applied Sciences Degree in Social Work
A specialized master’s programme for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in social services leadership and practice.
Best for:Best for social work professionals with prior higher education who aim to complete their advanced degree and advance into leadership roles in social services, criminal justice, or related fields.
Overview
This advanced master’s programme at Laurea University of Applied Sciences is designed for professionals who have previously completed higher education in social work or related fields but did not finish their degree. It offers two pathways: one for those who have studied at least 55 credits in a Finnish higher education institution and wish to complete their degree, and another for Laurea’s pathway students who have completed at least 30 credits in advanced-level studies. The programme focuses on equipping graduates with advanced skills in social services management, client work development, and leadership in various sectors such as criminal justice, healthcare organizations, employment services, youth work, and early childhood education. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical knowledge, practical application, and lifelong learning, culminating in a thesis project and elective modules to tailor expertise to individual career goals.
What you'll do
- Develop advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in social services leadership and management.
- Engage in research and practical projects aimed at improving social services and client work practices.
- Complete a thesis project that addresses a relevant issue in social work or social services.
- Participate in elective modules to specialize in areas such as criminal justice, healthcare, employment services, or youth work.
- Collaborate with professionals and organizations in the social services sector to enhance practical skills.
- Develop lifelong learning skills and adapt to evolving social service challenges and policies.
Requirements
Degree required: Either: (a) at least 55 credits completed in a Finnish higher education institution in a relevant field with interrupted studies, or (b) at least 30 credits completed in advanced-level studies at Laurea’s Open University.
Degree offered: Master of Social Services (Ylempi AMK)
Language: Finnish proficiency (language of instruction and assessment)
Instruction: Finnish
- Proven academic performance in prior social work or related studies.
- Ability to demonstrate suitability for the field through motivation, language skills, and study attitudes.
- Proficiency in Finnish language for instruction and assessment.
- For pathway (a): Must have completed at least 55 credits in a Finnish higher education institution in a relevant field, with studies interrupted but with the intention to complete the degree. If studies were completed at Laurea, at least one academic term must have passed since the interruption.
- For pathway (b): Must have completed at least 30 credits in advanced-level studies at Laurea’s Open University by the application deadline.
- Applicants must demonstrate academic success, suitability for the field, language skills, and study attitudes.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Application instructions
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- Tuition
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- Funding
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How to apply
Deadline: unknown
Applicants must submit their application through the official Opintopolku portal. Required documents include a motivation letter (for pathway a), proof of prior credits, and evidence of academic performance. Selection is based on completed credits and an interview process.
- CV or curriculum vitae
- Motivation letter (for applicants under pathway a)
- Proof of prior credits and academic transcripts
- Interview participation
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