Bachelor's Programme in Sociology of Work and Welfare

Study programme code BACVELFAD

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements Completion of general upper-secondary education.

Recommended previous knowledge It is expected that students are able to work with an English syllabus and have basic computer skills, both for written assignments and acquisition of information from the Internet.

General description and profile of the programme

During the study of Sociology of Work and Welfare the student will be given a thorough and broad introduction to concepts and perspectives that are central to sociology in general, plus a more detailed introduction to the concepts and theories that are specific to the sociology of work and welfare.

Sociology is the study of social interaction, and of how human interaction both shape and are shaped by the cultural and material environment. Sociology is about human action and interaction on all levels, from dyads and small groups to organisations and the nation state and beyond. Sociology offers concepts and theoretical perspectives for the analyses of people, organisations and societies. The study programme will interest students who seek to understand global as well as local processes, historic events and developmental trends, and who wish to take part in the debate about them.

The programme consists of sociological core courses equivalent to 90 ECTS, including the bachelor thesis of 20 ECTS. Courses in scientific research methods, examen facultatum and examen philosoficum, plus optional courses corresponding to 50 ECTS, make up for the remaining 90 ECTS of the programme.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Electives

The students are given a wide variety of choices of subjects with regard to the 50 ECTS electives in the programme. For more information about electives please contact programme student advisor.

Please note that scheduling conflicts may occur with regard to timetables as well as dates of examination. Moreover, the courses on offer may be subject to modification as they rely on sufficient student enrolment and available teaching resources.

Learning outcomes

After completing the programme the student will have knowledge of:

• perspectives, theories and methods that are central to sociology
• sociological concepts and theories that are relevant to the study of work and welfare
• cutting edge research of sociology of work and welfare, as well as the history and development of sociology in general

The student should be able to use sociological perspectives and theories in

• analyses of vital societal issues and developmental trends
• problem solving and practical work within the field

Students should also

• have insight into and skills in research methods
• be able to apply theory and relevant research findings in a reflective way
• be able to investigate and update their knowledge in the field

and be able to

• explain sociological theories and research both in writing and verbally
• exchange viewpoints and experience in a professional manner

Teaching methods

A variety of different teaching methods are used, for example lectures, group work, seminars and working with term papers. The language of instruction is generally Norwegian, but some subjects may be taught in English.

Assessment methods Various forms of assessment will be used. Exams may be written or oral, individual or in groups. There might be, for example, a reflection assignment, an at-home exam or a combination of several types of assessment. Group and individual assigments are to be handed in accordance to the tutor's instructions. Please refer to the course descriptions for further details.

Student exchange The faculty has extensive cooperation with various institutions both in Norway and abroad, this will also benefit the Bachelor students in Sociology of Work and Welfare. Students may seek the opportunity to spend a semester abroad whilst pursuing their bachelor programme. Please refer to the university's International Education Office for further details.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

The study qualifies for administrative and case work in the new welfare administration (NAV). With the multiprofessional structure, it also qualifies for working in other types of organisations such as humanitarian or private enterprises that administer welfare.

The bachelor degree qualifies for applying to master programmes, for example UiA's own master degree programmes in Welfare Studies or in Public Policy and Management.

Qualification awarded Successful completion of the programme awards the graduate with the degree Bachelor in Sociology of Work and Welfare.

Other information Several of the subjects are also taught in other study programmes

Contact person Head of Department Anne Halvorsen