Programme description for Master's Programme in Social Work (2026–2028)

Upon completing the program, graduates will have achieved the following total learning outcomes in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

KNOWLEDGE

Graduates will:

• Possess extensive knowledge of various forms of welfare and welfare state institutions and how these shape situations for users and professionals.
• Gain in-depth knowledge of theories, methods, ethics, and practical approaches in social work.
• Be able to apply social science theory and humanistic perspectives to new subject areas in social work.
• Be capable of analyzing issues based on academic perspectives relevant to social work, both historically and in contemporary contexts.

SKILLS

Graduates will:

• Critically analyze various information sources and structure and formulate academic arguments.
• Analyze existing theories, methods, and interpretations in social work and work independently on practical and theoretical problem-solving.
• Independently apply relevant methods for research and professional development.
• Conduct an independent, delimited research project under supervision in accordance with applicable research ethics standards.

GENERAL COMPETENCE

Graduates will:

• Apply knowledge and skills in social work to new areas to carry out advanced tasks and projects.
• Reflect critically and independently on social and ethical issues, norms, and relationships.
• Master the rules of integrity in research and academic presentations.
• Present their work to others and receive feedback in a critical and reflective manner.
• Collaborate with others on academic issues, analyses, and conclusions within the field.
• Contribute to critical analysis, innovation, and development processes in social work practice.

The general admission requirement is a bachelor's degree or equivalent education comprising at least three years (180 ECTS credits). The admission basis must include:

1. An integrated bachelor's degree or equivalent education of at least three years (180 ECTS credits), such as social work, special needs education, child welfare, or similar studies.
2. Social science methodology, at least 7.5 ECTS credits.

A weighted average grade of C or better is required.

Otherwise, reference is made to UiA's regulations for admission to studies and courses at UiA: https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2021-11-243370?q=forskrift%20om%20opptak%20til%20studier.

The Master's program in Social Work provides a broad introduction to social science and humanistic perspectives and approaches as they apply to the field. Throughout the program, you will learn about the interplay between individuals and society, societal stability and change, and the relationship between professionals and users in the welfare state. You will learn about power dynamics and marginalization, and reflect on opportunities to challenge power relations and improve people's situations. You will gain insight into the nature and development of social work, what enhances and inhibits professional development, and how to critically analyze and engage with practices in social work.

In the first year, emphasis is placed on the interaction between theory and practice in social work and methodological knowledge. During the first year, you will develop a project proposal for your master's thesis. In the second year, you will independently explore a chosen topic through your master's thesis. You also have the opportunity to apply for an internship in an organization or company to gain work experience while working on your thesis.

Throughout the program, you will develop competence in analyzing complex issues and examining, analyzing, and critically evaluating different forms of knowledge and knowledge development. The goal is for you to develop practical and analytical competence, apply ethically sound professional understandings, and contribute to innovation and expanded perspectives on social work.

Program Structure

1st Semester

• SO-407-1 Theories in Social Work - 10 ECTS
• ME-416-1 Science Theory and Qualitative Method - 10 ECTS
• BV-400-1 Decision-making Processes in Context - 10 ECTS Or:
• BV-500 Guidance and Empowerment - 10 ECTS Or:
• SV-436 Crime Control and Punishment in the Nordic Countries - 5 ECTS and
• SV-437-1 Welfare and Family Policies in the Nordic Countries - 5 ECTS

2nd Semester

• SO-408-1 Analysis and Project Development in Social Work - 10 ECTS
• ME-417-1 Science Theory and Quantitative Method - 10 ECTS
• SO-409-1 Innovation, Participation, and Collaboration - 10 ECTS

3rd and 4th Semesters

• ME-529 Master's Thesis in Social Work - 60 ECTS (Alternatively ME-530 Master's Thesis in Social Work, 40 ECTS + 20 ECTS internship/elective or exchange)

In the second year, you can either write a master's thesis over two semesters totaling 60 ECTS (ME-529) or a thesis over two semesters totaling 40 ECTS (ME-530). A 40-credit thesis accommodates those who wish to go on an exchange in the third semester or take 10-20 ECTS in practice-related subjects:

• SV-416 Practice (10 ECTS) – students engage in practice within an organization or company
• SV-420 Co-creation – Theory in Practice (10 ECTS) – students solve real-world issues in interdisciplinary groups with master's students from other programs

Students choosing 10 ECTS in practice also select a 10 ECTS elective. Electives:

• BV-400 Decision Making and Intervention Development, 10 ECTS
• BV-500 Guidance and Empowerment, 10 ECTS

Other electives may be approved upon application.

The study program uses international curriculum literature in relevant subjects, and global/comparative perspectives are central to several of the subjects taught. There is a particular focus on Nordic welfare policy in a comparative perspective. Parts of the teaching are given in English.

We recommend that all our students take advantage of the opportunity to go on exchange. Exchange takes place in the 3rd semester. Students who go on exchange write a master's thesis of 40 credits. There is a lot of flexibility in the choice of exchange subjects. The exchange stay is approved by the study program director and pre-approved subjects are incorporated into the student's education plan. The department has good exchange agreements with universities we collaborate with, including through Erasmus+.

Contact the International Office, study program manager or study supervisor for more information about exchange. See UiA's website about student exchange for an overview of where you can go on exchange: https://www.uia.no/student/uttvælsinghttps://www.uia.no/student/uttvælsing.

The program provides qualifications that are in demand for public sector roles, private companies, and voluntary and non-profit organizations. With a master's in social work, you can work in:

• Health and social services
• Public services and administration
• Planning and development work
• Communication and media
• Consulting industry
• HR and staffing
• Voluntary and non-profit organizations

The program can qualify you for further Ph.D. studies. Note that the program does not qualify for the professional title of social worker. Read more about career opportunities for social scientists at link.