Programme description for Master's Programme in Sociology and Social Work (2024–2026)

After completing the programme students should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills and general competence

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate should have

• extensive knowledge of the concept of welfare, the development and the distribution, as well as various principles for the production and organisation of welfare
• specific insight in chosen specialization field.
• thorough knowledge of relevant scientific theories and methods

SKILLS

The candidate should be able

• to apply existing theories, methods and interpretations within a field and work independently with practical and theoretical problem solving
• to master the relevant methods of research and scientific development in an independent way in private, public and voluntary sector
• to think critically about various sources of information and apply them structurally and to express them with a scientific reasoning
• conduct independent, defined research or a development project

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate should

• have knowledge of the relevant ethical research principles
• be able to present a comprehensive independent study and master the subject field terminology
• be able to communicate scientifically issues, analysis and conclusions in the field, both to specialists and to the general public
• contribute to innovation, development and innovative processes in the private, public and voluntary sector and in community and businesslife

The admission requirements are either

a) an integrated bachelor programme of three years (180 ECTS) for example Social Work, Child Welfare or Work and Welfare studies or similar studies,
Or

b) a bachelor degree with a major of 80 ECTS, with at least 20 ECTS at advanced level, in the fields of Sociology, Political Science or similar studies.

The applicant should have at least 7,5 ECTS of Social Science Research Methods.

For further information please consult the admission requirements of Masters Programmes at the University of Agder.

It is an advantage to have a good command of English as some of the subjects and syllabus are taught in English.

The overall objective of the programme is to provide candidates with knowledge of the interaction between social change and welfare systems. This involves both the understanding of major social change processes and the competence in research and professional practice related to changes in the organisation of welfare. Some changes are of an international character and require a broader comparative perspective.

The programme has three sub-themes: social change, welfare systems that are under revision and reorganisation, and the consequences these have for individuals welfare and their living conditions.

The programme is based on a collaboration between the fields of Sociology and Social Work, and integrate different perspectives at several analytical levels. The fields of Sociology as a discipline and Social Work as professional practice have traditionally had different focus. Sociology focuses increasingly on macro-structures and changes in these and the interaction between individuals and society, while Social Work has a stronger focus on individuals: users and professionals and the interaction between them. Both the macro and the micro-level in welfare issues raises fundamental ethical questions.

The study presents approaches that focus on the interaction between individuals, society and social change. Social change is a central focus in the understanding of issues related to work, social roles and organisations, welfare regimes at national and international level, migration, population aging and new family structures, as well as cultural patterns (eg. individualism, gender roles).

The students may apply to go on an exchange overseas for one semester, usually the third semester. The exchange studies must be approved and fit into the student's education plan. For more information please consult the International Office at the university.

The compulsory subjects must normally be completed and a field of specialisation must be chosen before a supervisor for the master thesis can be allocated.

The programme qualifies for

• high level positions within the public or private sector as professional worker or community planner for example in the social sector, voluntary organisations or other areas within the private sector.
• teaching positions within the specialization fields.
• admission to further studies at PhD level in Norway or abroad.

Successful completion of the programme awards the degree of Master in Sociology and Social Work