Programme description for Sexology, Interdisciplinary Continuing Education, Part-time (2024–2025)

On successful completion of the study programme, the candidate will:

Knowledge:

• have knowledge-based understanding of human sexuality and gender
• have insight in sexual diversity and gender diversity
• have wide knowledge about relevant counseling methods and treatment approaches
• have knowledge about relevant professionals who work within the sexological professional environment

Skills:

• be able to work with sexological counseling within their own field of study, and apply relevant methods/approaches
• be able to work from the first three stages of the PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information and Specific Suggestions)
• have the ability to critically and ethically evaluate the different expressions of sexuality
• have the ability to raise awareness of their own and of other people’s attitudes, values and emotional responses concerning sexuality and gender diversity
• be able to recognize and discuss sexual issues within their own professional fields of study

General knowledge

• understand sexuality and gender as an integral part of the complete life situation of the individual
• be able to contribute to unbiased and free communication/information about sexual topics
• be able to identify and discuss knowledge and values, which are presented through legislation and in the media

The general requirement for admission is holding a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent level of education of minimum three years/180 credits.

The professional requirements consist of three years health and/or social work education at higher level, and minimum one year professional experience working directly with patients/clients after completed education.

Applicants with other (minimum) three-year college or university level education may, after special consideration, be admitted as students. The applicants also have to document at least one year professional experience working directly with patients/clients after completed education.

The students must be employed in a clinical position of minimum 50 % during the entire study programme, preferably an employment with the opportunity to have experience using sexological competence working with clients/patients. The employment must be documented in the application.

If the number of applicants allows it, admission will be based on the following:

• A maximum of 60% of the places will be offered applicants within one and the same research group
• A minimum of three different research groups should be represented in the student group

Sexology is a multi-disciplinary academic - and interdisciplinary field of education-, research and work. Sexological counselling is about creating and strengthening a professional foundation in order to understand and give advice to clients regarding sexual problems which can occur as a part of general development, accidents, traumas, abuse, illness and treatment. The work is based on an understanding of coping and a psycho-bio-social perspective in which the relational aspects are emphasized. Sexological counselors also have considerable knowledge about gender diversity and different needs for healthcare in cases of gender incongruity.

Purpose:

The continuing education in sexology will contribute to broad and flexible skills and performance in sexological counselling. The study programme qualifies health - and social workers for preventative and health promoting work and treatment collaboration through detecting, allowing, explaining, accepting, giving information and advice when it comes to sexual problems or challenges related to gender identity, which can be presented within the municipal health- and social services, family guidance and the specialist health services.

Please see the course descriptions for more information.

The programme has an interdisciplinary objective. When several professional groups are represented in the student group the students are given opportunities for exchange of knowledge.

Problem-based learning and guidance / counselling will be used as educational methods in the course. Knowledge, skills and general competence will also be taught through role play, media, contacts with sexual cultures and - subcultures, as well as processing the impressions in the groups.

The teaching is carried out in sessions in specific weeks of the year, and participation is mandatory with requirement of minimun 80% attendance.

Lectures:

Lectures are given by the teachers and invited guest lecturers, and lectures will constitute a significant part of the teaching.

Study groups:

Significant individual participation is expected in study groups and independent study.

Excursions (voluntary):

A weekend excursion arranged in a large city, e.g. Oslo, in the first semester.

The last week-long seminar can be arranged off campus - more information will be given in Canvas.

Different assessment methods will be used:

Individual home examination, group examination, written examination with supervision, project assignment and semmester assignment.

The faculty of Health- and sport sciences facilitates student exchange through established mobility programs, such as Erasmus + and Nordplus, in addition to bilateral agreements with universities in countries outside the EU.

Please see the university's website on exchange opportunities for further information of which exchange opportunities are available for the students.

The language of instruction is mainly Norwegian, but lectures may also be given in Danish, Swedish or English. The curriculum will be Norwegian and English.

SEX404 must be passed before one can sit for the examination in SEX402.

SEX404 and SEX401 must be passed before one can sit for the examination in SEX403.

The study programme qualifies for work with sexological counseling within one's own area of expertise.

The candidates can apply for authorization as a specialist within sexological counseling NACS, provided that they on their own acquire guidance for sexological work and meet other criteria for authorization.

Students are admitted every other year.

The teaching will mainly be given at campus Grimstad.

If participating on voluntary excursions, students must cover their own expenses for travel and accommodation.