Social Services, Bachelor's Degree

Degree
Bachelor of Social Services
Duration
210 ECTS
Time
3,5 years
Mode of studies
Language
English
Price
Tuition fees might apply

Studies

What is it like to study Social Services?

See our student Chrish's experience of studying Social Services in Metropolia.

As a Bachelor of Social Services you are qualified to work with various client groups. Provision of services and client work is seen through a social pedagogical framework. The work may consist of supporting clients in their home or community settings, co-ordination of services, or supportive guidance and assistance.

Work may take place with families and people of all ages in areas such as: child protection, early childhood education, community work, substance abuse prevention or promotion of mental health. The curriculum, based on a social pedagogical framework focuses on empowering citizens, preventing marginalization and promoting inclusion and social pluralism.

Working as a Bachelor of Social Services requires multi-disciplinary education, collaborative skills and an ability to examine and develop oneself and one's field. As you move through the degree programme, you will take part in thematic learning processes such as: expanding knowledge of Social Pedagogy, collaboration with working life partners and investigative development within social services. The learning methods may include: individual learning, group work and project learning. As a student you can participate in international activities in various ways at different stages of your studies.

The student has a possibility to engage in additional studies to obtain a qualification to work as a Bachelor of Social Services in the field of Early Childhood Education (Varhaiskasvatuksen sosionomi) i.e. certain studies have to be chosen that are related to early childhood education.

Implementation

Instruction is offered in English with opportunities to gain real-world Finnish as part of internships and theory courses.

Therefore, as part of the studies, graduates are expected to attain a level B1 in the Finnish language in order to facilitate their employment in the Helsinki region. Finnish language will be built into the courses as the student progresses through the curriculum. Those who already master Finnish at a native level, will have the opportunity to develop their language mentoring skills.

Work placements consist of four periods during studies. Placements are offered in various working environments.

See Social Services curriculum in Studyguide

Learning Environment

Faculty members of the degree programme are pedagogically qualified teachers who have experience teaching in English. The English tuition degree programme at Metropolia is one of the most experienced in Finland. The degree programme annually invites guest lecturers to enrich the programme.

Teaching is mainly Campus-based.

Teaching methods include for example,

  • lectures
  • discussions
  • group work
  • learning assignments
  • projects
  • workshops
  • e-learning and
  • independent studies.

You will be part of a multicultural student group. Although the majority of students are Finnish, there are some 15 other nationalities represented in the entire degree programme student group.

International Activities

As a student of the degree programme you will have many opportunities to join in international activities.

The degree programme is in partnership with a number of universities and institutions of higher education in many European countries, Africa, Asia and the USA. Activities include student and staff exchanges, international projects and intensive week programmes.

A majority of the degree programme students participate in some exchange programme and complete either the second or third placement in another country.

Scholarships and tuition fees

Annual tuition fee for non-EU/EEA applicants 11 000 €.

This fee applies only to non-EU/EEA degree students.

Read more on tuition fees and scholarships

Ask Head of Degree Programme more about studies

Applying

  • Application period
    1.5.2024 at 08:00 - 15.5.2024 at 15:00
    Start of studies
    Syksy 2024
    • Day-time studies

    The transfer application is aimed at all students enrolled in studies leading to a Finnish higher education degree and:

    • who wish to transfer their study rights from one Finnish higher education institution to Metropolia so that the degree title remains the same or changes

      OR
    • who wish to transfer their study rights within Metropolia from one degree programme to another, so that the degree title changes.

    Students transferring within Metropolia in such a way that the degree title remains the same, are not considered as "transfer students" and have their own separate application procedure available on Metropolia intranet (OMA). Please note that it is not possible to transfer from abroad.

    Students applying for a transfer should note that their maximum study period or the period for which they are entitled to receive student financial aid will not be extended due to the transfer. The maximum study period is calculated from the date on which the student accepted the study place in the previous higher education institution.

More information

For more information on the application process please contact

Metropolia's Student and Admission Services:
+358 40 712 5100
admissions [at] metropolia.fi (admissions[at]metropolia[dot]fi)

Starting studies

How to start your studies in Metropolia

Welcome to study for a degree at Metropolia!

Congratulations! You have been admitted to Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and we are delighted to have you as a new member of our vibrant community of more than 16 000 students!

You have made an excellent choice - Metropolia offers you unique multidisciplinary opportunities throughout your studies with its strong connections to working life and active role in innovations built around socially significant phenomena.

We are happy to have you with us and help you with any questions you might have. Welcome to Metropolia!

The below information applies to students who have been accepted to study for a full degree at Metropolia. Make sure to complete all the steps in order to secure your study place.

Starting Social Services studies

The studies will start Thu 22.8.2024 at Myllypuro Campus. More instruction will be published soon.