The Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Social Services is a 210 ECTS programme which leads to a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) degree. It is possible to complete the studies in 2,5-3,5 years. The skills and expertise gained through this programme meet the requirements of level 6 in the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

Social services is a constantly changing service sector. Service production will be more client-oriented and based on contracts and cooperation between different service providers. Seamless service chains and networking service production assumes new skills and competence, coordination of activities, division of work and efficiency. Education provides the student expertise that meets the needs of working life.

A Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) can be employed by municipalities, private companies or third sector organisations and work as a specialist in early childhood education and social pedagogy. After graduation the student will have abilities to work as a Bachelor of Social Services in early childhood education, renew welfare services and develop pedagogical, cooperative and inclusive work and support methods for children and families. A Bachelor of Social Services knows the social welfare and social security systems, early childhood education environments as well as is able to forecast future changes in society and willing to participate in service production and development. She or he also knows how to work in digital environments.

The general aim of the UAS education is to provide higher education based on research and science that prepares the student for specialist jobs and supports professional growth. Another aim is to carry out applied research, development and innovation activities to serve the UAS education and the needs of working life and to promote regional development. The aim of Savonia UAS is to serve the Northern Savo Region and the eastern Finland area where the regional vitality is influenced by the constantly changing and internationalising operational environment.

The Act on Social Welfare Professionals (817/2015) came into effect on 1 March 2016The professional skills of a Bachelor of Social Services can be described in both generic and specific competences of a Bachelor of Social Services (competence areas). The generic competences provide a good basis for working life skills, collaboration and developing expertise. The student can develop desired skills and competences by content and pedagogical choices during the studies.

Licensing Social Welfare Professionals:
Bachelors of Social Services working in early childhood education do not have an obligation to register nationally. Yet registration is recommended if one wishes later to work in the field of social welfare. The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) grants licensing, upon application and upon the announcement of the UAS, the right to act as a licensed social welfare professional. Completed social services studies, 210 ECTS, and their content according to the curriculum are the prerequisites for licensing. The UAS must verify that the graduating social welfare professional possesses the required skills and competences.

We reserve the right to make changes to the curriculum due to the need to update the content being studied.