Study Guide

#savoniaUAS

Curricula starting in 2022 and earlier

Savonia's new Study Guide (curriculum starting in 2023 and after) can be found here.

Degree Programme in Social Services

This curriculum is a translation of the curriculum of the Finnish degree program.

Development of Expertise

In the curricula at Savonia UAS the study modules of 5 ECTS form extensive study entities. The degree studies are built on semester themes and learning objectives which are described in the specific competences of a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS). The working-life oriented UAS studies combine theoretical studies with practice. Thus theoretical studies are not separate but support the student’s learning and the development of his or her professional expertise. This also enables combining teaching with the working-life-oriented research and development activities.

Social constructivist learning theory and integrative pedagogy form the basis of teaching in the degree programme. According to the social constructivist learning theory, the student searches information actively and independently, evaluates it critically and is a knowledge constructor in interaction with others. The student builds knowledge based on his or her experiences and links that to his or her prior knowledge and views by using reflection. This way the student develops awareness of his or her own learning. According to integrative pedagogy the student must be in close contact with real life. The best learning outcomes are achieved in an environment where the gained knowledge is applied to practice. The student works in the social field during the internship and other training periods and becomes familiar with professional expertise culture.

The Bachelor of Social Services curriculum has been planned so that the
- the degree programme provides the student with the knowledge, skills and competence required in the working life
- the studies ensure the development of the student’s professional expertise
The student
- drafts a personal study and career plan (PSP) including the recognition of prior learning (RPL)
- is responsible for the progress of his or her studies

The teachers and other personnel at Savonia UAS guide and support the students in defining and achieving the personal learning goals. Both teachers and peer groups support in planning the student’s personal study path and career development. Each student has his or her personal teacher tutor to support professional growth throughout the studies. Students conduct self-evaluation of their professional growth annually. A peer group supporting professional growth led by the teacher tutor meets every semester. At the final stage of studies the student creates a blog into personal learning environment (PLE) and prepares a virtual CV for entering working life.
The student’s professional growth is described in the annual objectives and semester themes. The annual objectives help students, teachers and working-life representatives understand the stages through which the professional growth develops.

After completing the degree programme studies a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) is familiar with the service system providing safety and welfare and with the forms of producing social and health care services. A Bachelor of Social Services is able to forecast future changes as well as provide and develop social services. He or she is able to guide and support different people and clients at various stages of growth, development and learning. He or she is also able to support and engage children, young people and families in various life situations and with challenges in everyday life. A Bachelor of Social Services is able to work as a specialist in multi-professional social and health care environments as well as in development and managerial jobs. In his or her work a Bachelor of Social Services follows the ethical guidelines in the social field.

Annual themes

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