Type:
Bachelor
Speciality:
092301.01.6 - Social Work
Specialisation:
092301.01.6 - Social Work
Qualification awarded:
Social work
Programme academic year:
2024/2025
Mode of study:
Full time
Language of study:
Հայերեն
1. Admission criteria/requirements
Admission to the Bachelor's degree program is carried out according to the "Regulation of admission to RA state and non-state higher educational institutions (according to Bachelor's and continuing and integrated educational programs)".
2. Programme Objectives
· to provide students with comprehensive and systematic knowledge of the principles of humanism, solidarity, equality, justice, increasing the level of well-being and sustainable improvement in society, social protection system, and rights protection tools. To equip them with the skills and abilities to carry out professional activities in social work with representatives of vulnerable groups of society and communities.
3. Educational outcomes of the programme
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- To explain the interdisciplinary nature and theoretical underpinnings of social work
- To define the problems of vulnerable groups and their solution strategies
- To introduce social work methods, models, types of administrative, educational, and supportive supervision
- To discuss the main principles of the emergence, development, and overcoming of conflicts
- To define the relationship between social policy and social work
- To describe the relationship between social work theory and practice
- To present the principles of publicizing ideas, values, and principles significant for the society or individual social groups, public awareness about them
- To recognize communication theories, models, basic approaches related to communication management, public opinion formation, and patterns of operation of modern mass media
- To find the necessary resources and tools to meet the beneficiary's needs and protect the rights, carry out professional counseling, social case management
- To protect the rights of the beneficiaries by ensuring access and affordability of social, educational, health, rehabilitation, psychological, and legal services for the beneficiaries
- To assess and prevent social problems, intervene in solving and overcoming social problems
- To provide social services that meet the needs of beneficiaries
- To carry out advocacy and lobbying for political decisions in the interests of vulnerable groups and society
- To conduct needs assessment of individuals, groups, and communities
- To value the formation of public trust in socially important ideas, programs, or organizations implementing these programs
- To apply the methods of analysis of mass social processes, collective behavior, forms of social interaction
- To organize his work on a scientific basis, cite and refer to the relevant literature, ensure its academic integrity, and avoid plagiarism
- To apply information and communication technologies (ICT) and skills (Word, Excel, Access, PPT, SPSS) to coordinate and process social sector documents and information, as well as ensure communication
- To conduct social research, collect qualitative and quantitative data, process, analyze, and interpret information related to the social sphere
- To present and argue information, ideas, problems, and their solutions related to the social sphere
4. Assessment methods
Students' assessment is carried out according to the order of organization of the educational process of YSU. The order defines that the courses are divided into four groups according to the form of assessment: with final assessment, without final assessment, without mid-term exam assessment, and a check-up.
Course with the final assessment
Two mid-term and one final exams are scheduled. Each of the mid-term exams is assessed for a maximum of 4 points, independent work - a maximum of 3 points, participation in the course - a maximum of 2 points, the final exam - a maximum of 7 points.
Course without final assessment
There are two mid-term exams, a mid-term check-up, and one independent work. Each of the mid-term exams is evaluated with a maximum of 4 points, the mid-term check-up with a maximum of 2 points, independent work with a maximum of 8 points, and participation in the course with a maximum of 2 points.
Course without mid-term exam assessment
Two mid-term exams, an oral check-up, one independent work, and a final exam.
The mid-term check-up is evaluated with a maximum of 3 points, independent work with a maximum of 8 points, participation in the course with a maximum of 2 points, and the final exam with a maximum of 7 points.
The format of the test is chosen by the lecturer and coordinated with the program head.
The research done by the student within the framework of courses with a research component is evaluated as one of the mid-term exams.
The professional internship of the research component is assessed in the form of a check-up. The final thesis is evaluated on a scale of 20 points.
Course with the final assessment
Two mid-term and one final exams are scheduled. Each of the mid-term exams is assessed for a maximum of 4 points, independent work - a maximum of 3 points, participation in the course - a maximum of 2 points, the final exam - a maximum of 7 points.
Course without final assessment
There are two mid-term exams, a mid-term check-up, and one independent work. Each of the mid-term exams is evaluated with a maximum of 4 points, the mid-term check-up with a maximum of 2 points, independent work with a maximum of 8 points, and participation in the course with a maximum of 2 points.
Course without mid-term exam assessment
Two mid-term exams, an oral check-up, one independent work, and a final exam.
The mid-term check-up is evaluated with a maximum of 3 points, independent work with a maximum of 8 points, participation in the course with a maximum of 2 points, and the final exam with a maximum of 7 points.
The format of the test is chosen by the lecturer and coordinated with the program head.
The research done by the student within the framework of courses with a research component is evaluated as one of the mid-term exams.
The professional internship of the research component is assessed in the form of a check-up. The final thesis is evaluated on a scale of 20 points.
5. Graduates future career opportunities
There is a wide range of employment opportunities for graduates of the "Social Work" Bachelor's program in RA since social work services are organized and provided by both state and public sectors of society, as well as local and international organizations. Only 272 such services are officially registered in the child protection system, including non-governmental organizations, foundations, associations, and social services provided by the dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Graduates can find jobs at the following organizations:
· RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs,
· RA National Institute of Labor and Social Research,
· territorial centers of unified social services,
· penitentiary institutions,
. regional organizations for the protection of families, women, and children,
· regional/municipal departments of healthcare, education, social security,
· public and special schools,
· medical institutions and rehabilitation centers,
· staffs of community leaders,
· rehabilitation and daycare centers for persons with disabilities,
· home care centers for single elderly and disabled people,
· 24/7 residential care facilities (orphanages, boarding houses),
· day care centers (for the elderly, and children),
· temporary child care centers,
. shelters for victims of domestic violence and trafficking,
· temporary shelters for the homeless,
· probation services,
· social services provided by dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
· public local and international organizations and foundations, etc.
A graduate of the Bachelor's program in social work can (has the appropriate knowledge and skills) work and carry out professional activities in any organization or center operating in the RA social protection system, providing social services to different population groups or implementing socially oriented programs.
According to statistics, graduates of the program also successfully continue their studies abroad at leading universities in the field.
Graduates can find jobs at the following organizations:
· RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs,
· RA National Institute of Labor and Social Research,
· territorial centers of unified social services,
· penitentiary institutions,
. regional organizations for the protection of families, women, and children,
· regional/municipal departments of healthcare, education, social security,
· public and special schools,
· medical institutions and rehabilitation centers,
· staffs of community leaders,
· rehabilitation and daycare centers for persons with disabilities,
· home care centers for single elderly and disabled people,
· 24/7 residential care facilities (orphanages, boarding houses),
· day care centers (for the elderly, and children),
· temporary child care centers,
. shelters for victims of domestic violence and trafficking,
· temporary shelters for the homeless,
· probation services,
· social services provided by dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
· public local and international organizations and foundations, etc.
A graduate of the Bachelor's program in social work can (has the appropriate knowledge and skills) work and carry out professional activities in any organization or center operating in the RA social protection system, providing social services to different population groups or implementing socially oriented programs.
According to statistics, graduates of the program also successfully continue their studies abroad at leading universities in the field.
6. Resources and forms to support learning
The following auxiliary resources are used in the learning process:
· YSU library,
· A library at the disposal of the faculty, Chair, and professors,
· electronic library,
· Internet resources,
· Audio-visual learning resources,
. Educational films
. Technically equipped auditoriums and mobile appliances (computers, projectors, players, printers).
· YSU library,
· A library at the disposal of the faculty, Chair, and professors,
· electronic library,
· Internet resources,
· Audio-visual learning resources,
. Educational films
. Technically equipped auditoriums and mobile appliances (computers, projectors, players, printers).
7. Educational standards or programme benchmarks used for programme development
The programs and standards of many foreign universities were used for the development and processing of the program, including the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, London School of Economics, University of Pittsburgh (School of Social Work), Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Münster University of Social Sciences, University of Ludwigshafen, University of Upper Austria, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, etc., as well as guidelines for the development of competencies in social work education by the EU. In 2005, the Chair of Social Work and Social Technologies was opened at the Faculty of Sociology of YSU, which took responsibility for the development of Bachelor's and Master's programs in social work.
The Chair also closely cooperates with governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations operating in RA, which are active in the social sphere. It is a pioneer in the direction of training of specialists, as well as the development of the profession and scientific justification, organizing and implementing conferences and workshops dedicated to the discussion of professional issues.
Cooperation with many European and American universities makes it possible to organize the educational process with high efficiency, involving students in joint exchange programs, research, etc.
The Chair also closely cooperates with governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations operating in RA, which are active in the social sphere. It is a pioneer in the direction of training of specialists, as well as the development of the profession and scientific justification, organizing and implementing conferences and workshops dedicated to the discussion of professional issues.
Cooperation with many European and American universities makes it possible to organize the educational process with high efficiency, involving students in joint exchange programs, research, etc.
8. Requirements for the academic staff
The lecturer's professional abilities must meet at least three of the mentioned requirements
1. General Abilities
Teaching/Pedagogical
· ability to make a work program (calendar plan) for the course,
· knowledge of interactive teaching methods, ability to use active learning techniques,
· ability to coordinate work with a large group of students (up to 100 people) and regulate group dynamics.
Research
· the ability to work with various scientific sources, as well as to use Internet information resources,
· the ability to conduct sociological research,
· the ability to carry out needs assessment, monitoring, and effective evaluation,
· ability to lead a research group.
Communication
· the ability to communicate verbally with the audience,
· ability to process, compile and complete documents, write reports,
· skill in coordination, processing, and presenting information,
· knowledge of a foreign language (at least B1 level of English).
ICT application
· basic computer skills (fluent command of MS Office package: Word, Excel, Access, PPT),
· skill in using modern social platforms.
Other abilities
· knowledge of professional ethics and legal norms regulating the social sphere,
· the ability to assess the necessary resources and implement social programs,
· ability to plan and manage time resources.
2. Professional Abilities
· knowledge of defining the problems of vulnerable groups and strategies for protecting their rights,
· skill in assessing the needs of individuals, groups, families and communities,
· ability to localize and apply social work methods, models, supervision,
· the ability to analyze the causes and development trends of conflicts and the ability to resolve conflicts,
· ability to analyze the relationship between social policy and social work,
· the ability to analyze the relationship between social work theory and practice,
· the ability to find material, human, professional, community, cultural, legal, and other resources and develop tools necessary for meeting the needs of the beneficiary and protecting the rights,
· social counseling and social case management skills,
· the ability to assess the availability and availability of social, educational, health, rehabilitation, psychological, and legal services for the beneficiaries and develop recommendations for their improvement,
· ability to advocate and lobby for political decisions in the interests of vulnerable groups and society.
· ability to analyze mass social processes, collective behavior, forms of social interaction,
· ability to manage communications with beneficiaries, the donor community, the media, social service organizations, and decision-makers.
3. General requirements
Scientific degree
· a scientific degree and/or rank in the field of social sciences, or, in some cases, a Master's degree obtained at a foreign university in a given or related specialty,
· at least 3 scientific and/or methodological publications in the last 5 years,
· at least 3 participations in conferences and/or workshops in the last 5 years.
Pedagogical experience
· at least 3 years of experience in teaching professional courses and/or conducting trainings,
· participation in local or international trainings and/or professional qualification improvement courses during the last 5 years.
Practical experience
· at least 5 years of work experience in social work or a related field: psychology, management, legal protection, sociology, economics, pedagogy, art, journalism, etc.
Other requirements
· teaching portfolio: availability of online materials for at least 50% of taught subjects,
The average grades obtained by the student survey results: at least 4.0 (for active professors).
1. General Abilities
Teaching/Pedagogical
· ability to make a work program (calendar plan) for the course,
· knowledge of interactive teaching methods, ability to use active learning techniques,
· ability to coordinate work with a large group of students (up to 100 people) and regulate group dynamics.
Research
· the ability to work with various scientific sources, as well as to use Internet information resources,
· the ability to conduct sociological research,
· the ability to carry out needs assessment, monitoring, and effective evaluation,
· ability to lead a research group.
Communication
· the ability to communicate verbally with the audience,
· ability to process, compile and complete documents, write reports,
· skill in coordination, processing, and presenting information,
· knowledge of a foreign language (at least B1 level of English).
ICT application
· basic computer skills (fluent command of MS Office package: Word, Excel, Access, PPT),
· skill in using modern social platforms.
Other abilities
· knowledge of professional ethics and legal norms regulating the social sphere,
· the ability to assess the necessary resources and implement social programs,
· ability to plan and manage time resources.
2. Professional Abilities
· knowledge of defining the problems of vulnerable groups and strategies for protecting their rights,
· skill in assessing the needs of individuals, groups, families and communities,
· ability to localize and apply social work methods, models, supervision,
· the ability to analyze the causes and development trends of conflicts and the ability to resolve conflicts,
· ability to analyze the relationship between social policy and social work,
· the ability to analyze the relationship between social work theory and practice,
· the ability to find material, human, professional, community, cultural, legal, and other resources and develop tools necessary for meeting the needs of the beneficiary and protecting the rights,
· social counseling and social case management skills,
· the ability to assess the availability and availability of social, educational, health, rehabilitation, psychological, and legal services for the beneficiaries and develop recommendations for their improvement,
· ability to advocate and lobby for political decisions in the interests of vulnerable groups and society.
· ability to analyze mass social processes, collective behavior, forms of social interaction,
· ability to manage communications with beneficiaries, the donor community, the media, social service organizations, and decision-makers.
3. General requirements
Scientific degree
· a scientific degree and/or rank in the field of social sciences, or, in some cases, a Master's degree obtained at a foreign university in a given or related specialty,
· at least 3 scientific and/or methodological publications in the last 5 years,
· at least 3 participations in conferences and/or workshops in the last 5 years.
Pedagogical experience
· at least 3 years of experience in teaching professional courses and/or conducting trainings,
· participation in local or international trainings and/or professional qualification improvement courses during the last 5 years.
Practical experience
· at least 5 years of work experience in social work or a related field: psychology, management, legal protection, sociology, economics, pedagogy, art, journalism, etc.
Other requirements
· teaching portfolio: availability of online materials for at least 50% of taught subjects,
The average grades obtained by the student survey results: at least 4.0 (for active professors).
