Social Work and Social Policy (DE)

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  The «Social Work and Social Policy» degree is unique in Switzerland in three ways: firstly, this combination is offered only at the University of Fribourg (bachelor, master, doctorate). Secondly, the two fields, social work and social policy, are closely associated and considered fields of action and research, in which social problems are identified and efforts take place to tackle them. Thirdly, great value is placed on teaching students to recognise and understand the numerous local, national and transnational dimensions of social problems. Social problems do not have one single cause; they are always embedded in a complex fabric of milieu-specific, socio-cultural, political or economic structures. Empirical, theory-driven and explorative social research constitute an integral part of the programme. This research may be both basic and applied. The degree programme focuses on people, their objectives, organisational structures and methods of communication when dealing with their social environment. It encompasses a wide variety of courses.
  The programme imparts solid theoretical, methodological, methodical and practical skills in an integrated manner. Students acquire a comprehensive range of skills and are well-equipped for their entry onto the labour market. In the second and third years of study, students undertake an empirical research project (bachelor thesis) in which they apply what they have learned, thus completing this bachelor's degree worth 120 ECTS credits. The programme may be studied in German or as a bilingual programme.

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  – In this degree programme students gain flexible skills for dealing with different problem-related demands they are confronted with in a continually changing social environment. The aim of the programme is to raise students' awareness of real or perceived changes in areas of social concern and to enable them to provide a problem-specific, situative and critical response on the basis of scientific findings and concepts using quantitative and qualitative methods;
  – During their studies, students are taught scientific methodologies, sociological theory, and the interdisciplinary approaches used to reflect on and treat social issues. The programme includes an application-oriented introduction to methods of empirical social research and practical exercises;
  – The «Social Work and Social Policy» programme teaches students how to conducting research about social issues on their own. Herewith students acquire professional skills for their future academic or professional environment and may deepen topic-specific knowledge of their own interest;
  – The aim of the programme is to prepare students for a professional career. Students acquire social skills in different types of courses. The course content and professional skills are taught in lectures with integrated discussions, or by working together in groups. Students are encouraged to reflect on the work they do together and on how they organise their work, as this fosters social skills.

  The bachelor's and master's degrees in Social Work and Social Policy provide the theoretical and conceptual tools required for (executive) positions in public and private organisations, for research and teaching, as well as for media work. This training prepares students for professional activities in a wide variety of fields, such as analysis, planning, development, leadership, implementation and evaluation of projects in the field of social services; teaching and training, and work in associations, international organisations or development cooperation organisations, as well as in relief agencies. The degree programme equips students to professionally support activities aiming at tackling social problems in the context of social policies, consulting, or as part of social services.

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Minor study programmes to be chosen