Social Studies - Master's Degree Programme


Study programme description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Credits (ECTS)

120

Studyprogram code

M-SOSARB

Level

Master's degree (2 years)

Leads to degree

Master i sosialfag

Full-/Part-time

Full-time

Duration

4 Semesters

Undergraduate

No

Language of instruction

Norsk

Societal changes and increased globalisation require social science-related professions to adjust and develop in order to meet new challenges. The social sciences, especially social work and social pedagogy, build on theoretical, empirical and normative science and form the basis for social science-related practice.

Through this programme, students develop their expertise in reflecting scientifically on relevant understandings of social problems and forms of action. Both international developments in this area and the development of the Scandinavian welfare model require higher levels of expertise in understanding problems and designing measures in relation to important social missions.

The programme has a scientific and research-based approach, with great emphasis placed on problem orientation, writing and the practice of independent research work. In addition to the scientific foundation, the programme is also orientated towards social science-related practice. Through the formation of a critically investigative and reflective attitude to ideologies, theories and practical professional practice in the field of social science, students will be qualified in contributing to the development of these in a creative, innovative, constructive and scientific way.

The learning process is facilitated through the teaching of compulsory and elective courses, field visits, independent studies of theory and practice, and through a major master’s thesis. Students will have the opportunity to take elective courses in topics such as substance abuse and mental health, supervision/guidance and conflict management, or to complete a period of study abroad with one of our partners.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing and passing the course, candidates will have achieved the following learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

  • has extensive knowledge about the subject area’s ethics, scientific theories and methods, and has in-depth understanding of the research taking place within the field of social science
  • can identify social science-related challenges and place these into a larger theoretical and social context
  • can analyse social science-related issues based on the subject area’s history, tradition, distinctive character and place in society
  • has knowledge about and can identify personal and occupational risks and stress that may result from performing social science-related work
  • has detailed knowledge of social science-related theories, methods and practical approaches

Skills

  • can critically analyse the needs and interests of individuals and groups who are in vulnerable social and/or educational emergencies
  • can assess, plan and implement various social science-related measures
  • can apply relevant methods regarding research, professional development work and professional practice in an independent manner
  • can apply relevant knowledge and methods regarding self-development and conflict management
  • can assess and apply methods for user involvement and participation in social science-related practice
  • can carry out an independent, defined research and/or development project under supervision and according to applicable research ethics norms

General competence

  • can reflect critically and independently on social and ethical values, and norms and relationships
  • can reflect critically on the professional role, risks, conflicts and user involvement
  • can apply scientific thinking, working and writing methods
  • can disseminate independent work and scientific knowledge within the field of social science
  • can contribute to innovative thinking and innovation processes

Career prospects

The programme will qualify candidates for professional leadership positions in child and youth welfare, environmental and welfare work, and professional development positions in central and municipal administration.

The Master’s Degree in Social Studies qualifies candidates for admission to studies at doctoral level.

Course assessment

To ensure the quality of the programme of study and a good learning environment for students and teachers, the students are asked to provide feedback on the individual course relatively early in the semester, in addition to the standardised evaluation of courses that takes place at least every three years. The evaluation of the programme of study and the courses is established in the University’s quality assurance system.

Study plan and courses

  • Compulsory courses

  • Choose 3rd term at UiS or as an exchange student

    • Exchange study

    • At UiS - choose 3

      • GEN530: Transnational perspectives on Nordic gender equality and welfare

        Year 2, semester 3

        Transnational perspectives on Nordic gender equality and welfare (GEN530)

        Study points: 10

      • MBA201: Vold og omsorgssvikt som komplekse problemområder i barnevernsfaglig arbeid

        Year 2, semester 3

        Vold og omsorgssvikt som komplekse problemområder i barnevernsfaglig arbeid (MBA201)

        Study points: 10

      • MSO205: Co-occurring disorders - collaboration and follow-up

        Year 2, semester 3

        Co-occurring disorders - collaboration and follow-up (MSO205)

        Study points: 10

      • MSO245: Interdisciplinary professional guidance

        Year 2, semester 3

        Interdisciplinary professional guidance (MSO245)

        Study points: 10

      • MSO255: The professional role, self-reflection, and conflict management

        Year 2, semester 3

        The professional role, self-reflection, and conflict management (MSO255)

        Study points: 10

      • MSO290: Intercultural practices

        Year 2, semester 3

        Intercultural practices (MSO290)

        Study points: 10

      • MSO295: Ethical reflections in welfare practices

        Year 2, semester 3

        Ethical reflections in welfare practices (MSO295)

        Study points: 10

  • Compulsory courses

    • MSO114: Platform of knowledge in social work and social pedagogy

      Year 1, semester 1

      Platform of knowledge in social work and social pedagogy (MSO114)

      Study points: 20

    • MSO120: Philosophy of science

      Year 1, semester 1

      Philosophy of science (MSO120)

      Study points: 10

    • MSO121: The welfare state - politics, norms and practice

      Year 1, semester 2

      The welfare state - politics, norms and practice (MSO121)

      Study points: 15

    • MSO130: Research Methods and Project Seminar

      Year 1, semester 2

      Research Methods and Project Seminar (MSO130)

      Study points: 15

    • MSOMAS: Master's Thesis

      Year 2, semester 4

      Master's Thesis (MSOMAS)

      Study points: 30

  • Choose 3rd term at UiS or as an exchange student

    • Exchange study

    • At UiS - choose 3

      • GEN530: Transnational perspectives on Nordic gender equality and welfare

        Year 2, semester 3

        Transnational perspectives on Nordic gender equality and welfare (GEN530)

        Study points: 10

      • MBA201: Vold og omsorgssvikt som komplekse problemområder i barnevernsfaglig arbeid

        Year 2, semester 3

        Vold og omsorgssvikt som komplekse problemområder i barnevernsfaglig arbeid (MBA201)

        Study points: 10

      • MSO205: Co-occurring disorders - collaboration and follow-up

        Year 2, semester 3

        Co-occurring disorders - collaboration and follow-up (MSO205)

        Study points: 10

      • MSO245: Interdisciplinary professional guidance

        Year 2, semester 3

        Interdisciplinary professional guidance (MSO245)

        Study points: 10

      • MSO255: The professional role, self-reflection, and conflict management

        Year 2, semester 3

        The professional role, self-reflection, and conflict management (MSO255)

        Study points: 10

      • MSO290: Intercultural practices

        Year 2, semester 3

        Intercultural practices (MSO290)

        Study points: 10

      • MSO295: Ethical reflections in welfare practices

        Year 2, semester 3

        Ethical reflections in welfare practices (MSO295)

        Study points: 10

Student exchange

Exchange semester

3rd semester

As a student studying the Master’s Degree in Social Studies, you have the opportunity to travel on a foreign exchange for one semester. This is a unique opportunity to gain international experience and to study subjects that are not offered at UiS.

Exchange arrangements

In the 3rd semester, students have 30 credits in elective courses. This means that students are free to choose the subjects they want to study abroad. The courses must be at the correct level in relation to where students are in their studies, and must not overlap with courses students have already taken or will take later in their studies. A good piece of advice is to think about your area of specialisation and your field of interest.

Exchange stays are a good opportunity to make your degree special and study subjects that are not offered at UiS. Your department will help you find courses, and it is important that you apply for preliminary approval of the courses well in advance of your stay abroad.

Many opportunities

In addition to the academically recommended educational institutions listed below, the University of Stavanger has a number of agreements with universities outside Europe that are relevant for all students at UiS, subject to them finding a relevant programme of study. Within the Nordic region, all students may use the Nordlys network.

Contact person Guidance and preliminary approval of courses: International coordinator, Department of Social Studies Heidi Lie Eriksen

General questions about exchange: THe outbound exchange guide in Digital student service desk.

Student exchange

  • All countries

    Aalborg Universitet

    Aalborg Universitet (AAU) er kjent for å benytte seg av problembasert læring i grupper, noe som kan by på en spennende læringsprosess.

    California State University Monterey Bay

    California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) er en del av det anerkjente California State University, som er USAs fjerde største offentlige universitet.

    Griffith University

    Griffith University er en populær utvekslingsdestinasjon for UiS-studenter. Universitetet er et særlig godt valg for studenter innen musikk/dans, hotell/turisme og business.

    Göteborgs universitet

    Göteborg er Sveriges nest største by. Her blir man aldri mett på inntrykk med supre shoppingmuligheter, koselige kafeer, flotte museer og ikke minst en skjærgård med mange flotte steder, severdigheter og øyer å besøke.

    ISCTE - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa

    Bli Erasmus+ student i en av Europas flotteste hovedsteder!

    The University of Western Australia

    University of Western Australia (UWA) er et av de ledende universitetene i Australia som medlem av den såkalte Group of Eight, og rangert blant de 100 beste universitetene i verden. Et opphold ved dette universitetet vil sikre deg et godt faglig utbytte.

    Umeå universitet

    Umeå Universitet ble grunnlagt i 1965 og er Sveriges 5. største universitet.

  • Australia

    Griffith University

    Griffith University er en populær utvekslingsdestinasjon for UiS-studenter. Universitetet er et særlig godt valg for studenter innen musikk/dans, hotell/turisme og business.

    The University of Western Australia

    University of Western Australia (UWA) er et av de ledende universitetene i Australia som medlem av den såkalte Group of Eight, og rangert blant de 100 beste universitetene i verden. Et opphold ved dette universitetet vil sikre deg et godt faglig utbytte.

  • Danmark

    Aalborg Universitet

    Aalborg Universitet (AAU) er kjent for å benytte seg av problembasert læring i grupper, noe som kan by på en spennende læringsprosess.

  • Portugal

    ISCTE - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa

    Bli Erasmus+ student i en av Europas flotteste hovedsteder!

  • Sverige

    Göteborgs universitet

    Göteborg er Sveriges nest største by. Her blir man aldri mett på inntrykk med supre shoppingmuligheter, koselige kafeer, flotte museer og ikke minst en skjærgård med mange flotte steder, severdigheter og øyer å besøke.

    Umeå universitet

    Umeå Universitet ble grunnlagt i 1965 og er Sveriges 5. største universitet.

  • USA

    California State University Monterey Bay

    California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) er en del av det anerkjente California State University, som er USAs fjerde største offentlige universitet.

Admission requirements

Bachelor's degree in child welfare, social work or social educator.

Applicants with a similar 3 year education (180 ECTS) within the social sciences, may be considered for admission, if it is clear that the requirement for in depth studies for this study programme is fulfilled.

Application: through local admission.
Application deadline: 15. April.

Contact information

Head of Department: Kolbjørn Kallesten Brønnick
Head of Office: Stig Helleren
Programme of study coordinator: Brita Gjerstad
Student adviser: Rikke Aronsen Bisevac