The Social Policy degree programme prepares professionals for science and research focused on the field of social work. The program of study is designed to provide ample opportunity for learning the development of scientific epistemology and methodology linked to ethical issues in scientific inquiry. The graduate will acquire the theoretical knowledge that will enable him/her to participate in scientific research focused on the area of social problems faced by social work clients. At the same time, the aim of education in the SP Social Policy at the third level of higher education is to prepare graduates to be able to apply their scientific work in the development of methods and techniques of social work, in the process of standardization of methodological procedures, in the critical reflection of the socio-political context, to be able to engage in the current scientific discourse focused on the tasks and goals of the profession of social work as well as the relevance and appropriateness of paradigmatic models of social work.
Graduates of the third level of higher education studies in social work are prepared to work in interdisciplinary teams focused on systemic problem solving related to problems of everyday life. Graduates are also prepared for the field of evaluation of social services, performance in the field of SPODaSK, as well as for the field of evaluation of the quality of care and service provided. Graduates will also acquire the skills necessary for analytical activities and the creation of conceptual documents implemented at the macro level of social work (ministries, UPSVaR, municipalities, etc.). The acquired knowledge can be applied by graduates in educational practice as well as within scientific research teams focused on the field of social work and social services.
Educational objectives - required outcomes of the graduate of the doctoral degree:
By studying at the third level of higher education, the graduate will expand the range of his/her knowledge and skills acquired at the previous levels by the following knowledge:
By studying you will also acquire:
- Knowledge of current trends in the development of social service models,
- understands the impact of globalisation on the field of social work and social services,
- knowledge of social inclusion and exclusion in the context of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory approaches,
- knowledge of social work oriented towards the critical paradigm and its roles and objectives related to counselling intervention,
- knowledge of the theory of ethics of care and of the humanistic foundations of social work,
- the knowledge necessary for work in the field of social protection of children,
- knowledge of European social policy and its impact on the field of social work in the Slovak Republic,
- knowledge focused on social justice,
- knowledge in the field of epistemology,
- knowledge in the field of methodology aimed at researching social reality,
- deepen the ability to work independently and creatively.
The graduate of the doctoral degree of the study programme Social Policy can use the acquired knowledge in the analysis of social systems and social phenomena, can generalise the acquired knowledge and apply it appropriately in the scientific and practical aspects of social work and social services.
On the basis of the study, the graduate will be able to:
- follow the current scientific discourse in a focused way,
- identify current social problems for the purpose of scientific research,
- develop a scientific research project,
- independently carry out their own research,
- collaborate within research teams,
- present the results of scientific work at different levels,
- publish the results of scientific work at scientific forums and in scientific journals,
- participate in grants and other research tasks,
- evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of social interventions,
- develop a critical analysis focused on a given area of social services,
- address ethical dilemmas of the profession,
- make social expertise, formulate recommendations,
- participate in the development of legislative and strategic documents,
- design and implement projects in the field of social work and social services,
- carry out analytical work necessary for planning the development of social services and social work,
- develop conceptual materials for different levels of social practice,
- identify the impact of the external environment on the client's living situation,
The graduate will acquire skills and competences such as:
- systematically acquire and expand theoretical knowledge,
- systematically monitor, plan and evaluate developments in the field of social services,
- systematically monitor, plan and evaluate developments in the field of SPODaSK performance,
- cooperate in the development of strategic documents at different levels of practice
- apply research findings to scientific and professional outputs through own publishing activities,
- develop new methods and procedures in social work practice,
- participate in the development of social legislation,
- develop methodologies and methodological guidelines,
- bring new knowledge and experience from international practice to local social work,
- critically analyse the current state of knowledge,
- participate in educational practice.
By studying the PhD programme in Social Policy, the graduate will also acquire transferable competences such as:
- working in research teams,
- to carry out research focused on solving local problems,
- engage in international cooperation,
- to argue substantively and logically,
- think critically,
- plan and organise work effectively,
- make the arguments needed to advocate for the interests of vulnerable groups and individuals in a scientific way.
: jana.levicka@ucm.sk