Internationalisation and Social Work 7.5 credits

About the course

This course critically examines relevant questions related to social work in an international context.

It discusses the global processes that shape social work practices and determine the nature of the social issues examined. The course explores different theories of global social work and discourses on social issues, vulnerabilities and interventions within social work, and it critically examines the implications of international theoretical and practical applications.

The course also examines social work in different global socio-political contexts by mapping the structures, cultures and ideologies underlying the different ways in which social work and its professional development are organised. Different models for social work are discussed and contextualised, for example individual-oriented work and international social work.

The course also addresses theoretical perspectives, such as the globalisation of social problems, social justice, oppression, social development, empowerment and anti-discriminatory practices, which enable the ability to critically reflect on the practices of international social work.

It discusses the challenges facing education in social work. It examines the international guidelines for social work and the diversification of social work. It also discusses whether there are or should be universal values applicable to social work (regardless of whether these are reflected in current ethics documents). The course includes a reflection on cultural relativity and multicultural practice in relation to social work.

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This course is part of a programme

This course contains occasions that are included in a degree programme at Umeå university and applies only to those of you who are admitted to the programme. You will receive information about application times and what applies to you from your institution.

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Spring 2026
- Internationalisation and Social Work
  
  Offered as a part of a Degree programme
  
  VT26 / Varied / English / Web-based (online)
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  19 February 2026
  
  Ends
  23 March 2026
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  Web-based (online)
  
  Mandatory meetings
  3
  
  Other meetings
  None
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Varied
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-28508
  
  Outline for distance course
  
  The mandatory meetings take place digitally via Zoom. Other teaching is given via the Canvas learning platform in the form of recorded lectures, web-based seminars and exercises.
  
  Eligibility
  For students in the social work program, the requirement is that you have received a passing grade in examinations, completed and registered program courses, totaling 150 credits (semester 1-3, 90 credits, semester 4-6, 60 credits) In addition, ongoing studies at semester 6 are required.
  
  Selection
  
  guarantee place sysoc
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 October 2025. The application period is closed.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 0
  
  Total fee: SEK 0
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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