This course aims at critical exploration of current issues in social work in an international context. The course involves learning about global processes shaping social work practices as well as the nature of social issues. It explores various global (or cross-cultural) social work theories and discourses on social issues, vulnerability and social work interventions and critically scrutinizes the effects of cross-national theoretical and practical applications.
It includes learning about social work in global socio-political contexts, mapping the structures, cultures and ideologies behind the variety of ways of organising social work and its professional development. Ideologies such as individualism, collectivism, liberalism, are discussed as elements shaping social work. Various social work models are discussed and contextualized, like casework and community work. Other theoretical perspectives that can contribute to an ability to critically reflect on international social work practice include the globalization of social problems, social justice, oppression, social development, empowerment and anti-discriminatory practice. Challenges to social work education are considered as well. It also includes learning about common international standards as well as diversifications of social work and discusses if there are, or should be, universally applicable sets of values (reflected, or not, in the current ethics documents) for social work. Cultural relativity and multicultural practice are reflected on in relation to social work.
A minimum of 90 ECTS within the social sciences education in the following subjects: social work, sociology, Psychology, Peace and conflict studies, pedagogic, Gender Studies and social geography, Political science, Law/legal Science or in other courses that are considered equal to thus above, including an individual essay carrying at least 15 credits or 90 ECTS within nursing including an individual essay carrying at least 15 credits. In addition, English is required for basic eligibility for higher education.
Application deadline was
16 October 2023.
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.
