Social Policy and Family in Focus 15 credits
About the course
The course Social policy and Family in Focus is about social policy and family from a sociological perspective. The course consists of two modules, one focusing on social policy and one focusing on family and family life. The modules will run in parallel. During the first module, Social Policy in Focus, students are introduced to the social policy research area. The module provides an overview of dominant theories and empirical research on welfare states and social policy. Particular attention is paid to Swedish welfare and family policy. The emergence of and different characteristics of the "Swedish model" are analyzed in a comparative international perspective.
The second module, Family in Focus, is about family - what it is and how it looks - a few decades into the 21st century. The module deals with the relationship between families and the social contexts within which it exists. Family from Swedish perspective is the starting point for a discussion of family from an international perspective, with a certain focus on North America and Europe. During the module, family are discussed in a broad sense, include different forms of family. Considerable attention is given to investigate the relationship between family and social context. These are addressed through a number of themes, such as demographic trends, the labor market, paid and unpaid work, the importance of gender, and the organization of families' everyday lives.
Apply
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Autumn 2025
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Social Policy and Family in Focus
International admissions round
Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
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Starts3 November 2025
Ends18 January 2026
Number of credits15 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Teaching hoursDaytime
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-F2226
SelectionResults-National university aptitude test-Academic credits
ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.
Application and tuition feesAs 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 24,150
Total fee: SEK 24,150
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Social Policy and Family in Focus
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
Show more Show less
Starts3 November 2025
Ends18 January 2026
Number of credits15 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Teaching hoursDaytime
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-22210
SelectionResults-National university aptitude test-Academic credits
ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs 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 24,150
Total fee: SEK 24,150
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How to apply
Apply online via universityadmissions.se
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Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
More about application and admission
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