Level:  master academic studies

Upon end of the studies student will receive a title: Master in political science

Master academic studies of social policy are a one-year study programme bearing 60 ECTS, founded upon and deepening the knowledge obtained at undergraduate four-year studies of social policy and social work. The programme offers to students a possibility to further develop their knowledge and its critical application in various fields of social policy. The syllabus contains a number of compulsory courses of scientific-professional, theoretical-methdological and professional-applicative character aimed at obtaining of advanced knowledge from the fields: comparative studies of social models, globalization, European social policy, migration policy, social administration, theory of justice and cultural anthropology. The programme further contains deepened theoretical-methodological bases and practical aspects of researach of social phenomena, social problems, possiblity for social changes and effects of practical work. Another compulsory part of master studies of social policy is the final - master paper, which confirms the student's capacity for critical application of the obtained scientific and professional knowledge in direct and research-analytical practice. Teaching is carried out in the form of lectures, exercises and seminars, with application of methods of active teaching encompassing presentation of new theoretical concepts, linking with previously obtained knowledge and application of the learnt subject matter through different exercises and assignments. Exercises are carried out in discussion groups, workshops, simulation methods, case studies and similar, whereas the assignments include group and independent solution of problems, practical tasks, seminar papers, essays etc.

The aims of the study programme at master academic studies of social policy: - upbuilding of existing and obtaining of new theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in the field of social policy and relevant scientific disciplines for understanding of nature, structure and manner of fulfillment of human needs. - acquisition of advanced knowledge of social phenomena and processes, social problems and manners for incenting social development and changes, for critical understanding and active approach in influencing systemic, structural and organizational aspects of functioning of society, social groups and communities; - acquisition of knowledge and understanding of theoretical-methodological concepts and bases of social policy - acquisition of advanced knowledge and skills of social work with individuals and social groups, - training for independent analytical research work in studying social problems and needs of social groups, planning and establishment of offices and services and evaluation of effects of work.-- building of professional identity and adoption of value bases of social policy and social work; - acquistion of advanced knowledge on functioning and financing of policies; - obtaining knowledge of local and regional, international and supranational dimensions of social policy.

The outcomes of the study programme are: - analysis and synthesis of scientific and professional knowledge in the field of social policy and social work and relevant scientific disciplines for understanding of nature, structure and manner of fulfillment of human needs in social environment; -analysis and synthesis of advanced knowledge of social phenomena and processes, social problems, social changes and manners of incenting social development and changes; -understanding of manner in which contemporary social problems emerge and responds of social policy thereto, encompassing the functioning of social services within a broader system and in purpose of fulfillment of human needs; -profound knowledge and understanding of theoretical-methodological concepts and bases of social policy and social work; -capacity for independent and team analytical-research work in studying social problems and needs of social groups, planning and establishment of offices and services and evaluation of effects of work, as well as application of ethical principles in research practice; -mastering skills of social work with individuals and social groups; capacity for independent and team performance of tasks related to preventive, developmental and protective interventions, basics of supervision and voluntary management; - communication capacities and skills of establishment and maintenance of relations of cooperation, assistance and support with clients of social work (individuals, families, groups and communities), colleagues and at the level of organization; - following and application of news in the field of social policy and social work and capacity for transfer of knowledge.

Completed relevant undergraduate academic studies bearing 240 ECTS.

Modules on this study program:

Subjects lectured on this study program: