Master's Programme in Applied Social Sciences – Study Option Nordic Social Policy and Global Sustainable Development Programme description

The master's programme focuses on the Nordic model, with an emphasis on social welfare policies' sustainability in the face of global challenges and the need for global sustainable development. The master's programme is unique in its focus and provides students with the knowledge and skills in social science theories and methods to analyse, develop and manage social policies at an advanced level. The programme provides insights into drivers and challenges of social policies in the Nordic countries, how they compare to other welfare models, and lessons learned for global social policy and social policies globally.

Rethinking sustainable welfare or sustainable welfare models is compelled by a series of interrelated societal changes that have become challenges globally: for instance, demographic and family changes, new migration patterns, urbanisation, digitalisation of society, democratic backsliding and climate change and the green transition. This includes focus on present situations and future strategies, but also reckoning with the historical power relations that have shaped social inequalities and injustices we see reflected in society today, both within nation-states and globally.

Many actors have called for the restructuring of Nordic and other European welfare states to promote human rights, social cohesion and social sustainability in a globalised economy. This involves a broad range of actors including the UN, the European Commission, OECD, the Nordic governments, social partners and civil society organisations. The internal and external pressures on welfare states also raise questions about the capacities of individual citizens and households to overcome contemporary societal challenges and improve their life opportunities, as well as reduce risks of poverty and social exclusion.

The societal and environmental transformations we witness all over the world today pose significant questions about the future organisation of the welfare state. The economic and social values that have shaped past policies in the Nordic and other mature welfare states are being questioned, as is the appropriate balance between, state, market, family and organised civil society in protecting the rights and fulfilling the needs of the inhabitants. Additionally questioned are the connections that have and will continue to exist between Nordic welfare states and other global entities. The transformations and ongoing crises raise concerns about new inequalities and the need to critically examine existing policies.

This degree provides you with the knowledge and skills to contribute to developing new welfare policy solutions to foster the well-being of all individuals, local communities and nations given the challenges they face.

In the programme we explore:

• How the Nordic countries have fared during past crises and during ongoing societal and environmental transformations, including within a global context.
• Different strategies for critically evaluating the outcomes of social policy interventions, as well as how the design of an evaluation may be framed around particular questions or priorities.
• Different approaches to and critical perspectives concerning what is meant by “sustainability”. Some scholars first and foremost focus on the need for green transition. In the programme you will learn about both growth and post-growth perspectives on welfare. We will also examine other megatrends such as demographic aging, climate change, migration, family change and digitalisation of society to critically assess the sustainability of the Nordic and other welfare models.
• Critical insights into drivers and challenges of social policies in the Nordic countries, within a global context.

The NORPOL programme consists of 6 mandatory courses (60 ECTS), 3 elective courses (30 ECTS) and a master's thesis (30 ECTS). Elective courses allow students to pursue topics of special interest that may be relevant for both the master's thesis, as well as for future career possibilities.

All courses are taught in English, and the diploma will be issued in English for all successful candidates. Candidates will be awarded the title Master of Applied Social Sciences, programme option Nordic Social Policy and Global Sustainable Development.

This degree provides the candidates with the knowledge and skills to contribute to examine welfare models and measure and develop new welfare policy solutions to foster the well-being of all people, at the local, regional, national and global level. The degree qualifies for

• positions in public and private sector that require the knowledge and ability to undertake systematic documentation and evaluation of social service programmes, as well as the knowledge of Nordic, international and comparative studies within social welfare.
• positions in government agencies, non-governmental organisations or voluntary organisations engaged in local, national, regional and global social policies
• social science positions dealing with welfare and social policy issues
• PhD programmes in the social sciences, including social policy

Candidates find work in management, development and examination of welfare policy issues in municipalities, directorates, government ministries, NGOs, international organisations, research and education, and multilateral and bilateral aid.

This programme is aimed at social science students who have a special interest in Nordic and global perspectives on social policy and sustainable development.

Admission to this programme is regulated by Regulations Relating to Admissions to Studies at OsloMet.

Admission requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) in social work, child welfare, education, political science, sociology, economics, anthropology or other social science degrees.

Applicants will be ranked on the basis of grade average from their bachelor's degree.

The PhD programme consists of an educational (training) component (30 ECTS credits) and a research component (150 ECTS credits).

The training component

The training component is intended to underpin the PhD candidate's research. The training component comprises a mixture of mandatory and common courses/ requirements (required for all candidates to the programme); mandatory but not common components (specialization-specific requirements; methods requirements); and an elective component. The training component must be completed and approved before the doctoral thesis is submitted, cf. Regulations Relating to the Degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University.

1. Mandatory common subjects, 20 ECTS

• Research ethics, 5 ECTSResearch ethics considers ethical issues that arise in all stages of research and introduces tools and guidelines to conduct research responsibly. The course is offered by the Centre for the Study of Professions (SPS) at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, https://www.oslomet.no/en/study/sps/research-ethics
• Philosophy of science, 5 ECTS Philosophy of science is understood as the systematic study of scientific knowledge and scientific activity. This course focuses on those aspects of philosophy of science that concern the social sciences.The course is offered by the Centre for the Study of Professions (SPS) at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, https://www.oslomet.no/studier/sps/vitenskapsteori-phd

• Methods training, 10 ECTSMethods training amounting to 10 ECTS credits is also mandatory. Doctoral candidates are free to choose which courses are relevant to their project. Methods courses can be taken at OsloMet or at other universities in Norway and abroad, subject to approval from SAM’s Research Education Board.In the case of candidates in the PBIB specialization, 5 of the methods credits may be waived if deemed appropriate due to the topic of the doctoral thesis. This is to accommodate for projects having its centre of gravity in the humanities, where often the boundary between methods and theory are indistinct. In these cases, an exemption will be granted by SAM’s Research Education Board, upon application and with support and approval from the candidate’s supervisor.

2. Specialization-specific requirements, 5 ECTS

The educational component also comprises a specialization-specific requirement amounting to 5 ECTS credits. The goal of the mandatory course at the specialization level is to provide candidates with an understanding of the foundational theories, concepts, and approaches within the field(s) of study, including how these relate to methodological choices. The course will also socialize the candidates into the research environment at SAM and facilitate connections with doctoral students at OsloMet and other institutions.

The following are brief descriptions of the specialization-specific requirements. Candidates must take these courses at OsloMet, unless an exemption is granted from SAM’s Research Education Board. Unless otherwise noted, the examination for each of the courses will consist of a paper that will be evaluated pass/fail. Below is an overview of the mandatory subjects connected to each specialisation:

• BIG: Fundamental Concepts and Discourses in Business Administration, Innovation and Governance, PS9100. The course takes a conceptual and history of ideas approach to business administration, innovation and governance as fields of research and teaching. It introduces the foundations of the theories of social science and economics underpinning current research on business administration, innovation and governance, with emphasis on providing students with insight and overview of the diversity as well as the common ground. The course consists of three main thematic components: important methodological challenges to the study of business and governance; key theoretical approaches spanning several fields of research; and exemplary classical and cutting-edge contributions to each field.
• JMF: Media Development and Media Production, PS9200. The subject introduces central theories and research traditions in media production, and examines political, economic, social, technological and cultural developments in the media field in the Norwegian and international contexts. “The Media field” encompasses journalism, non-fiction writing, and other forms of media production and use, including in communication work.
• IBA: Theories in Library and Information Science, PS9300 (5 ECTS) or PS9350 (7,5 ECTS)The interdisciplinary theory course facilitates an understanding of the theoretical approaches and conceptual framings in library and information science in general, and in relation to the candidate’s own dissertation topic in particular. It creates synergy and communication between the field at large and the candidate’s own work.
• SASP: Ideas and concepts in Social Work and Social Policy, PS9400. The course will provide an overview and common fundament for understanding the diverse and mutually enriching fields of social work and social policy, and the links between them.

3. Elective subjects, up to 5 ECTS

The final 5 ECTS credits will be used on an elective course of the candidate’s choosing, in consultation with her/his supervisor(s). Elective courses can be taken at OsloMet or at other universities in Norway and abroad, subject to approval from SAM’s Research Education Board.

The Faculty of Social Sciences has a portfolio of elective and methods courses and new subjects will be developed. Available subjects will be announced at the programme’s web page. Here follows an overview of the courses currently available at the faculty:

• Action research and practice research, SP9250 (5 ECTS)
• Children in the welfare state: Understandng and research approaches, SP9260 (5 ECTS)
• Critical Engagements: Social Sciences in a Changing Society, SP9001 (5 ECTS)
• Current Research in Library and Information Science PBIB9300 (3 ECTS)
• Dialogues of knowledges in research, PS9700 (5 ECTS) Language of tuition: Spanish
• Intersectionality: Interaction of Social Categories, SP9230 (5 ECTS)
• Journalists at risk, PS9500 (5 ECTS)
• Qualitative methods, SP9100 (10 ECTS)
• Social inequality, health and work inclusion: theory, research approaches and empirical findings, SP9300 (5 ECTS)

• Dissemination (maximum 2 ECTS)Dissemination may be done by one of the following methods:- Paper presentation at international conferences- Dissemination by own original lecture. Four teaching hours (exclusive of factor) gives 1 ECTS credit (this is not applicable for mandatory work/pliktarbeid)- Research stay at a foreign university or research institution. Two weeks stay gives 1 ECTS credit- Other uses of innovative research methods.

Credit for dissemination activities are subject to confirmation by SAM’s Research Education Board.

The research component (doctoral thesis)

The doctoral thesis is the main component of the PhD degree, comprising 150 ECTS credits. The doctoral thesis consists of independent research work carried out in active cooperation with a supervisor (or supervisors) and other researchers.

The doctoral thesis can be submitted in the form of a monograph or a collection of several shorter scientific works (articles). A monograph is a comprehensive text that describes a topic in detail. A thesis written as a monograph is structured in chapters and with an introduction and conclusion, and the candidate is the sole author of the whole work.

A doctoral thesis based on articles must consist of a minimum of three articles. The articles included in thesis, must be submitted and taken into consideration in peer reviewed journals. At least one of the articles must be accepted for publication. In an article-based thesis, the PhD candidate's independent contribution must be identified and documented, there must be a thematic connection between the works, and the connection must be accounted for in an introduction (“kappe”) preceding the articles (as stipulated in the Guidelines for the dissertation at SAM) If the supervisor is of the opinion that more than three articles are needed to ensure the quality of an article-based dissertation, more than three may be required. Chapters in peer-reviewed books are considered as an article, but chapters should not constitute more than half of the total number of articles. The candidate may be the sole author or co-author of the articles included in the dissertation. For co-authorship, the fellow must be the first author of at least three articles. The efforts of the individual authors must be documented.

Candidates are expected to keep up to date about international research in the subject area and to network with foreign colleagues in the field. Periods of study abroad will be facilitated, and the department will invite researchers from foreign institutions to give lectures.

Students are expected to present at least one paper at an international conference. Candidates are also encouraged to communicate about their projects via relevant forums and channels.

The fundament of the PhD is independent work. Candidates must take an independent and active role in his/her learning process, both in the doctoral thesis and in the educational component/ coursework. All courses therefore require the active participation of candidates in a multitude of ways, such as identifying relevant research questions and problems, deducing the best way to analyse problems, and structuring and writing a research paper. All courses in the educational component are intended to underpin the PhD candidates’ own research.

The courses are/ will be seminar-based. Candidates are expected to actively participate in the course, via advance preparation (doing the readings and other preparatory work), participation in course discussions, and respectful engagement with other candidates’ ideas and work. Participation is mandatory, and candidates are expected to attend all days of teaching. Unless otherwise stated in the course descriptions, a minor absence (up to 20 percent of the course duration) can be accepted in special cases such as documented illness/ sick leave (upon application). In the event of absences that are not approved, candidates will lose their right to have their essays assessed.

Course requirements are assessed as confirmed or not confirmed.

Assessment of examinations in the educational (training) component will be conducted in accordance with the provisions regarding examinations and cheating in the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet; see the PhD Regulations, section 4.

The form of assessment for all courses/subjects will be pass or fail. In all courses, the PhD candidate must hand in a paper based on their own research project, of typical lengths of 5-8 pages (5 credits course) or 8-12 pages (10 credit course). In addition to passing the essay, course requirements, generally participation, must also be confirmed in order to be awarded the ECTS credits.

The form of assessment for the doctoral thesis will take place in accordance with OsloMet's PhD Regulations, Chapter 6, and in accordance with the Faculty's guidelines for assessing the thesis, cf. Retningslinjer for avhandlingen i ph.d.-programmene ved SAM - Ansatt - minside (oslomet.no)

Conferment of a PhD degree occurs on the following basis:

Approval of the educational component

Approval of the doctoral thesis

Approval of the trial lecture on a given topic

Approval of the public defence of the thesis

Each course concludes with a final examination which takes the form of either a written examination, a written home assignment, a semester paper or a portfolio. Students may use a spelling dictionary, as well as a bilingual dictionary during written school examinations. All examinations are graded by an internal examiner. In addition, an external examiner will evaluate at least 25 per cent of examinations, which will form the basis for the internal examiners grading.

Students who are not satisfied with their grades have the right to submit an appeal, whereupon examinations will be re-evaluated by two new examiners (one internal and the other external). Note that when appealing, students risk receiving a lower grade than the grade awarded for the initial examination.The Master Thesis will be evaluated by both an internal and an external examiner. Neither examiner shall be involved in the supervision of the Master thesis in question.

Students in the Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy must use the APA style when citing sources and referencing.

A grading scale from A to F will normally be used in assessment. A grade of pass ranges from A to E, while F is a fail. In some courses students will receive a grade of either pass or fail. In this case, pass will be equivalent to grade C or better. See the description of each course for further information on the use of the grading system.

The following documents regulate examinations at OsloMet:

• the Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges
• the Directive for Curricula Regulations from the Ministry of Education and Research
• Regulations Relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet.

It is the responsibility of students to familiarise themselves with these rules and regulations. Information regarding some of these responsibilities will be disseminated to students during Introduction Week, as well as during lectures, and on the e-learning platform Canvas

The link to the Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges can be found here: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/kilde/kd/reg/2006/0031/ddd/pdfv/273037-loven_higher_education_act_norway_010405.pdf

The link to Regulations Relating to Studies and Examinations at Oslo Metropolitan University can be found at: http://www.oslomet.no