Master's Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Welfare Work Programme description

Students will encounter a variety of work methods and coursework requirements. Teaching methods vary between lectures, seminars and other student-active learning methods.

In the fifth semester, students take four weeks of practical training at their own workplace. OsloMet is responsible for organising a placement for students who do not have a workplace, as well as for follow-up of the practical training scheme and approval of practical training establishments, which must be done before the students can begin their practical training.

The programme should impart knowledge of international matters of relevance to children’s development and the legal status of children and parents. Several of the courses deal with international matters with a bearing on the development of social problems as well as possible solutions to these problems. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is a document that forms the basis for discussion. Different ways of understanding the concept of the child’s best interests are analysed in light of cultural diversity. Child welfare services are also considered in light of majority and minority perspectives relating to othering, among other things. These perspectives are represented both in the course literature and in the topics taught.

Exams are held in each course, and different forms of assessment are used. The form of assessment, assessment, examiner arrangements and aids permitted for each course are specified in each course description.

The programme is offered as a full-time course of study over two years and a part-time course of study over three years. The full-time workload is 30 ECTS credits per semester.

In addition to the master’s thesis, the programme option comprises eight compulsory courses and one elective course. The courses build on each other. It is therefore recommended that students take the courses in the order in which they are listed in the table. The master's thesis is an independent work of 30 ECTS credits. Ongoing research projects that the student can link up to will be presented in the second semester at the Mastertorg. In the second semester, the student will prepare a project outline for the master's thesis and then be assigned a supervisor. The master's thesis is submitted in the fourth semester.

Progress requirements

The student must have passed the course Child welfare and society and the course Knowledge perspectives in child welfare work in order to start the practical training in the course Supervised professional practice and critical reflection in the third semester. The student must have passed the course Application of law in child welfare work in order to register for the course Perspectives on legal rights, cooperation, prevention and application of law in the best interest of the child.

Students must have passed all the programme courses before they can submit their master’s thesis for assessment.

Students will encounter a variety of work methods and coursework requirements. Teaching methods vary between lectures, seminars and other student-active learning methods.

In the third semester, students take four weeks of practical training at their own workplace. OsloMet is responsible for organising a placement for students who do not have a workplace, as well as for follow-up of the practical training scheme and approval of practical training establishments, which must be done before the students can begin their practical training.

The programme should impart knowledge of international matters of relevance to children’s development and the legal status of children and parents. Several of the courses deal with international matters with a bearing on the development of social problems as well as possible solutions to these problems. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is a document that forms the basis for discussion. Different ways of understanding the concept of the child’s best interests are analysed in light of cultural diversity. Child welfare services are also considered in light of majority and minority perspectives relating to othering, among other things. These perspectives are represented both in the course literature and in the topics taught.

Pursuant to the Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, compulsory requirements may be stipulated that must be met before students can take an exam. Any coursework requirements set (including compulsory attendance) are included in the course descriptions. Required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam. If required coursework has not been submitted or has not been approved, the student will lose the right to take the exam in the course in question.

Exams are held in each course, and different forms of assessment are used. The form of assessment, assessment, examiner arrangements and aids permitted for each course are specified in each course description.