Bachelor Programme in Social Work Programme description

This is the programme description for the Bachelor’s Programme in Social Work. The programme is offered at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy. The bachelor’s degree is awarded in accordance with the Regulations Relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University.

The Bachelor’s Programme in Social Work is a full-time programme over three years that qualifies students for the professional title of social worker. Students who complete and pass the programme are awarded the degree of Bachelor of Social Work, cf. Section 2-3, 1a. The Norwegian name of the degree is ‘Bachelor i sosialt arbeid’.

The programme description is based on the Regulations on National Guidelines for the education of social workers, which entered into force on 1 July 2019, from and including the 2020–2021 academic year: https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2019-03-15-409

The social work programme shall, in line with the Regulations, result in learning outcomes in the following competence areas:

Framework for and perspectives on social work

Knowledge about and work on social problems

The programme forms the basis for specialisation at further education level and/or master’s degree level and on to PhD level.

The programme description is approved for one academic year at a time.

The Bachelor’s Programme in Social Work is aimed at those who wish to take a first-degree programme in social work. The programme is a general education that qualifies students to work on different social problems at different levels and in different fields. Social workers focus on individuals’ and groups’ life situation and work to improve these, as well as at the interplay between social factors.

The Bachelor's Degree Programme in Radiography is a three-year programme of professional study (180 credits). Students who complete the programme are awarded the degree of Bachelor in Radiography, which forms the basis for authorisation as a radiographer in accordance with the Act relating to Health Personnel etc.

The programme description has been drawn up on the basis of the National Regulations relating to a Common Curriculum for Health and Social Care Education and the Regulations on national guidelines for radiography education adopted by the Ministry of Education and Research. The programme was established under the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University.

According to Section 2 of the Regulations on national guidelines for radiography education, the purpose of the radiography education is to educate responsible, reflected and professionally competent radiographers who can practise radiography independently and in cooperation with others. The education should be evidence-based, profession-oriented and practice-based and in line with social, scientific and technological developments.

A radiographer uses high-tech medical imaging equipment for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Another important function of radiographers is to assess quality, ensure radiation protection and patient safety, and work to optimise procedures.

Radiography contains elements from several fields, and the combination of these elements makes up the core of the discipline. Radiographers’ expertise in the fields of health technology, basic biological sciences and care subjects enables them to ensure high-quality diagnostic imaging examinations and treatment. The programme is also intended to impart knowledge, skills and attitudes that form a basis for equitable provision of services for all groups in society.

Radiographers come into contact with people with different diseases, injuries and levels of functioning from different social and cultural backgrounds. Radiographers have a duty to safeguard everyone's right to equitable services.

The radiography programme at OsloMet has a particular focus on computed tomography (CT), with a major course are offered in the second semester. In addition, an international specialisation course in CT is offered in the final semester. The programme also includes a separate course in Paediatric X-ray, where the radiographer plays a key role in the investigation of child abuse.

Relevance to working life

Radiographers work with people of all ages in public and private institutions, for example diagnostic imaging departments at hospitals, private medical imaging centres or radiotherapy departments. Radiographers also work in industry, with medical technology equipment suppliers, the pharmaceutical industry, and at universities and university colleges.

Relevance to further education

A bachelor's degree in radiography qualifies students for admission to several different further education and master’s degree programmes, both at OsloMet and at other institutions in Norway and abroad.

After completing the programme, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate:

• has broad knowledge of the theoretical foundation of social work
• has broad knowledge of evidence-based knowledge and user knowledge
• has knowledge of methods that target individuals, families, groups and society at large
• has broad knowledge of the different life challenges of individuals and groups
• has broad knowledge of how social structures and processes can create and maintain social problems
• has knowledge of how social work contributes to achieving the Global Sustainable Development Goals
• has broad knowledge of inclusion mechanisms and conditions for social participation
• has broad knowledge of the support system, different services and benefits in the field of welfare
• has knowledge of interprofessional cooperation and coordination of services and benefits in the public, private and voluntary sector
• has broad knowledge of communication, relationships and interaction with children, young people, adults and older adults at the individual, group and societal level
• has knowledge of legal method, principles of administrative law and relevant legislation
• has knowledge of human rights and important conventions, minorities and the rights of the Sami people and their special status as an indigenous people

Skills

The candidate:

• can apply knowledge about social problems, life crises and life transitions to promote coping and change in cooperation with individuals, families, groups and collaborative partners
• can exercise judgement in interactions with people in different professional and institutional contexts
• can apply various methodological approaches at the individual, group and societal level in various service areas
• can apply rules of law and exercise judgement in a legal and social work context in interactions with individuals, families and groups
• can apply knowledge to identify resources and give hope in cooperation with people in vulnerable life situations
• can promote social justice in cooperation with people in vulnerable positions
• masters relevant methods for mapping, documentation, analysis and decision-making
• can critically assess and use research, experience-based knowledge and user knowledge in professional practice

General competence

The candidate:

• has insight into the professional ethics of social work
• has insight into power structures and exercise of power that contribute to social inequality
• has insight into and can reflect critically on their own professional role in encounters with institutional and political requirements in their service provision.
• can plan and carry out work tasks in complex situations
• can plan, implement and coordinate interprofessional collaboration between different services and service levels
• can communicate knowledge from a social work perspective and exchange points of view and experience with partners
• can contribute to innovation and development of good practice
• is familiar with the importance of digital communication in professional practice and cooperation
• can reflect on the consequences of digitalisation in a life course perspective
• can reflect on their own role, ethical issues and guidelines, human rights, values and attitudes in cooperation with different user groups in different phases of life
• can acquire research-based knowledge about relevant measures at the individual, group and societal level and reflect on these measures

The admission requirements are the Higher Education Entrance Qualification or an assessment of prior learning and work experience.

Applicants must submit a transcript of police records in connection with admission to the programme, cf. the Regulations concerning Admission to Higher Education.

The use of clothing that covers the face is incompatible with taking the programme's theoretical and practical training courses. During the practical training, the students must comply with the clothing regulations in force at all times at the relevant practical training establishment.

Requirements for admission based on prior learning and work experience

• The applicant must be over 25 years of age
• The applicant can not have general study competence
• The applicant must document a minimum of five year full-time professional experience within the health or social sector or equivalent, where the applicant has worked with patients, students or clients.
• Course requirements
  • Norwegian 393 hours
  • English 140 hours
  • Mathematics 224 hours

Different learning methods, educational methods and forms of assessment are used throughout the programme to underpin the learning outcomes of the various courses. The programme’s use of varied teaching and learning methods requires active participation by students, both individually and in groups. Examples of learning methods are lectures, seminars, skills training, practical training, group work, written and oral assignments, and self-study.

In courses with self-chosen topics, students can to a certain degree choose to specialise in a field of particular interest and, in that way, build up their own academic profile. This applies to practical training placements, specialisation courses and the bachelor’s thesis. Students can also choose specialisation courses offered in the Bachelor Degree in Child Care and Welfare.

The University Library

The University Library offers students different services, which they can take advantage of according to their wants or needs. Special courses are also organised for training purposes, such as academic writing and searching for sources.

Learning outcomes have been defined for the radiographer education in the following areas:

• Anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology (1)
• Physics and imaging (2)
• Patient care, communication and ethics (3)
• Radiation protection (4)
• Digitalisation and e-health (5)
• Research, development and innovation (6)
• Health policy and society (7)

The topics are closely intertwined in the teaching and form the basis for the skills required to practise the profession. Students will develop knowledge, skills and general competence that enable them to follow up and influence the development of the discipline and society’s requirements of radiography services.

The first year of the programme emphasises basic subjects, with a focus on basic modalities such as conventional radiography, and practical training.

The second year of study emphasizes pathology, diagnostics, and treatment, as well as MRI and the application of evidence-based practice. The academic year concludes with an extended clinical placement lasting 12 weeks.

The third year includes courses related to radiography as a profession, another extended clinical placement of 12 weeks, and specialization in CT and digital health technology. In the sixth semester, students work on their bachelor's thesis.

The structure of the programme

The programme is divided into 12 compulsory courses and incorporates both practical and theoretical teaching at the university and external practical training. Each year of the programme has a scope of 60 credits.

The courses are based on each other to facilitate progress with increasing requirements for knowledge and understanding of radiography. The practical training courses are a key part of the radiographer education. The practical training gives students experience of planning, carrying out and evaluating radiography, both in terms of theoretical and practical knowledge. All the courses conclude with a final assessment. The academic year is 40 weeks long, and the expected workload is 40 hours per week. This includes scheduled activities, students’ own activity and exams.

Study progress

The following progress requirements apply to the programme:

• In the first year of study, the students must pass the course RAB1210 and coplete the mandatory assignments in RAB1100 must be passed in order to begin the course RAB1360
• The first year of study must be completed in order to begin the second year
• In the second year of the programme, the course RAB2010 must be passed before students can begin the clinical placement course RABPRA2
• The second year of the programme must be completed in order to begin the third year

The programme emphasises cooperation with the field of practice and patients as an important arena for learning. The practical training is compulsory, and must have a scope of at least 30 weeks (45 credits). The practical training is organised in such a way that the students will encounter users from all age groups and have the opportunity to take part in interprofessional cooperation. During the practical training, students are to apply their theoretical knowledge, acquire practical skills and develop good ethical attitudes in actual patient situations to achieve the learning outcomes for each period.

Most of the institutions that make up the external practical training arenas for this programme are located in Oslo and Eastern Norway. The students must therefore expect to commute during one or more of their periods of practical training. Students are assigned to diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy units. It is emphasised that the students should become familiar with the profession early on and that they will have practical training in all three years of the programme.

• First year of the programme, course RAB1360 Basic Radiographic -Theory and Skills, 6 weeks of practical training in conventional radiography, included 3 weeks of external practice
• Second year of the programme, course RABPRA2 Clinical Placement – Radiation Therapy, 12 weeks of practical training in CT, MRI, radiation therapy and conventional radiography
• Third year of the programme, course RABPRA3 Clinical Placement, 12 weeks of practical training in CT, MRI and conventional radiography

Depending on the place of practice, students may be offered a variety of modalities, such as ultrasound, nuclear medicine, pediatric radiography, mammography and intervention.

Students must comply with the clothing regulations in force at the practical training establishment. Special requirements for tests or vaccination may apply at individual establishments.

A 90 % attendance requirement applies to the practical training. Students who exceed the maximum permitted absence will fail the practical training period and are deemed to have used one of their attempts. For more information about practical training, see the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University.

Requirements for supervision and assessment of students apply to the practical training. The assessment is based on the student's achievement of the learning outcomes for the practical training period and suitability assessments on a continuous bases in line with the university's assessment system. This means that a supervisor from the field of practice, referred to as a practical training supervisor, will follow up the student in cooperation with a contact lecturer from the university. The midway and final assessments are made by the practical training supervisor in cooperation with the contact lecturer.

Rules for study progress

Several of the programme’s courses have attendance requirements that apply to parts of the teaching activities. This is largely activities where the students are expected to acquire competence that is both part of the programme’s purpose and which the student is unable to acquire through reading the syllabus and/or cannot be assessed in an exam. Participation in compulsory teaching activities must be approved by a specified deadline. It is the students’ responsibility to register their presence on an attendance list and have it certified by the lecturer responsible for the course and/or fellow students.

The compulsory attendance requirement must be approved before the student can take the exam in a course. Attendance requirements are stipulated under each individual course description. The attendance requirement is normally 80%. All coursework and alternative coursework requirements must be completed by a given deadline and be approved before a student can take the exam in a course, cf. the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University. The different coursework requirements are stipulated under each course description.

All exams in an academic year must be passed in order for the student to continue to the next academic year.

Formal requirements for written work

Written work must follow the approved APA citation style (American Psychological Association). All assignments must be written in Calibri 12-point font with 1.5 line spacing.

Assessment and grading shall be in accordance with the provisions on assessment set out in Act No 15 of 1 April 2005 relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University. Students are obliged to familiarise themselves with the applicable rules.

If the attendance requirement is met and the required coursework has been approved, the student is entitled to take the exam, cf. the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University.

The exam question papers are based on the courses taught, the literature (compulsory and self-chosen syllabus) and practical training. For oral exams, relevant acts will be available at the exam venue.

Students register for exams by confirming their individual education plan for the current semester. Students must register for resit/rescheduled exams via Studentweb.

Reference is made to general information about the exam.

Forms of assessment

Various forms of assessment are used during the programme. The form of assessment and any permitted aids are described under the individual course descriptions.

Assessment

The grades pass/fail or a grade scale with grades from A to E for pass and F for fail is used.

Exam language

Exams are normally written in Norwegian Bokmål or Nynorsk. Students from Sweden and Denmark can write in their first languages. Students who choose to take parts of the programme abroad must write the required coursework and exam paper in English. The exception is students who have studied in Sweden or Denmark.

Examiners

How the examiners are used is described in detail under the individual course descriptions.

Explanation of grades and appeals

Students have the right to explanations of grades and to appeal against grades awarded and/or formal errors in connection with exams in accordance with Sections 5-2, 5-3 and 3-9 of the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and Sections 7-3 and 7-4 of the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University. Students who wish to improve their grades may normally only register for ordinary examinations, cf. the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University Section 5-2.

Diploma

After completing the programme, students will be awarded a diploma showing all their final grades in the courses that form the basis for the degree.

Rules for study progress

All coursework requirements/compulsory activities must be completed/passed in order for the student to take the exam in a course. All exams in an academic year must be passed in order for the student to continue to the next academic year. The student must have earned at least 20 credits in the first semester in order to take the practical training in the second semester.

Suitability assessment

The Bachelor’s Programme in Social Work falls under the scope of the Regulations relating to Suitability Assessment in Higher Education, adopted by the Ministry of Education and Research on 30 June 2006:

A suitability assessment is a comprehensive assessment of the student’s academic and personal qualifications for work as a health care or social worker. More information about the suitability assessment can be found on the intranet for OsloMet students.

Student participation

Student representative

Each year group elects two or three students as its representatives. The student representatives of each year group have regular meetings with the lecturer who is coordinator for the programme year (class coordinator) in order to provide a situation report from the year group.

Dialogue seminars and dialogue meetings

Each year, a one-day seminar and a shorter dialogue meeting are held which are attended by the student representatives for all three years of the programme and representatives of the programme. The theme of the dialogue seminar is discussed with the students in advance.

Interprofessional project – INTERACT

Students participate in the INTERACT project in which part of the teaching programme is taken in interprofessional student groups. The teaching content (INTER1100, INTER1200 and INTER1300) in the first, second and third year, respectively, becomes more complex for each year, and is integrated as a compulsory coursework requirement in the existing courses in the programme description. For further information about INTERACT, see https://www.oslomet.no/forskning/forskningsprosjekter/interact.