The group of study fields: Social Sciences
Field of study program: Social Work
Code of study program: 6531JX015
Type of study program: Undergraduate (college higher education) study programme
Cycle of study program: Professional Bachelor degree programme

Language of study program: Lithuanian, Russian
Credits and form of study program: 180 credits. Full-time studies - 3 years, part-time studies - 4 years.

The program is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare of the Faculty of Medicine.

Qualification to be awarded: Professional Bachelor of Social Sciences, qualification of Social Worker.

Access to professional activity

Social work study program graduates will be able to work as a Social Workers in social security, education, health, law enforcement and other fields, in the public, non-governmental or private sectors. Social work is carried out at the individual, family, group, community and society levels. Individuals that complete the Social work study programme successfully, acquire professional competences that are sufficient to independently perform complicated work and make the right decisions in the following areas:
  • initiate social change in society,
  • empowering people and increasing their social responsibility and that of society's institutions, thereby helping society to achieve its goals of civic participation, wealth creation and human rights.

Why choose these studies?

 Advantages

Study environment. The uniqueness of the study program is based on the modular study system. Emphasis is placed on study flexibility, forms of studies that promote students' independence and responsibility, which create preconditions not only for mobility during studies, but also for better preparation for professional activities. The study program uses active study methods, integrating the elements of problematic and constructive teaching - it allows to form students' teamwork skills, strengthens confidence and independence in decision-making in various practical situations. When organizing professional practices, the method of reflection is introduced. Students have the opportunity to combine studies and work, because it is possible to choose the form of studies: full-time or part-time. Facilitates distance learning using subject material provided in the Moodle environment.

Practice. Internships are organized and implemented on the principle of cooperation and social partnership. During their studies, students perform professional internships in various institutions and communities providing social services in Utena, Anykščiai, Vilnius, Visaginas, Zarasai, Panevėžys, etc.

Experience abroad. Students go to study and practice in Latvia, Turkey, Portugal, Poland and etc.

Social activity. Students of the program, led by lecturers, participate in both national and international events each academic year: student conferences, master competitions, projects, volunteer campaigns, charitable activities (LIONS club volunteering). With the help of student activity, both professional quizzes, charity campaigns dedicated to the Lithuanian Social Workers' Day.

Possibilities for further studies. After completing college studies in the field of social work, graduates will be able to continue their studies in the second cycle of studies, in accordance with the requirements set by the university. After completing the second cycle studies in the field of social work, graduates will be able to continue their studies in the third cycle. There is an opportunity to continue studies in foreign higher education institutions. 

Employment opportunities.  Assessing the general tendencies of employment of the graduates of the Social Work study program, it can be stated that most of them are employed according to the specialty, some are employed while still studying, during the final internship.

2022 years study program

The aim of Social Work study programme is to prepare social workers who are able  to to initiate social change in society, empowering people and increasing their social responsibility and the social responsibility of society's institutions, thus contributing to the achievement of society's goals, such as civic participation, the creation of wealth and the guarantee of human rights.

Knowledge and its application. A graduate:

1.1. Have knowledge of social work theory and methods, the development of the social work profession in the country, theories of human behaviour and change, social problems and their expression in the social environment, the principles of professional ethics, applied research methodology, human rights and social justice, national social policy, the organisation of social work, interprofessional co-operation, information, communication and assistive technologies, and the principles of sustainable development, and applies this knowledge to the identification of the need for social services, the provision of social services to clients and applied research
1.2. Have a basic understanding of theories in the social sciences, humanities and other sciences and apply them in the delivery of social services to clients.

Research skills. A graduate:

2.1 Carries out practice-oriented applied social work research and interprets its findings in the context of specific social service delivery institutions and social policy.
2.2 Apply applied research findings to specific social problems, professional development and social work innovations.

Special abilities. A graduate:

3.1. Identifies, analyses and assesses the needs and strengths of the individual, family, group, community (hereinafter referred to as the client); follows regulatory legislation and institutional documents; develops the social, hygiene and work skills of the individual; predicts the possible occurrence of social problems in the community, plans, provides and documents social services, assesses their impact on the client, applies various social work methods, building a relationship of mutual trust with the client, representing the rights and interests of the client, using internal and environmental resources, motivating and empowering the client for self-help.
3.2. Develops and implements client support plans and social projects at institutional, regional and national level, allocates resources appropriately, evaluates the effectiveness of social services and programmes.
3.3. Cooperates with representatives of various institutions in the organisation and delivery of social services to empower clients, thereby contributing to social well-being.
3.4. Analyses and explains the impact of social policy on the promotion of human rights and the reduction of social exclusion.
3.5. In practice, is guided by the principles of social justice, human rights, social work values and professional ethics, and provides insights for improving their implementation.

Social skills. A graduate:

4.1. Communicate and cooperate effectively with clients, colleagues, team members and other professionals, politicians, the media and academics, guided by the principles of mutual respect, understanding and understanding, and ethical standards.
4.2. Expresses himself/herself fluently and persuasively, both orally and in writing, and communicates effectively in the professional environment and in the community in both Lithuanian and foreign languages.
4.3. Discuss relevant professional issues in order to develop and strengthen the social work profession.

Personal abilities. A graduate:

5.1 Reflect, analyse and critically evaluate their own professional activities and understand the importance of lifelong learning.
5.2 Make decisions independently in a given situation and draw on professional knowledge.
5.3 Gathers and organises information from national and international information sources, uses information, communication and assistive technologies, responsibly handles confidential information in a responsible manner.
5.4.Take care of his/her own personal knowledge and development, improve his/her professional qualifications, disseminate good practice and develop the image of the social work profession.

2019 years study program

The aim of Social Work study programme is to prepare high qualified social workers who can initiate social change in society, enable people to improve their own social responsibility and public institutions social responsibility, while helping for society to achieve goals, such as civic participation, welfare development and assuring the human rights.

Study achievements of the student:

Knowledge - knows and apply the practical professional knowledge based on most recent discoveries, while identifying and solving the complex concrete or abstract operational problems.

Researching abilities - is able to collect and analyze the data needed for the specific work and innovation issues.

Special abilities - is able to plan, organize, implement and evaluate practical work in a particular sphere, while individually choosing technological, organizational and methodological tools.

Social abilities - is able to communicate with professionals and other persons while dealing with professional tasks. Takes responsibility for own and their workers quality of performance in accordance with professional ethics and public spirit. Is able to convey the knowledge of its field and understanding to the learners.

Personal abilities - is able to learn individually in their professional field. Understands the moral responsibility for their activities and their impact on the society, on economic and cultural development, welfare and the environment.

The students study these subjects:

Full-time studies:

1st year (admitted since 2022)
1st semester 2nd semester
Module Credits Module Credits
Ist MODULE. PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT 17 IIIrd MODULE. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK
15
Information technology and data processing in social work 6 Introduction to social work and professional ethics  6
Moral philosophy in social work 3 Social politics and economy 3
Sociology and social ecology  5 Fundamentals of law in social work 6
Human safety and first aid 3 IVth MODULE. FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIAL WORK 15
IInd MODULE. PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE
10 Psychology in social work and communication practice 6
Professional foreign language 6 Self-development for social workers 3
Language Culture and Professional Language 4 Social work theories and practice models  6
Introductory practice 3
2nd year (admitted since 2019)
3rd semester 4th semester
Module Credits Module Credits
Vth MODULE. HEALTH AND WELFARE
15 VIIth MODULE. SOCIAL WORK MANAGEMENT
10
Health Psychology 3 Management of Social Systems 4
Social Work at Health Care System 10 Social Projects and Programs 4
Human Safety 2 Organizational Psychology 2
VIth MODULE. SOCIAL POLITICS
15 VIIIth MODULE. SOCIAL WORK WITH ELDERLY PEOPLE
10
Social Politics and Economy 3 Social Services in Gerontology 6
Organization of Social Services 5 Human Rights 2
Andragogy 2 Social Rehabilitation and Integration of Elderly People 2
Social and Human Law 3

IXth MODULE. TRAINING PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY PRACTICE

10
Social Psychology 2
3rd year (admitted since 2019)
5th semester 6th semester
Module Credits Module Credits

Xth MODULE. OPTIONAL SUBJECTS

10

XIIth MODULE. THE FINAL MODULE

30

XIth MODULE. SOCIAL WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

20 Final Professional Activity Practice 21
Social Work in the Community 7 Supervision
Social Work in the Group 2 The Final Thesis 9
Social Research Methods 5
Social Ecology 2
Social Rehabilitation and Integration of Risk Individuals 2
Antisocial Behavioral Psychology 2

Part-time studies:

1st year (admitted since 2022)
1st semester 2nd semester
Module Credits Module Credits
Ist MODULE. PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT 17 IInd MODULE. PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE 10
Information technology and data processing in social work 6 Professional foreign language 6
Moral philosophy in social work 3 Language culture and professional language 4
Sociology and social ecology 5 IIIrd MODULE. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK 15
Human safety and first aid 3 Introduction to social work and professional ethics  6
Introductory practice 3 Social politics and economy 3
Fundamentals of law in social work 6
2nd year (admitted since 2019)
3rd semester 4th semester
Module Credits Module Credits
V MODULE. WELFARE OF CHILD AND FAMILY 20 VI MODULE. HEALTH AND WELFARE 15
Social Work with Individual and Family 6 Health Psychology 3
Social Training of a Child and a Youngster 10 Social Work at Health Care System 10
Family and Child Law 4 Human Safety 2
VII MODULE. TRAINING PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY PRACTICE 10
3rd year (admitted since 2019)
5th semester 6th semester
Module Credits Module Credits
VIII MODULE. SOCIAL POLITICS
15 X MODULE. SOCIAL WORK IN THE COMMUNITY 20
Social Politics and Economy 3 Social Work in the Community 7
Organization of Social Services 5 Social Work in the Group 2
Andragogy 2 Social Research Methods 5
Social and Human Law 3 Social Ecology 2
Social Psychology 2 Social Rehabilitation and Integration of Risk Individuals 2
IX MODULE. SOCIAL WORK MANAGEMENT 10 Antisocial Behavioral Psychology 2
Management of Social Systems 4
Social Projects and Programs 4
Organizational Psychology 2
4th year (admitted since 2019)
7th semester 8th semester
Module Credits Module Credits
XI MODULE. SOCIAL WORK WITH ELDERLY PEOPLE 10 XIII MODULE. THE FINAL MODULE
30
Social Services in Gerontology 6 Final Professional Activity Practice 21
Human Rights 2 Supervision
Social Rehabilitation and Integration of Elderly People 2 The Final Thesis 9
XII MODULE. OPTIONAL SUBJECTS
5

Other subject descriptions:

Freely Chosen subjects are selected from the List of Freely Chosen Subjects and Their Descriptions.

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