Bachelor Degree Programme in Social Services (SOS26S): SOS26S
Code: SOS26S
- Degree title
- Sosionomi (AMK)
- Credits
- 210 ects
- Duration
- 3.5 years (210 cr)
- Start semester
- Autumn 2026
- Teaching language
- Finnish
Descriptions
To achieve The Bachelor’s degree in Social Services (210 credits) takes usually 3.5 years to complete. The studies consists of basic studies in social services, professional studies in social services, the thesis and free-choice studies. All the students in this degree complete basic studies, professional studies, and a thesis. In student internships where work is done with underage children, the student must obtain a criminal record from the Legal Register Centre (Act on Checking the Criminal Background of Persons Working With Children 504/2002).
The Bachelor’s degree in Social Services (AMK) leads to a university of applied sciences (AMK) Bachelor’s degree qualification in Social Services. The required qualification providing eligibility to work as a social advisor or supervisor is a university of applied sciences degree in social and health care suitable for the field of social welfare. Social services graduates must apply to Valvira (National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health) for the degree to be legalized, and after Valvira's decision, they will be entitled to work as social services professionals. In addition, the degree program provides students with the opportunity to complete studies leading to a qualification in early childhood education (Section 27 of the Early Childhood Education Act). It is also possible for the students to advance their professional development according to interest by completing the appropriate internships and choosing a relevant topic for the thesis.
The Social Pedagogy and Early Childhood Education module is part of the optional vocational studies for all students. Alternatively, students may take another module as part of their vocational studies instead of early childhood education and care and social pedagogy.
Graduates of the bachelor’s degree in social services not only find employment in the public or private sector, but also in the third sector. Social services jobs are often found in early childhood education, child, youth, and family services, in services for the disabled or the elderly, substance abuse or mental health work, or multicultural services. Many social services graduates become self-employed or set up their own businesses. They can also work in social services management positions. The professional job titles used by social services graduates are for example, service supervisor, social welfare advisor, outreach youth worker, early childhood educator, social service advisor, youth leader, school social worker, project planner, project manager, careers advisor.
The teaching is built on face-to-face teaching on site in Kajaani, online real-time teaching, learning in the workplace (projects, work monitoring, interviews), online self-learning, and collaboration and tasks in groups. Lectures will be delivered online, either as real-time lectures or as recordings. In Kajaani, the amount of on-site face-to-face teaching is about 2 days per month. The face-to-face teaching is of a functional nature. Individual changes may be possible in the amount of face-to-face teaching, but students will be informed of these changes well in advance.
The degree includes extensive opportunities to learn in real work environments and in the students’ home region(s). During the studies, co-operation is also carried out within the University of Applied Sciences, and in this case the students will have the opportunity to practice working life skills such as multi-professional cooperation with nursing and public health nursing students through simulations. Studies in the field of sports are part of the social services degree. Research and development activities involve co-operation with social welfare and services employers from the public, private and third sectors in the regions of Kainuu, Kuusamo and Raahe. Thus, the students will be carrying out regional pioneering work with KAMK's RDI staff.
During the studies, three internships accruing a total of 45 credits are completed. In the internships, co-operation is established with social welfare and service providers in KAMK's area of operation, and the students receive assistance in finding internships. Students can complete an internship in their hometown or region. The Jobiili system is used to acquire internships. Professional studies include 20 credits in early childhood education and social pedagogy. If, in addition to the degree in social services, students wish to gain a qualification in early childhood education in accordance with the Early Childhood Education Act (Section 27), they must complete the professional internship (15 cr) and the second part of their advanced internship (10 cr) within early childhood education. In addition, they are expected to compile a thesis concerning early childhood education.
The structure of Kajaani University of Applied Sciences' Bachelor’s degree in Social Services is as follows:
Objective
The competence objectives are based on the competencies defined for the field social services and welfare and early childhood education. The competencies are described in the overview of the curriculum.
Further information
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences offers you an international study environment and numerous opportunities to develop the international skills required today during your studies.
The studies include language and communication studies that accrue a total of 8 credits and are conducted in Swedish and English. The tasks of individual courses can be combined with language studies, in which case the tasks are performed in English. You can gain international experience by completing a part of your studies or a traineeship abroad. KAMK has partner universities and partners in more than 80 different countries.
Select timing, structure or classification view
Show study timings by semester, study year or period
Code | Name | Credits (cr) | 2026-2027 | 2027-2028 | 2028-2029 | Autumn 2026 | Spring 2027 | Autumn 2027 | Spring 2028 | Autumn 2028 | Spring 2029 | 1. / 2026 | 2. / 2026 | 3. / 2027 | 4. / 2027 | 1. / 2027 | 2. / 2027 | 3. / 2028 | 4. / 2028 | 1. / 2028 | 2. / 2028 | 3. / 2029 | 4. / 2029 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SOS26S-1025 |
Basic Studies in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1002 |
Study Skills in the Field of Social Services
(Choose all ) |
6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CM16 | Study Skills for Higher Education | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||
SO00CM17 | Digital Skills | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1003 |
LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS AT WORK
(Choose all ) |
12 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CN39 | Professional Communication | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CN37 | English for Working Life | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CN38 | English for Social Services | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CN36 | Swedish for Social Services | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1004 |
Basics Customer Contacts and the Service System in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
14 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CV68 | Professional skills | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV69 | Social and Healthcare System | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV70 | Customer Inclusion | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV71 | Basics of Medical Care for Social Services | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1005 |
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
(Choose all ) |
0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1006 |
Service Systems and Social Competence
(Choose all ) |
20 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CV72 | Ethics in the social field | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CA29 | Social Security and Legislation | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV73 | Health and Welfare Promotion | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV74 | Competence in Social Science and Working for Change | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1007 |
Supporting Diverse Life Situations with Social Services
(Choose all ) |
35 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CA75 | Basics of Early Childhood Education | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CA36 | Youth and Adult Social Work | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV75 | Child Protection | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CA34 | Work with people with Disabilities | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV76 | Services and well-being of the elderly | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV77 | Immigration and Social Work | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV78 | Mental health and substance abuse work | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1008 |
Advising and Rehabilitating Customers in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
25 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CV79 | Case Management and Working with Customers in Social Services | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV80 | Exercise as a Method of Social Empowerment | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CI68 | Creative guidance methods | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV81 | Social Rehabilitation | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV82 | Digital Technology in Social Services | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1009 |
Entrepreneurial, Leadership and Development Competence for Social Services Students
(Choose all ) |
10 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CA80 | Developing Social Services | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV83 | Management and Entrepreneurship | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1010 |
OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
(Choose ects: 15) |
15 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1011 |
Early Childhood Education and Social Pedagogy
(Choose all ) |
15 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CA76 | Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CK08 | Introduction to Social Pedagogy | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CA77 | Supporting Growth and Development in Early Childhood Education | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1012 |
Monialainen lasten ja nuorten suojelutyö
(Choose all ) |
15 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CV84 | Collaboration in Family Services | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV85 | Child Growth and Development Support | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV86 | Foster care and trauma | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1013 |
Other optional studies
(Choose ects: 15) |
15 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | ||||||||||
SOS26S-1014 |
INTERNSHIPS (15 ECTS)
(Choose all ) |
45 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CV87 | Practical training (professional orientation in social services) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CV88 | Professional Internship in Social Services | 15 | 15 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | ||||||||||||||
SO00CV89 | Advanced Professional Internship in Social Services | 20 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1018 |
FREE-CHOICE STUDIES
(Choose ects: 8) |
8 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
SOS26S-1023 |
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SKILLS FOR WORKING LIFE
(Choose all ) |
20 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SO00CM18 | Development and research | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||
SO00CS62 | Thesis | 15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | ||||||||||||||
Total | 210 | 62 | 66 | 63 | 33 | 29 | 33.5 | 32.5 | 33 | 30 | 16.5 | 16.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 | 16.8 | 16.8 | 16.3 | 16.3 | 16.5 | 16.5 | 15 | 15 |
Due to the timing of optional and elective courses, credit accumulation per semester / academic year may vary.
Sosionomien kompetenssit
2. Ethical competences in the social field
- acts in accordance with human and fundamental rights regulations, social values and professional ethics |
Social Security and Legislation |
Basics of Early Childhood Education |
Youth and Adult Social Work |
Work with people with Disabilities |
Developing Social Services |
Supporting Growth and Development in Early Childhood Education |
2. Competence in social client work
- acts professionally and dialogically in interaction situations and is able to reflect critically on their own actions |
Social Security and Legislation |
Basics of Early Childhood Education |
Youth and Adult Social Work |
Work with people with Disabilities |
Developing Social Services |
Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education |
Supporting Growth and Development in Early Childhood Education |
3. Social service system competences
- knows how to structure regional, national and international challenges related to well-being and sustainable development and understands their impact on social, health and education services |
Social Security and Legislation |
Basics of Early Childhood Education |
Youth and Adult Social Work |
Work with people with Disabilities |
Developing Social Services |
Supporting Growth and Development in Early Childhood Education |
4. Critical and Inclusive Social Skills
- evaluates the significance of social phenomena and power structures and their impact on the ability of individuals, groups and communities to function in society |
Social Security and Legislation |
Basics of Early Childhood Education |
Youth and Adult Social Work |
Work with people with Disabilities |
Developing Social Services |
Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education |
Supporting Growth and Development in Early Childhood Education |
5. Research-based development and innovation competence
- is capable of proactive and innovative problem solving in the development of social sector |
Developing Social Services |
Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education |
6. Work community, management and entrepreneurship competence
- works in multidisciplinary teams and work communities, and identifies opportunities for regional, national and international networks |
Developing Social Services |
Not grouped |
Study Skills for Higher Education |
Digital Skills |
Professional Communication |
English for Working Life |
English for Social Services |
Swedish for Social Services |
Professional skills |
Social and Healthcare System |
Customer Inclusion |
Basics of Medical Care for Social Services |
Ethics in the social field |
Health and Welfare Promotion |
Competence in Social Science and Working for Change |
Child Protection |
Services and well-being of the elderly |
Immigration and Social Work |
Mental health and substance abuse work |
Case Management and Working with Customers in Social Services |
Exercise as a Method of Social Empowerment |
Creative guidance methods |
Social Rehabilitation |
Digital Technology in Social Services |
Management and Entrepreneurship |
Introduction to Social Pedagogy |
Collaboration in Family Services |
Child Growth and Development Support |
Foster care and trauma |
Practical training (professional orientation in social services) |
Professional Internship in Social Services |
Advanced Professional Internship in Social Services |
Development and research |
Thesis |
SV_Sosionomi ja varhaiskasvatus(2023-)
Sosionomi kompetenssit ja varhaiskasvatuksen ydinosaaminen (Arene ry. työryhmän selvitys 2017)
01_SV_ Eettinen osaaminen varhaiskasvatuksessa
-toimii lasten oikeuksien sopimuksen mukaisesti edistäen varhaiskasvatuksessa olevan lapsen, lapsiryhmien ja perheiden toimijuutta, osallisuutta, yhdenvertaisuutta, tasa-arvoa, turvallisuutta ja kestävää elämäntapaa |
Basics of Early Childhood Education |
Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education |
Supporting Growth and Development in Early Childhood Education |
02.SV_ Asiakastyön osaaminen varhaiskasvatuksessa
-ymmärtää lapsen kasvun, kehityksen ja oppimisen lähtökohdat, lapsuuden merkityksen ja osaa tukea lapsen laaja-alaista osaamisen kehittymistä |
Social Security and Legislation |
Basics of Early Childhood Education |
Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education |
Introduction to Social Pedagogy |
Supporting Growth and Development in Early Childhood Education |
03.SV_ Verkosto- ja palvelujärjestelmäosaaminen varhaiskasvatuksessa
-toimii varhaiskasvatuksen ja sivistys-, sosiaali- ja terveyspalveluiden monialaisessa yhteistyössä ja vastaa lapsiryhmän osalta erityisesti perheiden kanssa tehtävästä yhteistyöstä, varhaisesta tuesta ja ehkäisevän lastensuojelutyön suunnittelusta, toteuttamisesta ja kehittämisestä |
No attached course units |
04.SV_Kriittinen ja osallisuutta edistävä yhteiskuntaosaaminen varhaiskasvatuksessa
-ymmärtää varhaiskasvatukseen liittyviä yhteiskunnallisia ilmiöitä ja tunnistaa valtarakenteita kriittisesti tarkastellen ja yhteiskunnan rakenteisiin vaikuttaen |
Basics of Early Childhood Education |
Introduction to Social Pedagogy |
Supporting Growth and Development in Early Childhood Education |
05.SV_ Tutkimuksellinen kehittämis- ja innovaatio-osaaminen varhaiskasvatuksessa
-ymmärtää ammatillisuuden muuttuvan ja kehittyvän luonteen oman osaamisensa ylläpitämisessä sekä varhaiskasvatuksen kehittämisessä |
Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education |
06.SV_Työyhteisö-, johtamis- ja yrittäjyysosaaminen varhaiskasvatuksessa
-soveltaa työntekijyys-, johtajuus- ja tiimityötaitoja toimiessaan osana varhaiskasvatuksen |
No attached course units |
Not grouped |
Study Skills for Higher Education |
Digital Skills |
Professional Communication |
English for Working Life |
English for Social Services |
Swedish for Social Services |
Professional skills |
Social and Healthcare System |
Customer Inclusion |
Basics of Medical Care for Social Services |
Ethics in the social field |
Health and Welfare Promotion |
Competence in Social Science and Working for Change |
Youth and Adult Social Work |
Child Protection |
Work with people with Disabilities |
Services and well-being of the elderly |
Immigration and Social Work |
Mental health and substance abuse work |
Case Management and Working with Customers in Social Services |
Exercise as a Method of Social Empowerment |
Creative guidance methods |
Social Rehabilitation |
Digital Technology in Social Services |
Developing Social Services |
Management and Entrepreneurship |
Collaboration in Family Services |
Child Growth and Development Support |
Foster care and trauma |
Practical training (professional orientation in social services) |
Professional Internship in Social Services |
Advanced Professional Internship in Social Services |
Development and research |
Thesis |
2022_KAMK_Common competences
Recommendation on competences shared by university of applied sciences degrees.
1.Learning to Learn
The graduating student recognises the strengths and development areas of their competence and learning methods, and they utilise the opportunities communities and digitalisation provide in their learning. |
No attached course units |
2.Operating in a Workplace
The graduating student has versatile working life skills and is able to operate in work communities of their field. |
No attached course units |
3.Ethics
The graduating student adheres to the ethical principles and values of their field of profession, taking the principles of equality and non-discrimination into account. |
No attached course units |
4.Sustainable Development
The graduating student is familiar with the principles of sustainable development, promotes their implementation and acts responsibly as a professional and a member of society. |
Social Security and Legislation |
5.Internationality and Multiculturalism
The graduating student is able to operate in multicultural and international operating environments and networks. |
No attached course units |
6.Proactive Development
The graduating student is able to develop solutions that anticipate the future of their own field, |
Developing Social Services |
Not grouped |
Study Skills for Higher Education |
Digital Skills |
Professional Communication |
English for Working Life |
English for Social Services |
Swedish for Social Services |
Professional skills |
Social and Healthcare System |
Customer Inclusion |
Basics of Medical Care for Social Services |
Ethics in the social field |
Health and Welfare Promotion |
Competence in Social Science and Working for Change |
Basics of Early Childhood Education |
Youth and Adult Social Work |
Child Protection |
Work with people with Disabilities |
Services and well-being of the elderly |
Immigration and Social Work |
Mental health and substance abuse work |
Case Management and Working with Customers in Social Services |
Exercise as a Method of Social Empowerment |
Creative guidance methods |
Social Rehabilitation |
Digital Technology in Social Services |
Management and Entrepreneurship |
Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education |
Introduction to Social Pedagogy |
Supporting Growth and Development in Early Childhood Education |
Collaboration in Family Services |
Child Growth and Development Support |
Foster care and trauma |
Practical training (professional orientation in social services) |
Professional Internship in Social Services |
Advanced Professional Internship in Social Services |
Development and research |
Thesis |
Code | Name | Credits (cr) |
---|---|---|
SOS26S-1025 |
Basic Studies in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
0 |
SOS26S-1002 |
Study Skills in the Field of Social Services
(Choose all ) |
6 |
SO00CM16 | Study Skills for Higher Education | 3 |
SO00CM17 | Digital Skills | 3 |
SOS26S-1003 |
LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS AT WORK
(Choose all ) |
12 |
SO00CN39 | Professional Communication | 4 |
SO00CN37 | English for Working Life | 3 |
SO00CN38 | English for Social Services | 2 |
SO00CN36 | Swedish for Social Services | 3 |
SOS26S-1004 |
Basics Customer Contacts and the Service System in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
14 |
SO00CV68 | Professional skills | 5 |
SO00CV69 | Social and Healthcare System | 5 |
SO00CV70 | Customer Inclusion | 2 |
SO00CV71 | Basics of Medical Care for Social Services | 2 |
SOS26S-1005 |
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
(Choose all ) |
0 |
SOS26S-1006 |
Service Systems and Social Competence
(Choose all ) |
20 |
SO00CV72 | Ethics in the social field | 5 |
SO00CA29 | Social Security and Legislation | 5 |
SO00CV73 | Health and Welfare Promotion | 5 |
SO00CV74 | Competence in Social Science and Working for Change | 5 |
SOS26S-1007 |
Supporting Diverse Life Situations with Social Services
(Choose all ) |
35 |
SO00CA75 | Basics of Early Childhood Education | 5 |
SO00CA36 | Youth and Adult Social Work | 5 |
SO00CV75 | Child Protection | 5 |
SO00CA34 | Work with people with Disabilities | 5 |
SO00CV76 | Services and well-being of the elderly | 5 |
SO00CV77 | Immigration and Social Work | 5 |
SO00CV78 | Mental health and substance abuse work | 5 |
SOS26S-1008 |
Advising and Rehabilitating Customers in Social Services
(Choose all ) |
25 |
SO00CV79 | Case Management and Working with Customers in Social Services | 5 |
SO00CV80 | Exercise as a Method of Social Empowerment | 5 |
SO00CI68 | Creative guidance methods | 5 |
SO00CV81 | Social Rehabilitation | 5 |
SO00CV82 | Digital Technology in Social Services | 5 |
SOS26S-1009 |
Entrepreneurial, Leadership and Development Competence for Social Services Students
(Choose all ) |
10 |
SO00CA80 | Developing Social Services | 5 |
SO00CV83 | Management and Entrepreneurship | 5 |
SOS26S-1010 |
OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
(Choose ects: 15 ) |
15 |
SOS26S-1011 |
Early Childhood Education and Social Pedagogy
(Choose all ) |
15 |
SO00CA76 | Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education | 5 |
SO00CK08 | Introduction to Social Pedagogy | 5 |
SO00CA77 | Supporting Growth and Development in Early Childhood Education | 5 |
SOS26S-1012 |
Monialainen lasten ja nuorten suojelutyö
(Choose all ) |
15 |
SO00CV84 | Collaboration in Family Services | 5 |
SO00CV85 | Child Growth and Development Support | 5 |
SO00CV86 | Foster care and trauma | 5 |
SOS26S-1013 |
Other optional studies
(Choose ects: 15 ) |
15 |
SOS26S-1014 |
INTERNSHIPS (15 ECTS)
(Choose all ) |
45 |
SO00CV87 | Practical training (professional orientation in social services) | 10 |
SO00CV88 | Professional Internship in Social Services | 15 |
SO00CV89 | Advanced Professional Internship in Social Services | 20 |
SOS26S-1018 |
FREE-CHOICE STUDIES
(Choose ects: 8 ) |
8 |
SOS26S-1023 |
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SKILLS FOR WORKING LIFE
(Choose all ) |
20 |
SO00CM18 | Development and research | 5 |
SO00CS62 | Thesis | 15 |