Bachelor of Social Services
Basic information
Education type
Language of instruction
Scope of studies
Planned duration
Teaching time
Form of teaching
Tuition fee for non-EU/EEA citizens:
Scholarship
Application ongoing
Check out study programmes available for application and fill in the application form.
Description
The foundation of professionalism for Bachelors of Social Services is built on the socio-pedagogical approach. Bachelors of Social Services are capable of analysing social phenomena and understanding their significance to people’s lives and wellbeing. Combining pedagogical (education and learning) and social (societal) perspectives at work is emphasised in social pedagogy. The work is carried out in the daily lives of people of different ages in their own living environment. Bachelors of Social Services are also capable of taking on tasks requiring development and leadership skills, promoting the social perspective within social services as well as multiprofessionalism and networking within the overlapping areas among welfare providers.
Study programmes available for application
Joint application ( 2 )
Application begins:
Sep. 1, 2025 at 08:00 AM UTC+3
Application ends:
Sep. 11, 2025 at 03:00 PM UTC+3
Studies begin:
Spring 2026
Prior education:
General eligibility for universities of applied sciences
Places of study:
35
Application begins:
Jan. 8, 2025 at 08:00 AM UTC+2
Application ends:
Jan. 22, 2025 at 03:00 PM UTC+2
Studies begin:
Autumn 2025
Prior education:
General eligibility for universities of applied sciences
Places of study:
35
Rolling admission (higher education) ( 5 )
Application begins:
May. 1, 2025 at 08:00 AM UTC+3
Application ends:
Oct. 31, 2025 at 03:00 PM UTC+2
Studies begin:
Autumn 2025
Prior education:
Studies at the Open university of applied sciences
Places of study:
5
Application begins:
Aug. 1, 2025 at 08:00 AM UTC+3
Application ends:
Sep. 30, 2025 at 03:00 PM UTC+3
Studies begin:
Spring 2026
Prior education:
General eligibility for universities of applied sciences
Places of study:
100
Application begins:
Dec. 31, 2024 at 08:00 AM UTC+2
Application ends:
Apr. 30, 2025 at 03:00 PM UTC+3
Studies begin:
Autumn 2025
Prior education:
General eligibility for universities of applied sciences
Places of study:
100
Application begins:
Nov. 1, 2024 at 08:00 AM UTC+2
Application ends:
Nov. 15, 2024 at 03:00 PM UTC+2
Studies begin:
Spring 2025
Prior education:
No required prior studies
Places of study:
2
Application begins:
May. 1, 2025 at 08:00 AM UTC+3
Application ends:
May. 15, 2025 at 03:00 PM UTC+3
Studies begin:
Autumn 2025
Prior education:
No required prior studies
Places of study:
5
Transfer application ( 1 )
Application begins:
May. 1, 2025 at 08:00 AM UTC+3
Application ends:
May. 15, 2025 at 03:00 PM UTC+3
Studies begin:
Autumn 2025
Prior education:
No required prior studies
Places of study:
2
Additional information
Structure of studies
The degree consists of 210 ECTS:
· Orientation to Social Services and Higher Education Studies
· Development of Professional Competences in Social Services
· Advanced Expertise in Social Services
· Profile Studies in Working Life Skills
· Advanced Expertise in Social Services
· (Elective Studies)
Upon commencing their studies, all students make a Personal Study Plan (PSP), as well as a Language PSP. Those students who do not have Finnish as their native language are obliged to have obtained a working knowledge in the Finnish language (Level B1) by the time they graduate. We therefore take care to integrate language studies into all studies in accordance with the student’s Language PSP.
Please note! Work placements are carried out in Finland in Finnish language environments in order to maximise the acquisition of the Finnish language and social-services-related Finnish language skills necessary to gain work experience in Finland.
Those students who are fluent in Finnish, have broader opportunities for work placements, including an international exchange. They also familiarize themselves with language aware work approaches.
Content
The degree programme is based on the following competence areas of Bachelor of Social Services
- Ethical competence in social services
- Communication and interaction competence
- Counselling and guidance competence
- Participatory and critical societal competence
- Research and development competence
- Work community and leadership competence
Specialisations
The student has a possibility to engage in additional studies to obtain a qualification to work as a Bachelor of Social Services in the field of Early Childhood Education (Varhaiskasvatuksen sosionomi) i.e. certain studies have to be chosen that are related to early childhood education.
Thesis
The final project in the University of Applied Sciences consists of 15 ECTS. The objective of the final project is for students to develop and demonstrate their ability to apply their skills and knowledge in practical assignments related to their professional studies.
Career opportunities
Bachelors of Social Services are qualified to work with various client groups in promoting wellbeing and preventing exclusion. The work can consist of supervision, counselling, coordination of services, advocacy and managerial work.
The work is carried out in cooperation with individuals, communities and organisations, both in the public and the private sector as well as in non-governmental organisations. Bachelors of Social Services can also work as entrepreneurs and independent service providers. Their field of work could be linked with:
- early childhood education
- child protection
- work with families
- work with immigrants
- youth work
- elderly care
- disabilities
- substance abuse
- mental health
Notice that Finnish language is essential to work in these working environments in Finland.
Qualification
The Bachelor of Social Services is a University of Applied Sciences degree, which is comparable with the European and other international degrees.
By choosing certain studies that are related to early childhood education, the student has a possibility to obtain a qualification to work as a Bachelor of Social Services in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care.
The Bachelor of Social Services is a protected and licensed professional title in Finland.
Co-operation with other parties
Collaboration opportunities are provided with professional partners engaged in relevant fields for social services, or other Universities of Applied Sciences. This could form a part of projects, seminars or courses during studies.
Further study opportunities
The Bachelor of Social Services degree gives the student eligibility to study further. Acceptance of these studies is determined separately by each university offering studies at the Master level.
Contact persons
Paula Lindqvist
Study Councellor
Paula.Lindqvist@metropolia.fi
Tanja Saariaho
Head of Degree Programme
tanja.saariaho@metropolia.fi
Information about the educational institution
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Finland’s largest University of Applied Sciences in the capital region of Helsinki. At Metropolia, we, educate future professionals in the fields of Business, Culture, Health Care and Social Services, and Technology. Metropolia is a community of over 17,000 students and more than 1,000 staff members. In Metropolia, people and worlds meet to create insight, expertise and well-being. Metropolia operates in four campuses in Helsinki, Vantaa and Espoo.
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Admission Services
Postal address:
PO BOX 4000, 00079 Metropolia
Street address:
Myllypurontie 1, 00920 Helsinki
E-mail:
admissions@metropolia.fi
Telephone number:
+358 40 712 5100
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Myllypuro Campus
Postal address:
Myllypurontie 1 00920 Helsinki Finland
Street address:
Myllypurontie 1, 00920 Helsinki
E-mail:
admissions@metropolia.fi
Telephone number:
+358 40 712 5100