Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Social Services, Diaconal Work (in Finnish)
The Bachelor of Social Services, Diaconal Work programme provides a combined qualification for work in various guidance, counselling, expert and management roles in social services and for work as a deacon in church community work.
The programme prepares students for various roles in the public and third sectors as well as service provision in the private sector, including early childhood education, youth work, child protection, mental health work, working with offenders, immigrants, seniors and people with disabilities, and in service guidance, social insurance, employment services and rehabilitation.
In addition, graduates are qualified to work as deacons of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland.
The emphasis of the programme is on people’s material and social needs as well as their holistic well-being. A deacon’s work is underpinned by the Christian faith and view of the human condition and a social-ethical approach.
The work involves people’s everyday lives and dealing with complex issues in a creative and professional manner. Deacons assist and support individuals, families, groups and communities in various life circumstances and help them to cope independently.
The work often involves hearing and seeing silent anguish and helping to solve its root causes.
Extent: 210 credit points (ECTS)
We offer this programme currently in Finnish.
Curriculum
See the translated curriculum of the programme.
Further information on diaconal work in Finland
Did you know that, according to studies, diaconal work is one of the major reasons for maintaining membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland?
According to the Finnish Church Law, a minimum of one diaconal worker must be employed at each parish.
Source: Diaconal Workers – Alongsiders or Dumpsters? (Jouko Kiiski, 2013, published by Church Research Institute)