The reason why I chose this particular program was because of the human right aspect to be able to deal with a vulnerable people. You need human rights. So it was the best for me.
Master's Programme in Social Work and Human Rights
Summary
This two-year international master’s program focuses on the intersection between social work and human rights. By intertwining the two fields, the aim is to provide you with a unique perspective on human rights issues and social development at all levels of society.
Integrating human rights knowledge with social work provides the opportunity for you to approach a career where you work towards policy change and social justice. The program also prepares you well for future Ph.D. studies.
About
Study social work and shape human rights solutions for global issues. Apply for an MA Program in Gothenburg, Sweden
The master’s programme in Social Work and Human Rights is shared by the Department of Social Work and the School of Global Studies. It is one of the most applied for international master’s programmes at the University of Gothenburg.
The programme is offered to both foreign and Swedish students with different educational backgrounds closely related to Social Work and Human Rights. All courses are taught in English.
What you will learn
- Deeper knowledge about social work and human rights from a global perspective.
- Extensive comprehension of current research and developmental work in the field.
- The importance of active participation as a key component for successful studies in the program.
A research-focused programme
At the programme, we maintain a close relationship between research and teaching. The majority of teachers involved in the programme are active researchers, ensuring that your coursework will be updated with the latest research.
A wide interdisciplinary education
Guest lecturers come from different parts of the world as well as other departments of the university, providing a wealth of diverse and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Hands-on opportunities
Through a mandatory field placement, you will get the opportunity to experience social work in a foreign country with a focus on ethics, values, and intervention.
Programme structure and content
Perspectives in social work and human rights with expert-led master's courses
The first three semesters are divided into two separate modules, one followed by the other. The fourth semester is dedicated to a research project which you will present in a master´s thesis.
1st year
- Social Work and Welfare Systems, 15 ECTS
- Human Rights: An Interdisciplinary Approach, 15 ECTS
- Globalisation, Poverty and International Social Work, 15 ECTS
- Social Work Practice and Professionalization, 15 ECTS
2nd year
- Social Work, Service Users' Participation and Organization, 15 ECTS
- Research Theories and Methods, 15 ECTS
- Degree Report, 30 ECTS
Who should apply?
This is for you who are interested in working at a strategic level in both private companies and public administration or in applying for doctoral studies in Social Work or Human Rights.
Study social work and specialize in human rights advocacy
- Deepening your knowledge of Human Rights
- Work within an international organization or network where the Human Rights perspective is a valuable skill
- Do a PhD or do research as part of your career
If you have a Bachelor's Degree in Social work or a closely related subject the MA Programme in Social work and Human rights could be the right opportunity for you.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, or a Bachelor's Degree in related topics. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.
Special instructions for application
First application round for non-Swedish applicants
Mid-October – mid-January
Non-Swedish applicants are:
- EEA students (EU Member States and Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein)
- non-EEA students who require a visa to Sweden
EEA students or non-EEA students apply at www.universityadmissions.se. Do not forget to pay the application fee. The application fee does not apply to EU/EEA citizens or exchange students. Non-EU citizens need to apply for a visa to Sweden.
Second application round for Swedish and EEA applicants
Mid-March – mid-April
This application period is open for:
- Swedish students
- EEA students (EU Member States and Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein)
Swedish students or EEA students apply at www.antagning.se (in Swedish) or www.universityadmissions.se (in English). The application fee does not apply to EU/EEA citizens or exchange students.
Documents
You need to support your application with formal documents, sent in by post/submitted digitally. Supporting documents include certified copies of:
- BA degree in the original language
- BA degree in English
- Official transcripts in the original language
- Official transcripts in English
- Results from TOEFL, IELTS or other accepted English test
You also need to submit a copy of your passport, but it does not need to be certified.
Selection
Students with a degree in Social Work and/or Human Rights are favored in competition with students with degrees in related subjects. (This only applies to students from countries where it is possible to obtain a degree in Social Work and/or Human Rights.)
After graduation
Possibilities after a degree of Science in Social Work and Human Rights can vary a lot. Some of our former students now work in:
- international organizations, such as the UN and EU institutions.
- within social work at national level authorities or in NGOs.
Work at a strategic level in private companies or public administration
The programme is designed for those who are interested in human resource work at a strategic level in both private companies and public administration and for those who are interested in applying for doctoral studies in social work or human rights.
Be prepared for professional career or PhD studies
The programme aims at creating a platform for the international job market within bigger organizations in social work and human rights. It is also an excellent base for PhD studies
You will be prepared for professional careers, as well as post-graduate research related to the field of social work and human rights.
Facilities
Teaching takes place on the premises of the Faculty of Social Sciences in the district of Haga. Lectures and seminars at the Masters´s program are located in Campus Haga, which lies right in the center of the city of Gothenburg.
