Bachelor in Social Sciences
Joensuu, Finland
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Key Summary
Improve your understanding of the rapidly changing world. Social scientists examine the dynamics of societal change and seek answers to questions such as what creates wellbeing or a lack of it, what causes alienation, what is happening in education and the labor market, and what is the role of culture in shaping our relationships with each other.
The Bachelor of Social Sciences degree consists of studies in sociology and social and public policy. Teaching covers key social scientific theories and methods for collecting and analyzing data. These are applied to key topics in social sciences, such as labor, education, care, multiculturalism, and information and communication technology, and how they interlink with each other.
This program is offered by the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland. The staff in the department are experts in their field and enthusiastically welcome new students from all backgrounds into the social sciences community. The program is completely online and does not require in-person participation on the campus.
Why study with us?
- This is the only Bachelor's program in Social Science in Finland that is taught in English. Online tuition also allows a high degree of flexibility.
- The program provides tools for understanding society and its policy processes. It develops critical thinking in social sciences.
Structure of studies
The Bachelor of Social Sciences degree familiarises students with key concepts and methods in social sciences. You will learn to gather information, organize it, and apply existing information in a range of tasks. During the three years of studies, you will take a combination of required and optional courses to total 180 ECTS.
The program consists of basic and intermediate studies in social sciences, language and communication studies, general studies, and minor studies.
- Basic studies in Social Sciences 25 ECTS
- Intermediate studies in Social Sciences 60 ECTS
- Language and communication 12 ECTS
- General studies 18 ECTS
- Minor subjects 65 ECTS
Teaching emphasizes the dynamics of contemporary society and the changing labor market, as well as the needs of everyday welfare. Teaching and learning take place online in lectures, seminars, and reading groups. Tasks range from learning journals to essays and exams. In the final year of your studies, you will choose either sociology or social and public policy as your main subject.
