Master in Social Work
Šiauliai, Lithuania
Master degree
DURATION
3 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Jul 2027*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 1 May for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries | 1 July for citizens of EU/EFTA
Key Summary
About: This Master in Social Work at Vilnius University trains social workers. You’ll study theory and practice focused on people with disabilities and older adults, including disability psychology, sociology, social justice, well‑being policy and research methods. Problem‑based learning, case analysis and study develop critical thinking and practical skills; supervisors give consultations to guide your research.
Career Outcomes: Graduates qualify for a career as a social worker in health and community settings, can work in NGOs or public sector at state and local levels. You can pursue research or a PhD, or roles in policy, advocacy, case management and service coordination.
This study programme is designed to train high-quality social work specialists. During their studies, students will delve into the theoretical and practical aspects of social work focusing on individuals with disabilities and older people, in the context of ensuring their well-being and their quality of life. Students are introduced to modern social theories, the psychology of disability and sociology, social justice, well-being policies and other essential subjects in this sphere. This is a joint study programme with Open University, Ukraine.
Why choose this programme?
- Versatile study process: special capabilities are developed through problem-based teaching, critical thinking, case analysis and cooperative studies.
- Programme focused on building a meaningful career: you will learn how to act in any situation in different social environments, as well as how to provide aid to people who are disabled or in any other type of distress.
- Individual attention for each student: periodic, consultations between the supervisor and student to review your research objectives will enable you to aim your study process in the desired direction.
Scope of studies: 90 ECTS credits
Length: 1.5 years
Semester 1 (Autumn)
Compulsory Courses
- Comparative Policy of Social Welfare
- Health and Welfare in Modern Social Theories
- Masters Work I/II
- Methodology and Organization of Scientific Research
- Theoretical Models and Technologies in Social Work
Optional Courses (Choose one)
- Personal and Professional Self-Cognition
- Social Program and Project Management
- Strategies for Assessing the Quality of Social Work
Semester 2 (Spring)
Compulsory Courses
- Masters Work II/II
- Psychology and Sociology of Disability
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods in Social Work
- Social Construction of Healthy Aging
- Social Justice in the Inclusive Society
Optional Courses (Choose one)
- Mediation
- Modelling of Vocational Rehabilitation Processes
- Supervision and Intervision in Social Work
Semester 3 (Autumn)
Compulsory Courses
- Master Final Thesis (Study field: Social Work)
- Scientific Research Practice of Social Work. Group Supervision
A person with joint master’s degree in social work has got the knowledge and skills, enabling to acknowledge social phenomena in the context of their paradigms and social problems of society; a graduate is familiarized with the methodology of quantitative and qualitative research; has got the abilities to create and to manage social programmes and projects, to evaluate social needs and problems of persons who are in the situation of disability and aging in the context of applied scientific activities, while rendering support and acting in undefined situations.
- A career as a social worker: you will be qualified to take up this in-demand position within various organisations, or you could further develop your competencies by entering into a PhD programme.
- Work in NGOs: modern knowledge will enable you to take part in the activities of non-governmental organisations, contribute to social movements and participate in decisions to solve social issues.
- Work in the public sector: you will be able to pursue a career in state, municipal or regional sub-divisions and provide professional social services, as well as to contribute to the improvement of the social situation in the country.
