Social Work International Practice Education members

Education of Social Workers in Lund, Sweden

Originally the schools of social work offered a semi-academic programme, but in 1964 the curriculum in all schools was reorganized and the Social Work programme gained the status of a university level education. The schools still maintained a certain independence, however, having a special national board - The National Board of Education for Social Work and Public Administration - as governing agent.

Today's situation resulted from the passage of The Swedish Educational Act of 1977, which integrated the schools of social work and other independent schools of higher education into a comprehensive university system under The National Board of Universities and Colleges. This means, among other things, that the schools or departments of social work are required to follow the general university rules for education and training; they must also work within budgetary limits established by the government. In addition, the government decides the number of students to be enrolled. However, there is still some freedom of decision. Every school or department has its own Board, consisting of teaching staff, administrative staff and students.

The full course of study takes 3 1/2 years (seven terms). The holder of this degree is called a SOCIONOM (Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Social Work).

Admission to the schools is restricted and, apart from general entrance requirements used for all university studies in Sweden, the student must have knowledge of social sciences and mathematics. Students from abroad must have similar qualifications, plus a proven ability to read and write Swedish.

Study Programme

The first year of training consists of two courses: Social Work, 20 credits, and Social Structure and Social Policy, 20 credits.

Twenty Swedish credits represents one term of full-time study (20 weeks).
The second year continues with theoretical studies in Politics and Administration, Generation of Knowledge in Social Work, Law, Social Welfare Legislation and Social Work, altogether 40 credits.

Compulsory supervised field work then follows during the fifth term, 20 credits.

The aim of the field work training is to enable the student to put his/her theoretical knowledge into practice and to form a basis for future theoretical studies. Field work is also intended to provide professional experience.

The school of social work has on-going liaison links with social welfare agencies and institutions. Students are placed in different fields within the agencies where they are guided by supervisors appointed by the school. Members of the university staff are responsible for these placement arrangements. Together with each student they create an individual plan of field work studies and maintain contact with the student and the supervisors during the entire period. Continuous training and information about the role of the supervisor is given by the school to interested professional social workers.

The field work period is followed by one year of in-depth studies, consisting of two elective courses. This completes the requirements for the degree Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Social Work. 

Courses offered to professional social workers

The school also offers various Independent courses for Professional Social Workers, including specially designed courses for social services agency staff. 

Preparatory course, 20 credits, for holders of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Social Work (or equivalent). This course is a preparation for research in Social Work and is a prerequisite for admission to the Ph.D.- Programme. 

Research / PhD - Programme

Before the reform of 1977 research at the Swedish schools of Social Work was limited. With the reform the situation changed in several respects. A new academic discipline - Social Work - was formed by integrating relevant aspects from traditional academic disciplines.

Social Work as a new field of research deals with the professional implementation of social policy. It includes the analysis of the main causes of social problems affecting people, groups, communities, etc, as well as the background to problems in relations between individuals and their social environment. 

It also includes the analysis of different solutions to social problems and preventive measures which can be taken. 

The doctoral programme is intended to give the student proficiency in carrying out research and includes courses in behavioural and social science theory, empirical research methods, theory and development of social work methods, etc. Four years is generally the minimum for the doctorate. Approximately half of the time is devoted to writing a dissertation.  

Additional information about Education in Sweden and Lund University

The official gateway to Sweden  http://www.sweden.se/

The official guide to higher education studies in Sweden www.studyin.sweden.se 

Lund University - the English language link  http://www.lu.se/o.o.i.s/450

The School of Social Work http://www.soch.lu.se/engindex.htm

National board of health and welfare. http://www.socialstyrelsen.se/en