An introduction to social work

Education facts

Code: SMG1T1

Instruction is in the form of lectures, groupwork and field studies with seminars. The course introduces social work as subject, science and professional field. The emergence, meaning and construction of social work are treated along with its multidisciplinary knowledge base. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of a critical approach, the ethical dimensions of social work and the foundational principles of legislation and management pertaining to social work. Central theoretical and everyday concepts, and professional roles in social work, including social care, are treated as well as its fields of knowledge and professional practice. The practical components of groupwork and field studies introduce students to social work in practice with an emphasis on the range of the field and future professional roles. Students are expected to combine and apply theoretical knowledge of scientific procedures such as the research process and methods with the practical components of the course and forms of presentation. Groupwork, field studies and presentation of results at seminars are mandatory components, aiming to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge of the professional field and skills in integrating and applying basic academic and critical approaches.

Entry requirements

General admission requirements plus either -field-specefic eligibility A5 (upper secondary school level Mathematics 2a or 2b or 2c, Civics 1b or 1a1 + 1a2), or -field-specific eligibility 5 (upper secondary school level Mathematics B, Civics A).

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• An introduction to social work

  Karlstad University

  Karlstad

  Start date: 18 January 2027

  End date: 21 February 2027

  Pace of study: 100 %