Social Work
In Russian
Level of education Master
Type of instruction Full-time
Duration 2 years
Programme description
- The master’s programme "Social Work" is designed to train experts who are capable of: modernising the social sphere; improving the state’s social policy; and solving social problems using new methodological approaches on the basis of innovative technologies
- On the basis of domestic and foreign theoretical concepts, master’s students are trained in: diagnosing, forecasting and modelling social situations; developing technologies for activating and mobilising clients’ own resources; developing and applying new approaches and modern information tools in working with different client groups; and mediation and negotiation technologies for resolving conflicts in different spheres
- The programme focuses on developing professional competences required by the processes of social renewal
- The programme provides training of professionally competent experts in a modern, highly humane profession, who are capable of: successfully developing innovative programmes and projects aimed at improving the social well-being of society; addressing its most important social tasks; and implementing the state’s social policy
Main courses
- Social Policy and Social Welfare: Issues and Tendencies of Development
- Philosophy, Methodology and Methods in Social Science
- Studies in Social Innovations
- Integrative Human Study
- Modern Approaches to Management of Social Services
- English for Professional Communication
- Information Technology in Social Sciences
- Modern Theories in Social Work
Our advantages
- Graduates acquire knowledge and skills to: effectively address social problems at the individual, social group and society level; implement innovative projects and programmes; and enhance partnerships between social actors
- The extensive list of competencies to be mastered will enable graduates to: carry out research activities in social work; develop innovative technologies, drawing on modern information tools and advances in human and social sciences; and use new models and standards of social services
- The programme focuses on: staffing the processes of modernisation and renewal of the social sphere; solving increasingly complex social problems; improving the state’s social policy; harmonising the interests of different social groups; and applying innovative technologies in the social sphere
- Students have an opportunity to participate in: international academic mobility programmes; internships; and volunteer internships in Europe and the USA. They can take an active part in: research activities; international, Russian and regional scientific conferences on relevant topics; and the activity of the Council of Young Scientists at the Faculty of Sociology of St Petersburg University
- Students with a focus on studying in postgraduate programmes at leading Russian universities or PhD programmes at foreign universities receive appropriate training
- Students acquire knowledge of a quality that meets international standards for a master’s degree in the social sciences
- Graduates rise to a much higher level in their personal development and social engagement. They become experts in conflict resolution, and business and interpersonal negotiation
- Students have an opportunity to take part in academic mobility programmes. There are over 300 leading universities in Europe, America and Asia among partner universities
Main areas of research
- Social modernisation and innovation
- Quality of life and social well-being
- Population ageing crisis and options for its resolution in various countries
- Priority areas of youth policy in Russia and developed countries
- Civil initiatives and the development of social networking services
- Life success and social exclusion in present-day Russia
- Activation of social competence of certain people, social groups, and society as a whole
- Advanced technologies in social protection and social services for the population
- Mediation in the regulation of family conflicts
- Sponsorship, charity and volunteering in modern society
International relations
Students have an opportunity to take part in academic mobility programmes in accordance with their research interests within the framework of St Petersburg University agreements with the world’s leading research centres. Cooperation agreements on academic mobility programmes between St Petersburg University and foreign partner universities are available via the link.
Career opportunities
Professions
The programme is aimed at meeting the increased demands of the community in highly qualified professionals who are capable of using modern methods in managing social services and applying innovative technologies to improve the social welfare, living standards and the effectiveness of social policy in a rapidly changing social environment.
Among the prospective jobs are:
- Division manager in a social service organisation
- Leading specialist / Specialist in social work
- Leading specialist / Specialist in social work with young people
- Leading specialist / Specialist of child protection services
- Leading specialist / Specialist in family work
- Leading specialist / Specialist in integrated social rehabilitation work (rehabilitation therapist)
- Chief expert / Lead specialist in organising and determining social benefits from the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation
- Social science teacher at higher education institutions
- Research project lead / Research project executor
- Social entrepreneur
- Social media analyst
- Project manager
- Community manager
- Grant manager
- Training manager
Accreditation
The programme has professional and public accreditation from the Association of Financial Market Participants "The Council for Professional Qualifications of the Financial Market". Certificate № 21/11/2022 dated 15 November 2022.