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Degree Programme in Social Services – 1st semester, Helsinki

Start studying Social Services through path studies in Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Open UAS!

Type of studies
Open University of Applied Sciences, Pathway studies
Campuses
Helsinki
Location
Helsinki
Ilmoittautumisaika
27.7.2026—6.8.2026
Start Term
17.8.2026—13.12.2026
Field of Study
Social services, The church sector
Study mode
Blended learning
Study language
English
Application Status
Registration opens soon
Pricing
Fee-based
Code
AAF694
Extent
29 op
Price
175 €
Admission quota
3
Available places
3
Teachers
Markku Hiltunen, Minna Hallman, Sampo Sivula, Tia Virtanen, Juhani Toivanen, Elina Johansson, Katja Päällysaho, Leena Udo, Margarita Sakilayan-Latvala, Aino-Elina Kilpeläinen, Katja Päällysaho, Anu Hellesuo, Katja Päällysaho, Heini Sajalin

Content


The goal of the Open University of Applied Sciences path studies is to complete all first-semester studies in the Bachelor of Social Services programme and achieve the required learning outcomes so that continuing to the next semester is possible, either through open UAS semester studies or as a degree student.

Target group


Starting the studies does not require prior studies in social services or work experience. However, the studies require the ability for long-term, goal-oriented learning, as well as sufficient language, mathematical, and IT skills for studying.

Schedule

  • Application period for path studies: 27 July 2026 at 08:00 – 6 August 2026 at 23:55.
  • Studies will begin with an orientation week on 17–21 August 2026. Both the orientation week and other teaching during the beginning of the autumn semester will be organised online.
  • Autumn 2026 schedules can be viewed at Diak’s schedule tool, https://lukujarjestykset.diak.fi/. Search with your group code HKI-S26dss.
Student selection

Students to the path studies will be selected in order of enrollment.
You can only enroll for one path study at a time.

Tuition fee

The tuition fee (175€) can be paid either online or by invoice. The fee will only be charged once your admission has been confirmed and you have accepted the study place. If you are placed on a waiting list, the fee will only be charged once you have accepted a study place that becomes available.

Right to Study

OUAS students are granted a limited right to study. The right includes only the study units mentioned in the description of the study module at the time of enrollment.

Completion of course credit requires active participation in teaching and working goal-directedly towards the learning aims of the study units (both on contact and distance learning periods). The credit requirements are identical for both OUAS and degree programme students.

Suitability for the field of study

Path studies are open to everyone interested in the field. However, it is important for applicants to remember that education leading to a degree includes essential health and functional capacity requirements for those applying. Studying and working in the social and healthcare sector requires good mental stability. The field is not suitable for individuals who use drugs or who misuse alcohol or medication. In addition, certain musculoskeletal disorders, chronic skin diseases, allergies, and blood-borne infectious diseases, as well as insufficient vaccination protection, may hinder the completion of studies and practical training or may limit study pathways and employment opportunities.

Opintojen sisältämät toteutukset

LCO01MS26HKI Critical Approach to Learning
Perustiedot
Code LCO0102B25S-3002
Extent 2
Study period 17.8.2026 – 13.12.2026
Teachers Markku Hiltunen, Minna Hallman
Office Helsinki
Study programme Degree Programme in Social Services
Sisältö
• Different teaching and learning methods used at Diak
• Student services at Diak
• Different learning environments and contexts
• Team and group work skills in an international study group
Learning outcomes
The students will be able to:
• use different learning methods at Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak)
• access and use student services provided by Diak
• understand different learning environments and contexts
• work responsibly as a member of an international study group
Teaching methods
Critical approach to learning consists of lectures, discussions and written assignment.
Learning materials and recommended literature
Reading materials to be used in the group assignment consist of lectures, social welfare act and other relevant legislation and the following literature (will be updated by the beginning of the study module):
Douglas, T. (2002). Basic Groupwork. Routledge.
Haynes, N. (2012). Group Dynamics: Basics and Pragmatics for Practitioners. University Press of America.
Student workload and time commitment
Lectures 1 cr
Reading and written assignment 1 cr
1 vr = 27hours of student's work
Assessment criteria
The study module will be assessed on scale pass/to be resubmitted.
Assessment is based on the following:

– participating in teaching about information search: pass/to be resubmitted
– individual assignment on information search: pass/to be resubmitted
– written individual assignment on "Myself in a Group": all three parts: settings & referencing, English and contents: pass/to be resubmitted
Grading scale
Hyväksytty/Hylätty
LCO02MS26HKI Communication Skills
Perustiedot
Code LCO0203B25S-3002
Extent 3
Study period 24.8.2026 – 11.10.2026
Teachers Sampo Sivula, Tia Virtanen
Office Helsinki
Study programme Degree Programme in Social Services
Sisältö
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Presentation skills
• Process writing
• Referencing
• Communication style
• Intercultural communication
• Different digital tools used at Diak
Learning outcomes
The students will be able to:
• know the basic text types used during the studies
• communicate orally and in writing in formal and informal situations in an academic context
• give and receive constructive feedback
• operate in different learning environments and use the digital tools required during their studies
ACA1MS26HKI Academic Writing 1
Perustiedot
Code ACA1002B25S-3002
Extent 2
Study period 7.9.2026 – 13.12.2026
Teachers Juhani Toivanen
Office Helsinki
Study programme Degree Programme in Social Services
Sisältö
• Level test before the course
• Basics in academic English
• Assessment of academic English texts
• Written assignment
• A brief oral presentation of the written assignment
Learning outcomes
The students will be able to:
• have sufficient knowledge of features of academic English and a familiarity with the structure of academic text used in essays, articles, reports and other academic publications
• critically assess academic English texts in the relevant fields
• critically assess and use AI writing tools regarding academic English texts
• produce academic English text in the form of a report, summary and argumentative paper
FIN1MS26HKI Finnish Basic Level 1 A
Perustiedot
Code FIN1003B25S-3002
Extent 3
Study period 19.10.2026 – 13.12.2026
Teachers Elina Johansson
Office Helsinki
Study programme Degree Programme in Social Services
Sisältö
• Common vocabulary and phrases
• Oral and written communication in simple everyday situations and daily routines
• conjugating verbs in present tense
• Grammatical cases of genitive and partitive
• Questions
• Adjectives and description
Learning outcomes
The student will be able to:
• know Finnish language at the skill level A.1.1
• know vocabulary and grammar relevant to the skill level A1.1
• understand some familiar everyday expressions if the other person speaks slowly
• communicate with basic phrases
SSFMS26HKI Social Security in Finland
Perustiedot
Code SSF0005B25S-3002
Extent 5
Study period 7.9.2026 – 8.11.2026
Teachers Katja Päällysaho, Leena Udo
Office Helsinki
Study programme Degree Programme in Social Services
Sisältö
• Basis of public administration in Finland
• Finnish social security system: services, benefits and insurances
• Legislation regarding the Finnish social security system
Learning outcomes
The students will be able to:
• understand the structure and administration of the Finnish social security system
• Understand the concept of social security and its’ application to different life situations
• know the relevant legislation on social security
Teaching methods
Lectures, group work and individual exam. Compulsory attendance on orientation and seminar.
Learning materials and recommended literature
Merita Mesiäislehto, Pasi Moisio and Ilari Ilmakunnas (2022) Do Red-Flagged Clients Exit Social Assistance Earlier than Others? The Case of the Finnish Social Assistance System (Social Policy and Society 23:3(2024); 651-665)

Juho Saari (2023): Welfare state in a Fair Society? Post-Industrial Finland as a Case Study (Experiencing Society and the Lived Welfare State)

Children’s Voice 2024. Summary of results. Pelastakaa lapset ry.
Assessment criteria
Exam grades 1-5/fail
Groupwork on social security cases – pass/fail
Attendance to compulsory sessions (compensatory assignment given in case of absence): fail / pass

More information available at:
https://www.diak.fi/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Diak_assessment_principles_2020_BA.pdf
(initial stage)
Grading scale
0-5
DEVMS26HKI Development Across the Life Span
Perustiedot
Code DEV0005B25S-3002
Extent 5
Study period 24.8.2026 – 11.10.2026
Teachers Margarita Sakilayan-Latvala, Aino-Elina Kilpeläinen
Office Helsinki
Study programme Degree Programme in Social Services
Sisältö
• Life span approach in understanding human development
• Biological, psychological and social factors in life span development
• Factors affecting identity development
Learning outcomes
The students will be able to:
• understand the theories and concepts of human development
• recognize how biological, psychological and social factors affect human development across the life span
• identify the factors affecting identity development
• apply the lifespan approach in understanding own professional identity
Teaching methods
LEARNING METHODS:

– Lectures
– Written learning assignment based on the required reading materials
– Individual exam
– Participation in the evaluation workshop
Learning materials and recommended literature
Sudberry, J. & Whitaker, A. (2019). Human Growth and Development: An Introduction for Social Workers. Routledge.
Student workload and time commitment
Participation in the orientation is compulsory. Attendance to the scheduled lectures are not required, however, it will help the student prepare for the evaluation day. Participation in the evaluation workshop day is compulsory.
Assessment criteria
Students should pass both the individual exam and evaluation day. The written learning assignment will be assessed pass / failed. Final grade will be 50% individual exam and 50% case analysis.
Grading scale
0-5
Assessment criteria – Satisfactory (1–2)
The student achieves the learning outcomes at a satisfactory level. The student demonstrates basic competence related to the course, but the application of knowledge and understanding of broader concepts are limited. All assignments have been completed in accordance with the requirements and provided instructions.
Assessment criteria – Good (3–4)
The student achieves the learning outcomes well. The demonstrated competence is appropriate, well-reasoned, and coherent. The student is able to apply knowledge and examine phenomena and the relationships between them. All assignments have been completed in accordance with the requirements and provided instructions.
Assessment criteria – Excellent (5)
The student achieves the learning outcomes to an excellent standard. The demonstrated competence is clear, analytical, and coherent. The student critically evaluates information and justifies decisions appropriately. The student applies knowledge and skills in a well-argued way. All assignments have been completed in accordance with the requirements and provided instructions.
ICOMS26HKI Individual in the Community
Perustiedot
Code ICO0004B25S-3002
Extent 4
Study period 28.9.2026 – 8.11.2026
Teachers Katja Päällysaho, Anu Hellesuo
Office Helsinki
Study programme Degree Programme in Social Services
Sisältö
• Personal life-course and identity
• Basic concepts of communities
• Basics of community work
• community work methods
Learning outcomes
The students will be able to:
• understand basic concepts of communities and community work
• reflect on the impact of societal changes on one’s personal life-course & personal identity
• apply community work methods
Teaching methods
ICO study module consists of orientation, lectures, individual assignments, field work in small groups, guidance on group work, seminar

Attendance to the orientation and final seminar is compulsory.
Student workload and time commitment
ICO study module is 4 cr. 1 cr equals 27 hours of student's work.

* Lectures and final seminar 1 cr
* Individual assignment 1 cr
* Field work in small groups 2 cr
Assessment criteria
Resubmit/ pass.

Diak´s Bachelor´s degrees assessment criteria (initial stage) is applied: https://www.diak.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Diak_assessment_principles_2020.pdf

To pass the study module the student must:
* participate in the orientation lecture
* complete the individual assignments
* participate in field work as a member of a small group
* complete the field work assignment
* participate in the final seminar and present the results of the group work in the seminar
Grading scale
Hyväksytty/Hylätty
Exam dates and retake opportunities
Final seminar at the end of the study module.
ISWMS26HKI Introduction to Social Work and Social Services
Perustiedot
Code ISW0005B25S-3002
Extent 5
Study period 19.10.2026 – 13.12.2026
Teachers Katja Päällysaho, Heini Sajalin
Office Helsinki
Study programme Degree Programme in Social Services
Sisältö
• Definitions of social work
• History of social work
• Different fields of social work and social services
• Work roles and competences of bachelors of social services in the working life
• Relevant legislation
• Values and ethics in social work
• professional identity
Learning outcomes
The students will be able to:
• understand different definitions of and approaches to social work
• describe the history of social work
• Know the Finnish social service system and social work available in different life situations
• understand the relevant legislation related to social services and social work in Finland
• Understand the possible work roles of bachelor of social services in the working life
• know professional ethics and values in social work
• know the required competences of a Bachelor of Social Services and their relation to social service work practice
• Understand the concept and development of professional identity
Teaching methods
Introduction to Social Work (ISW) study module consists of orientation lecture, other lectures, field work in small groups, guidance on group work, alumni seminar & final seminar

Attendance to the orientation and final seminar is compulsory.
Learning materials and recommended literature
Reading materials to be used in the group assignment consist of lectures, social welfare act and other relevant legislation and the following literature (will be updated by the beginning of the study module):
Banks S. & Westoby P. (Eds.). (2019). Equity and Community Development. Policy Press.

Green L. & Carey M. (Eds.). (2013). Social Work Ethics: Complex Dilemmas Within Applied Social Care. Taylor & Francis Group.

Doel, M. (2023). Social Work: the Basics. Taylor & Francis Group.

Parrott, L. (2010). Values and Ethics in Social Work Practice. SAGE Publications.

Payne, M. (2015) What is Professional Social Work? Policy Press

Poulin, J. & Matis, S. (2019). Social Work Practice: A Competency-Based Approach. Springer Publishing Company.

Talentia (2019). Work, Values and Ethics. Ethical guidelines for social welfare professionals.
Student workload and time commitment
The study module is 5 credits and it is divided as follows:

* Lectures and seminars: 1,5 credits (40 hours)
* Group work on the assignment: 3,5 credits (95 hours)
Assessment criteria
Study module is assessed on a scale 0-5. Diak's general assessment criteria is used.


Orientation to the study module: pass/to be compensated
Learning assignments (report and presentation): 1-5/to be resubmitted
Team agreement and division of labour: pass/to be resubmitted (if the student has not participated in the group/team work, it will be considered in grading)
Participating in the seminar: pass/to be compensated

Detailed information about the assessment criteria will be provided by the beginning of the study module.
Grading scale
0-5
Exam dates and retake opportunities
The seminar will take place at the end of the study module.

Alternative way of completeing the study module should be completed by the end of the semester when the study module takes place.