Doctoral Studies in Social Work and Social Policy at SSW National University Kiev-Mohyla Academy

Transcription

1 Doctoral Studies in Social Work and Social Policy at SSW National University Kiev-Mohyla Academy Doctoral Studies in Social Work and Social Policy is the first doctoral program which offers postgraduate students the opportunity to take part in an interdisciplinary study of social work and social policy. The program provides the chance to study the social work practice in Ukraine and other countries, welfare systems, social services, social exclusion and the problems of different groups of clients. The important goals of the program are the establishment of social work academic background in Ukraine, assistance to young researchers to join to the international community and development of academic network which will include academics, practitioners, policymakers, user groups and students. The main focus of our doctoral program concentrates on research work, international cooperation of SSW staff and foreign experts from partner universities. We try to introduce the European standards of high education in Ukrainian social work and social policy education and provide for students and teachers new opportunities to participate in the international cooperation and research activities, develop the new skills and knowledge. The doctoral Social Work and Social Policy program was established by the efforts of several European Universities: National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Ukraine Sheffield Hallam University, Great Britain Tbilisi State University, Georgia University of Ljubljana, Slovenia Vilnius Pedagogical University, Lithuania Tallinn University, Estonia The doctoral Social Work and Social Policy program is a four year doctoral study program whiсh offers a wide range of elective modules and individual 1

2 research work in addition to the obligatory core courses. In addition to this the students can to participate in two-week summer seminar. The study at the doctoral program proposes individual research work with three supervisors: one from SSW and two from the partner universities. Main objectives of the doctoral studies curriculum: - to develop pre-conditions for the achievement the highest scientific qualification in social work and social policy; - to support developing competencies to work as an independent expert in the field of social work and social policy; - to create pre-conditions for the development of a new generation of researchers and teachers with advanced research skills for universities and colleges and for social welfare and health care institutions. General study outcomes of the curriculum: - thorough knowledge on philosophy of science, research ethics and methodology as well as the ability to apply the above knowledge in social work and social policy research; - the ability to transfer knowledge into the area of social work and social policy and the ability to arrange specialized education in the field; - the ability to present research results in scientific literature, at research conferences, seminars and other forms of academic communication; - the ability to participate in academic discussions, to present research results in argued manner and influence decision-making process in the social policy field. Basic principles of the curriculum: The doctoral study program is based on: - the principle of knowledge-based societal development; - the integration of research and professional practice; 2

3 - the international development of social work and social policy education and research areas; - the development of competencies through critical reflection upon own practice, evidence based practice and development experience. Data on accreditation within the UKMA Doctoral School: Total credit points in ECTS: 240 ECTS Nominal duration of studies: 4 years Study language: Ukrainian, up to 60% of courses in English Field of studies: Social Work and Social Policy Degree awarded: Doctor Philosophy (Social Work and Social Policy) Documents issued at graduation: doctoral diploma and diploma supplement Admission criteria: Masters' degree or equalized qualification in social work or related fields (public administration, health, social sciences, educational sciences) Project of the doctoral thesis and Admission exams Admission exam: interview on the project of the doctoral thesis (future dissertation project to be awarded PhD). Applicants from related areas should pass admission exam on social work and social policy (written test). Brief description of the curriculum structure: 1. General (interdisciplinary) courses - 26 ECTS 2. Specialisation courses - 18,5 ECTS 3. Electives - 15,5 ECTS 4. Doctoral thesis ECTS Doctoral studies are conducted according to the students individual study plan, approved by the SSW and Doctoral School. Individual plan is a mean to control PhD students study process. It contains the title of their PhD thesis, 3

4 list of their PhD supervisors. In addition, those courses are included that the PhD students plan to study during the 1 st and 2 nd year, as well as all the other activities that the students plan to perform during their study at the program, namely: 1) undertaking and passing exams in a number of interdisciplinary and speciality courses according to the particular PhD program study plan (including qualification exams in English, philosophy and subject speciality); 2) conducting an individual research project, the results of which are recognized by the international scientific community as having made a significant contribution to the student s chosen field; 3) submitting a paper for publication in an international peer-reviewed journal (1 publication is obligatory, but 2-3 would are preferable); 4) participating in at least one international conference (2-3 conferences are preferable); 5) regularly presenting at research seminars organized by the Doctoral School; 6) teaching (either lectures or seminars) in one of the bachelor programs of NaUKMA; 7) public defense of a PhD thesis (in contrast to the candidate of sciences thesis) before a specially formed commission that contains five leading specialists gathered for the assessment of the particular dissertation; 8) executing other specific requirements determined by the student s PhD program (including undertaking and passing exams in a number of disciplines chosen from a Master s Program or specially developed courses) and approved by the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Doctoral School Executive Committee and the Director of the Doctoral School. 4

5 Study advancement is evaluated against implementation of the individual study plan, with emphasis on applied professional activities, incl. research publications, participation in research projects, presentations at research conferences and seminars, supervision of students research works. Preconditions of graduation: passing of general and specialisation courses as foreseen in the curriculum, and successful defense of the doctoral thesis. GENERAL (INTERDISCIPLINARY) COURSES OF PHD IN SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL POLICY General courses comprise of interdisciplinary courses and doctoral seminars (compulsory). Objectives: - to develop pre-conditions for achievement of advanced knowledge in research methodology and research methods; - to support the development of theoretical thinking and the use of critical reflection in research; - to develop pre-conditions for academic writing, written and oral presentation of research results, critical analysis and reviewing skills. Interdisciplinary courses: 1 st year students 1. English Academic Writing - 1 (distance course) 2. Methodology of Scientific Cognition 3. English for Academic Purposes 4. Introduction to Research 5. Workshop on preparing doctoral proposals 5

6 2 nd year students: 1. Philosophy (preparation to PhD exam) 2. Academic Writing-2 (How to Write a Research Paper) 3. Academic Rhetoric/Communication and Presentation Skills SPECIALISATION OBLIGATORY COURSES OF PhD IN SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL POLICY Objectives: - to support development of pre-conditions for independent research, development and teaching activities; - to create pre-conditions for acquiring latest theoretical approaches in the fields of social work, social policy, social welfare, mental health and social care; - acquiring of skills and experience in academic communication and presentation of research results; - acquiring of skills and experience in supervising research. 1. Doctoral seminar (preparation of doctoral thesis) 2. Social Changes of Transition Period in Post-Soviet Countries 3. Social and Political Theories 4. Social Policy Analysis 5. Terminology Seminar 6. Human Rights and Social Work ELECTIVE COURSES OF PHD IN SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL POLICY 1. Research Seminar 2. Development and Organization of Research 3. Homeless Policy in Ukraine 4. Qualitative Research: Data Collection and Analysis 6

7 5. Current Social Work Issues in Ukraine 6. Social Work in Foreign Countries: Legal Regulation 7. Psychology of Management 8. Human Resources Management 9. Social Project Supervision 10. Practice Placement 11. Guest Course 12. Summer School on Social Work and Social Policy 13. Advanced Analysis of Local Policies 14. Developing study courses on the specialty 15. Social Work and Internet 16. Second Foreign Language Second Foreign Language - 2 INDIVIDUAL COURSES Under individual courses the doctoral student may take courses relevant to his/her field of research, incl. in the framework of international academic cooperation of schools of social work, INDOSOW, ERASMUS programs etc. Development of possible study courses on the selected dissertation topic is possible. Study results: - knowledge in latest theoretical approaches in social work, social policy, social welfare, mental health; - ability to plan and administer research and development activities in the field of specialization; - ability to transfer professional knowledge and develop study courses; - ability to use written and oral forms of presentation of research results; - ability to present research results in the field of social policy. 7

8 Structure and administration Program management is carried out by the Scientific Panel/Council directed by the Panel/Council Director. The Council members are academic and research staff of the School of Social Work and other departments of NaUKMA. Other professionals from relevant domains can become members of the Panel, provided their professional qualifications match the requirements of the Doctoral School. The Panel is open to representatives of foreign partner universities. Program duration- 4 years Program form full-time DOCTORAL THESIS Objective: to create pre-conditions for acquisition of the highest professional qualification in the field of social work through scientific approach to research problems and ability to present research results. Study results: - thorough knowledge in selected field of studies; - ability to facilitate and conduct research in the field of social sciences; - ability to critically analyze and evaluate research design and research results; - ability to present research results in professional academic communication and willingness to influence policy decision-making process. Possible research areas: - Family abuse; - Development of social services, social standards; - Homeless policy; 8

9 - Senior citizens policy. ANNOTATIONS OF COURSES Course Social and Policy Theories Brief annotation Social and Policy Theories course gives students the knowledge and awareness of the importance of the historical perspective in the analysis of social problems, current policies and practices. At lectures the students will also become familiar with the critical and integrated overview of current global and European social and socio-political processes and their influence on the everyday life of the excluded or in any other way socially disadvantaged individuals. The final goal of the course is to qualify the student for scientific thinking with the use of theories and methods in the field of social work and social policy. The main goal of the course of Social and Policy Theories is to provide students with the basic overview over the main theoreticians and theoretical debates of their discipline and profession in an international comparative way in the field of social work and social policy. Course lecturers: Vesna Leskošek, Olena Savchuk and Nadiya Kabachenko Course Social Policy Analisys Brief annotation The course serves an integrative function within the interdisciplinary issues and provides an opportunity for students to develop their own approach to the social policy analysis. The main task of the course is to help students to improve knowledge and comprehension of theoretical and practical approaches to social policy analysis. The focus of course is how the students should think about policy problem, how they should understand the 9

10 machinery of government decision-making, which way the interests of groups and local communities influence policy outcomes. From students perspective the course provides familiarity with current policy analysis approaches and literature base useful for examining social policy goals, processes, content and outcomes. The course also helps to develop the capacity to assess and to criticize important social policy approaches and prospective. Course lectures: Lauri Leppik and Maksym Yakovlev. Course Human Rights and Social Work Brief annotation This course develops a framework comprised of social justice and cultural lenses to examine and deepen our understanding or the practices of Human Rights in the word and particularly in Ukraine. Based on the theory of anti oppressive practice the course introduces students to the principles of international human rights. It will proved knowledge about modern human rights, including core principles, key documents and institutions. Cultural diversity and the challenges of social work with migrant communities will also be addressed in this course. Some topics will involve study of the theories of crime, punishment and rehabilitation. It covers the issues of complexity of working with domestic violence and sexual abuse. The course also discusses the effect of social, political and economic policies and programs on human rights; health and social consequence of human rights violation, the strategies of promoting and protecting human rights. The students will review several International Conventions, the role of United Nations and the contemporary challenges in the promotion of human rights and critically examine the past and current practices of human rights in the word. 10

11 Course lecturer: Darja Zavirsek Terminological seminar Brief annotation The seminar foresees exploring and discussing some debatable issues on social work and social policy making use of primary English language sources (whether American or British variant), basically those concerning the PhD students research areas. Therefore, part of the notions to be discussed will be suggested by the seminar participants during its work process. As social work in Ukraine does not have any third cycle of education, its set of definitions has been formed under the impact of different international projects where the key role was played by social work practitioners. Therefore, there is an existing large number of definitions which titles need to be agreed within the academic society, social policy professionals and social work practitioners. Basic concepts to be considered are the following: social work, social care, social assistance, social welfare, social protection, social services, assessment/ evaluation, social inclusion/exclusion, performance measurement, social standards, standards for social work education and training, senior citizens, hospice and palliative care etc. Course lecturer: Nadiya Kabachenko Course Social Changes of Transition Period in Post-Soviet Countries Brief annotation The course provides an introduction to the analysis of social and demographic trends, labor market relations in Ukraine and other ex-ussr counties. It covers the acute challenges of the social sphere, such as changes in welfare policy and development of social services, health care reforms, gender issues, youth and educational policy as well. The course also 11

12 discusses the social policy in terms of legislative and executive processes. Students will exercise in understanding needs, values and perspectives of all significant stakeholders in the social policy and social work area. Samples of the prospective topics: - What causes social changes in society? - Is there a demographic crisis in post-soviet countries? - What do we mean by new rich and new poor in Ukraine and other post-soviet countries? - Labor Market and Labor Relations: Transition from Soviet to Post-Soviet - Migration and immigration in Ukraine: what outnumbered? - Will communitarians ideas be implemented in post-soviet countries? - Does social activism support or resist changes in the social welfare in Eastern Europe? - What Welfare Programs Really Work in Ukraine and other post- Soviet countries? - Children and Young People in Ukraine: Between Different Ministries and Policies - Free Health Care in Ukraine and ex-ussr: A Dream or a Nightmare? - Why HIV/AIDS epidemic is a challenge to post-soviet countries? Proposed course paper - Reforms of the Ukrainian Social Sphere in a Comparative Perspective Course lecturer: Tetiana Semigina General information on the program and enrolment: 12