Master of Social Services and/or Health Care, Development and Management

The 90 ECTS credit programne is designed for studies lasting in 1.5–2 years, focusing on development and management with a global perspective. Intake is sixty students starting every other year. The programme requires a bachelor’s degree in the social and/or health care field (EQF level 6) and two years of work experience in the field after the bachelor’s degree.

The expert content of the programme includes:

• Research and development skills
• Leadership skills and entrepreneurship
• Digitalisation
• Expertise in the global social and health care environment

The programme’s curriculum includes:

• Advanced Professional Studies (30 ECTS)
• Research methods (15 ECTS)
• Thesis (30 ECTS)
• Elective studies (15 ECTS)

The teaching methods incorporate the participants’ own experiences and perspectives on leadership and development in social and health care sector from different countries into learning tasks, building shared understanding around theory from a global perspective.

The programme utilses simulation learning, diverse blended teaching methods, group discussions, and learning tasks linked to one’s own work/organisation. The digital aspect is included in both learning materials and the learning environment, with teaching conducted as blended mode.

The targeted graduation time for the degree is 2 years. Based on student’s personal study plan the degree may be possible to graduate in shorter time, but it is on student’s own responsibility.

Teaching methods allows working alongside the studies, but the studies may also require adjustments to work schedules. Face-to-face teaching is primarily held at SeAMK’s campus in Seinäjoki mainly on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On average, face-to-face teaching occurs every other week during the studies in total for 5-15 days, but the student’s personal study plan can be adjusted to some point especially with the amount and timing of face-to-face teaching throughout the academic year. The degree cannot be completed entirely online.

Online studies require self-direction and the ability to schedule and integrate studies into everyday life. The Master’s degree is implemented in multimodal format, including face-to-face teaching on campus, scheduled and small group work online, as well as completely independent work. The student can also utilize the offerings of other Master’s degrees as applicable, which may cause variations in teaching days and the amount of face-to-face teaching. The schedule for the upcoming academic year will be sent in the beginning of August to the students. In addition to the times indicated in the schedule, possible group work or thesis meetings require scheduled appointments

The development project is an essential part of the studies. The language of instruction is English.

The SeAMK Campus is located in the Frami area of the city of Seinäjoki. There students from all faculties of SeAMK can interact and enjoy one of the most modern and beautiful campuses in Finland. Student housing and the city center are a convenient walking distance from the campus. The Frami area is also home to several high-tech companies, which helps you get familiar with your future employers.

The fast-growing city of Seinäjoki is the heart of the South-Ostrobothnia region in the western part of Finland and is easily accessible via public transportation through major routes. Even though the capital of Helsinki is less than three hours away by train, choosing to stay and live comfortably in Seinäjoki can be much more convenient and affordable.

The Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) has awarded SeAMK the Quality Label for Excellence in higher education for enhancement work of an exceptional quality.

SeAMK is part of HEROES which EU Commission selects as new European University alliance to boost smart regional resilience.