The multi-disciplinary 2nd cycle degree programme in Sociology and Social Work is open to 1st cycle graduates with theoretical and practical knowledge of sociology and social services, the learning outcomes of the programme therefore focus on the development of advanced knowledge and competences relating to the professional activity of Specialist Sociologist and Specialist Social Worker (graduates in class LM-87 can sit the state exam leading to registration in Section A of the Specialist Social Worker register).
In particular the degree programme has the following specific learning outcomes:
- ability to analyse and interpret the operating methods and dynamics of change in contemporary society, social phenomena and processes (at local, national and global level);
- ability to design, coordinate and lead social research projects, both generally and focusing on specific areas or fields of social intervention (social policy, territory and the environment, organisation and employment, culture and communication) and on emerging topics in these fields, such as urban redevelopment, social exclusion, new welfare and social policy programmes, institutional innovation, shared social responsibility, changes in the labour market, welfare to work and flexicurity policies, social media, political consumerism, development of responsible and sustainable life styles, local development and Smart Cities, participatory processes and governance, territorial social capital, sustainability;
- advanced knowledge of the organisational, social and legislative framework in which social service interventions are developed;
- advanced skills in working with users of social services as well as in situations of latent need;
- ability to interpret the territory in order to experiment new programmes and new approach methods, also with a view to networking existing resources and others which can be activated through innovative channels already in use in the European Union;
- ability to plan, organise and manage services relating to health, education, families, immigration and social exclusion.
The degree programme covers two specific areas of study: one more oriented to sociological analysis and research, and the other focusing on social services and social policies.
The degree programme studies sociological and social service theory, developing methodological and technical competences for social research. At the same time, it investigates the philosophical bases of social sciences, the fundamentals of labour law and social security as well as the psychological aspects of development and education. In year II, students can further study specific fields of sociology and social work, choosing from a range of elective course units. Moreover they shall undertake a compulsory 250 -hour curricular internship at a research body or institute, laboratory, company or in a public administration. The curricular internships help to develop skills in the design and coordination of research in specific social and social service fields, acquiring practical knowledge of decision-making and operational processes, also concerning the regulations and ethics of the sector.
As part of the University's internationalisation process, students are encouraged to spend periods of study at other European universities, within international agreements, integrating the annual course catalogue with course units in English/French and supplementary courses in English/French language, delivered by the degree programme teaching staff or foreign teachers.
The learning outcomes are assessed in progress tests, written or oral exams at the end of the course units or learning activities and in the final examination. The final examination consists in the presentation and discussion of an original dissertation produced by the student under the guidance of a supervising professor.
