social work phd in finland

Doctoral Programme of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Doctoral Programme of Social and Behavioural Sciences is part of the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) . The field of a Doctor of Social Sciences can be philosophy, contemporary history, social policy, social work, sociology, economic sociology, political science, or East Asian Studies. The degree of a Doctor of Psychology is in the field of psychology. The field of a Doctor of Philosophy can be philosophy, speech-language pathology or psychology.

Each of the faculty’s professionals approaches society from the perspective of their own academic discipline.  ​The current research themes are listed below:

• Political organizations, international relations and government with the objective of conducting research on the state, political systems and power.
• The recent history of politics, international relations and society
• Contemporary East-Asian societies and politics including their recent histories.
• Bioethics, philosophy of political and social sciences, and the history of philosophy (especially early modern philosophy)
• Research on cognition and various states of consciousness, studying the neural basis of various cognitive processes, and research on reading and reading comprehension.
• Multicultural Research, Political Sociology, Sociology of Housing, Social Inequalities, Social Theory and Welfare Research

The application period of Spring 2024 has ended on 28 March 2024 (at 15:00 Finnish time) (study right begins 1.8.2024).

Forthcoming open calls to the doctoral programme:

• August - September 2024 (study right begins 1 January, 2025)

Email: [email protected]

The Direct of the Doctoral Programme: professor Juha Räikkä

The Coordinator of the Doctoral Programme: coordinator Kirsi Tammi

Funded: Mila Seppälä Laura Puumala Toni Rajala Anna Grahn Sami Ahonen

Reserve list: Enyu Lin Ippa Seppälä Elisa Sahari Roope Kinisjärvi

For the applicant

For the doctoral researcher, study guide.

Social Work

Social work is a branch of social science that explores questions around human wellbeing, social problems and the change processes associated with them on individual, communal, societal and global levels. Its ethical foundation is grounded in indivisible human dignity, respect and human rights. Working with people who are living in vulnerable situations and changing their life situations is at the heart of social work. Social work has a long history at Tampere University, especially when it comes to the study of families and children in complex situations, the lives and substance abuse issues of marginalized adults and the service systems related to these issues.  

The Degree Programme in Social Work is the oldest of its kind in Finland and a nationally significant social work education and research unit. The degree programme creates research-based expertise in social work practice, tasks related to administration, development, research and education, and other tasks that require a basic education in the social sciences. In Finland, social work professionals are largely employed by the public sector. They work in various roles within social and health services and in multidisciplinary networks with children, adolescents, families, adults and the elderly. Changes in service systems, globalisation, environmental threats and their diverse consequences are constantly creating new challenges, responsibilities and opportunities to social work that a comprehensive and research-based university education provides good tools for addressing. The national employment rate for master’s graduates in social work is very high. Those who graduate from the degree programme with a master’s degree become legally qualified social workers. After a master’s degree in social work, it is possible to continue one’s education with specialisation studies and doctoral studies.

Social work research at Tampere University focuses on basic research, applied research, evaluative research and development research. The research combines a strong theoretical foundation with an approach that seeks to understand and explain modern phenomena while maintaining a critical and emancipatory undercurrent. While the focus is on qualitative research and its methodological development, quantitative research and its advancement are also an important part of our research activities. The research is further characterised by a multidisciplinary approach. In addition to other social sciences, the research interfaces with education, health science, psychology and public administration.

All social work research is intersected and connected within a framework of vulnerability, the service system and human interaction. Vulnerability refers to the lack of resources and social insecurity that is associated with people and groups of people in difficult life situations. The social and health care system provides a key context for the social work profession, and the system’s ability to support and help people in insecure circumstances plays an important role in the effort to prevent vulnerability and inequality. The results of social work manifest in the interactions between clients and their friends and family, partners and decision-makers, which is another key area of research. We take a long-term approach to questions of vulnerability, the service system and human interaction, studying them as phenomena related to childhood, adulthood and old age.

Social work studies

Social work studies ares offered at bachelor’s and master’s levels in Tampere and Pori . Open university teaching is offered in basic and intermediate studies in Pori, Seinäjoki and Tampere. Language of instruction is Finnish.

Specialisation programmes in social work are offered by Sosnet – the Finnish National University Network for Social Work – in the fields of child, youth and family social work, rehabilitative social work, structural social work and welfare services.

Social work is included in the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences , and it is possible to complete a PhD degree with a major in social work.

• Head of Degree Programme: Aino Ritala-Koskinen
• Social work studies in Pori: Riikka Korkiamäki
• Education specialist: Hanna Carroll
• Open university: Ulla Lassila
• Specialisation programmes in social work studies: Tuija Eronen, Tuuli Lamponen, Kirsi Juhila, Johanna Ranta
• Doctoral programme: Riikka Korkiamäki

Partnerships in social work studies and research

Social work engages in cooperation with a wide range of actors both domestically and internationally. Our partners include public social welfare actors at municipal, regional and national levels, as well as NGOs and private actors. We also have broad cooperation networks in the field of research.  

One important local partner is Pikassos , the Centre of Excellence on Social Welfare. Through them, we are involved in various regional development projects. We also collaborate with teaching and research clinics. In this partnership framework, we cooperate with the City of Tampere, Tampere University Hospital and the cities of Pori, Seinäjoki and Hämeenlinna. The Kauppi university centre of social and health care ,  currently under development in Tampere, will provide a new physical environment for teaching and research clinics. The goal is to further improve cooperation between clinical practice, research and teaching.

Within Tampere University, our partnerships focus especially on other fields of study within the Unit of Welfare Sciences (psychology and logopaedics) and the Faculty of Social Sciences as a whole. In addition, we engage in multidisciplinary teaching and research cooperation related to the social and health care field with other university faculties and the schools at the Tampere University of Applied Sciences that offer education in social and health care. We are also involved in PERLA – the Tampere Centre for Childhood, Youth and Family Research.

At the national level, all six universities that offer education in social work cooperate under the Sosnet network. Under the sosnet framework, universities offer teaching in basic studies, specialisation studies and doctoral studies, engage in advocacy and promote social work research.

Key research networks for social work researchers include  the Finnish Society of Social Work Research , t he Social Policy Association in Finland  and  the Finnish Society for Childhood Studies . International networks include  The Nordic-Baltic Doctoral Network in Social Work , the Nordic Association of Schools of Social Work ( NASSW ), Nordisk Sosialhøgskolekomité (NSHK) and European Social Work Research Association ( ESWRA ). Global Social Work in Finland also promotes international cooperation.

Our social work graduates are also an important part of our partnership network. We continue our cooperation with them through alumni activities, specialisation studies, doctoral studies and joint development projects.

Social Work Staff

Tampere staff.

Eeva Ekqvist

University Instructor

Faculty of Social Sciences

Rosi Enroos

University Lecturer

Sinikka Forsman

Kirsi gunther.

Grant Holder, Post Doc Research

Teija Hautanen

Marja hekkala, mikko ilmoniemi.

Doctoral Researcher

Maritta Itäpuisto

Arja Jokinen

sosiaalityö

Kirsi Juhila

Laura kalliomaa-puha.

(sosiaalioikeus)

Katja Kuusisto

Leader of the TRANSFORM Research Platform

Tuuli Lamponen

Annika lehtonen.

Anna Metteri

Senior Research Fellow

Visitor, Research

Emerita/Emeritus

Suvi Raitakari

Associate Professor (tenure track)

Heikki Ranta

Part-Time Teacher

Johanna Ranta

Aino Ritala-Koskinen

Jenni-mari räsänen, sirpa saario.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Anna-Riitta Salomäki

Laura tarkiainen.

Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences

Henna Takala

Satu ylinen.

sosiaalityö, avoin yliopisto-opetus

Tyyne Ylinen

Leena Autonen-Vaaraniemi

Suvi holmberg.

Riikka Korkiamäki

Tiina määttä.

Erna Törmälehto

Nina vanhatalo, tarja vierula, education and learning services, hanna carroll.

Education Specialist

Education and Learning

Tuija Eronen

Continuous Learning Services

Ulla Lassila

Terhi raitanen.

Education Assistant

Sirpa Ruuska

Administrative Assistant

Leena Wilkman

Head of unit

Clarke, Kris, sosiaalityö Heino, Tarja, sosiaalityö, erit. lastensuojelu Heinonen, Tuula, sosiaalityö Jokinen, Arja, sosiaalityö Kataja, Kati, sosiaalityö Kröger, Teppo, sosiaalityö Kuronen, Marjo, sosiaalityö Lehto, Juhani, sosiaalityö Murto, Lasse, sosiaalipolitiikka, erit. sosiaalihuolto Mäntysaari, Mikko, sosiaalityö Stepney, Paul, sosiaalityö Tourunen, Jouni, sosiaalityö Urponen, Kyösti, sosiaalipolitiikka

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Social Work

• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Academic Disciplines of the Faculty of Social Sciences

International and National Collaboration

Dive into details.

Select a country/territory to view shared publications and projects

Elina Maria Aaltio, Tutkijatohtori

• Social Work - Postdoctoral Researcher

Person: U2 Teaching and research staff

Kris Clarke

• Social Work - Professor
• Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS)
• Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies (Urbaria)
• Helsinki Inequality Initiative (INEQ)
• Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences - Supervisor for doctoral programme
• Doctoral Programme in Gender, Culture, and Society - Supervisor for doctoral programme

Person: U3 Research and teaching staff, Teaching and research personnel, U4 Research and teaching staff

Timo Harrikari, Professor of Social Work

• Faculty Common Matters (Faculty of Social Sciences) - Title of Docent

Person: U4 Research and teaching staff

Eveliina Heino

• Social Work - University Lecturer

Person: U3 Research and teaching staff

Jenika Katri Marjaana Heinonen

• Social Work - Doctoral Researcher

Person: U1 Research and teaching staff

• 4 Not started
• 73 Finished

Projects per year

CHILD-SOCNET / STM

Harrikari, T. & Lunabba, H.

Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö

01/01/2024 → 31/12/2025

Project : Ministry funding

Luottamuksen rakentuminen lastensuojelun

Heino, E. , Kalm-Akubardia, M. H. & Koskinen, T. K.

Exhaustion and Hopefulness in the Anthropocene. Re-Writing and Re-Imagining the Future

Livholts, M. B.

01/12/2023 → …

Project : Research project

SILE: Silent agents affected by legislation: from insufficient knowledge base to inclusive solutions (SILE)

Harrikari, T. & Julin, E. M.

Suomen Akatemia Projektilaskutus

01/10/2023 → 30/09/2026

Project : Academy of Finland: Strategic Research Coundil funding (SRC)

VALITSIJA - Sosiaalityöntekijä palveluiden valitsijana, päätöksentekijänä ja valvojana lastensuojelun avohuollossa

Karttunen, T. E. , Kallio, J., Jaakola, A., Kotisaari, T., Holappa, J. & Toikko, T.

01/09/2023 → 31/08/2025

Publications

• 422 Article
• 385 Chapter
• 55 Anthology or special issue
• 38 Commissioned report
• 28 Conference contribution
• 16 Other contribution
• 15 Review Article
• 15 Doctoral Thesis
• 11 Editorial
• 8 Foreword / postscript
• 8 Book/Film/Article review
• 5 Comment/debate
• 4 Other articles
• 4 Literature review (scientific)
• 3 Digital or Visual Products
• 2 Master's thesis
• 2 Working paper
• 1 Entry for encyclopedia / dictionary
• 1 Bachelor's thesis
• 1 Licenciate's thesis

Research output per year

#Reporting Worries: Narratives of sexual harassment and intersecting inequalities in Swedish social work

Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Scientific › peer-review

Becoming Environmental Writers! The Futures of Reshaping Knowledge and Learning in Eco-Social and Post-Anthropocentric Social Work

Changes in the well-being of foreign language speaking migrant mothers living in finland during the initial stage of the covid-19 pandemic.

Research output : Conference materials › Paper › peer-review

Counter-archiving as a Decolonial Pedagogy of Collective Care

• 478 Organisation and participation in conferences, workshops, courses, seminars
• 197 Oral presentation
• 194 Peer review of manuscripts
• 124 Public Talks
• 117 Invited talk
• 113 Membership or other role in national/international committee, council, board
• 91 Supervisor or co-supervisor of doctoral thesis
• 85 Academic visit to other institution
• 56 Types for other activities - Other
• 51 Academic visit at UH
• 51 Membership or other role in public Finnish or international organization
• 35 Pre-examiner of doctoral thesis
• 29 Supervision of other thesis (Master's, Licentiate)
• 26 Editor of research journal
• 26 Membership or other role in research network
• 20 Opponent of doctoral dissertation
• 17 Assessment of candidates for academic posts
• 17 Membership or other role in review committee
• 14 Membership or other role of body in private company/organisation
• 11 Types for other activities - External teaching and subject coordination
• 8 Editor of research anthology/collection/conference proceedings
• 7 Consultancy
• 7 Member of doctoral thesis committee / follow-up group
• 6 Other tasks of an expert in private sector
• 6 Prizes and awards - Prizes and awards
• 5 Editor of series
• 3 Post doctoral mentor
• 2 Director of doctoral programme
• 1 Editor of special theme number
• 1 Assistant director of or other significant role in doctoral programme
• 1 Non-academic visit to other institution

Activities per year

Sosiaalityön tutkimuksen päivät 2024

Inka Matilda Söderström (Attendee)

Activity : Participating in or organising an event types › Organisation and participation in conferences, workshops, courses, seminars

Janus : sosiaalipolitiikan ja sosiaalityön tutkimuksen aikakauslehti (Journal)

Minna Maija Zechner (Reviewer)

Activity : Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Peer review of manuscripts

Queer Love and a Feminist Ethics of Care: Foundations of HIV/AIDS Care in Fresno, California

Kris Clarke (Speaker)

Activity : Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation

Havaintoja vuorovaikutustaitojen opettamisesta ja oppimisesta osana sosiaalityön koulutusta

Teija Erika Karttunen (Speaker) & Elina Laine (Speaker)

Gaudeamus (Publisher)

Chancellors travel grants.

E. Moula, Md. Munjur (Recipient), Nov 2006

Prize : Prizes and awards

E. Moula, Md. Munjur (Recipient), Apr 2007

E. Moula, Md. Munjur (Recipient), 2010

Development Grants (children issues)

E. Moula, Md. Munjur (Recipient), 1 Jul 2003

Diplomi: Sosiaaliportti.fi-verkkopalvelun toimitusneuvoston jäsenyys 2006 - 2009

Karvinen-Niinikoski, Synnöve (Recipient), 29 Jun 2009

An intervention for social work clients with children facing complex financial problems in Finland

Viitasalo, K. E. (Creator), Kaittila, A. (Creator), Hakovirta, M. (Creator), Isoniemi, H. (Creator) & Moisio, M. (Creator), ISRCTN Registry, 2022

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN38586825

Archived interview data at the Finnish Social Science Data Archive

Zechner, M. M. (Creator) & Sihto, T. M. (Creator), Yhteiskuntatieteellinen tietoarkisto (FSD), 1 Jan 2028

DOI : http://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD3834

Sosiaalityön ammattikentät

Karttunen, T. E. (Creator) & Salonen, S. (Creator), Turun yliopisto, 3 Oct 2023

https://www.thinglink.com/scene/1689697205952185124

Press/Media

Cuidando podcast.

Tiina Maria Sihto

1 Media contribution

Press/Media : Press / Media

Letters to the editor: Older adults with care needs should not be left without needed services

Minna Maija Zechner & Anne Kouvonen

Miten soten henkilöstöpulan voisi ratkaista?

Näkymätöntä työtä, ryöstöt ovat yleistyneet yleisillä paikoilla.

Matilda Wrede-Jäntti

Doctoral admissions

You can search for doctoral programmes on the application portal Studyinfo.fi , or you can contact the universities directly about the doctoral study and research options they offer. Check the application times and procedures, eligibility requirements and other details with the university you are interested in. The following links will take you to each university's Doctoral studies and research info pages.

• Aalto University
• University of Helsinki
• University of Eastern Finland
• University of Jyväskylä
• University of Lapland
• LUT University
• University of Oulu
• Hanken School of Economics
• University of the Arts Helsinki
• Tampere University
• University of Turku
• University of Vaasa
• Åbo Akademi University  

Doctoral / PhD funding opportunities

See the advice on doctoral level scholarships  to learn where you can search for doctoral level research funding. The universities may also offer paid doctoral and post-doc positions, see below.

Academic research positions and jobs

Announcements for doctoral and post-doc researcher positions at Finnish universities can also be found on academic recruitment sites like:

• Jobs in Finland / Academic
• Academicpositions.fi

Early career researcher info & advice

Information, advice and guidelines for early career researchers - compiled by the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (FUURT)

Scientific research in Finland

Research.fi is a service offered by the Ministry of Education and Culture where you can learn more about the Finnish science and innovation system and policy, and research conducted in Finland.

• Research.fi

Research-Based Social Work Profession in the Finnish Welfare State

• First Online: 08 May 2021

Cite this chapter

• Sanna Lähteinen 5 &
• Aila-Leena Matthies 6  

Part of the book series: European Social Work Education and Practice ((ESWEP))

423 Accesses

2 Citations

This chapter examines the Finnish model of social work education from the perspective of the European system of higher education. The analysis is framed by the fast development of the social-democratic welfare state. Formalised social worker education started in 1942 as a two-year bachelor’s degree that was vocationally oriented with the purpose of providing municipalities a sufficient labour force. From the 1970s onwards, social work education started its process of academisation, and in 1994 social work became its own scientific discipline. Currently, Finnish social work education places strong emphasis on research and research-based understanding of social work. Social work education is organised at the university level only. The qualification requirement for a social worker’s position is the completion of bachelor’s and master’s degrees (total of 300 European Credit Transfer System points), with the main subject being social work.

• Social work education
• Finnish social work education

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Matthies, A. -L. (1990). Arjen ja tieteen välissä. Sosiaalityön akatemisoitumisen tarkastelua. Suomalainen sosiaalityö [Between everyday life and science. Adressing the academisation of social work]. Sosiaalipolitiikka , 1990 (2), 25–39. Helsinki: Sosiaalipoliittisen yhdistyksen vuosikirja. Sosiaalipoliittinen yhdistys.

Matthies, A.-L. (2006). Wohlfahrtsstaatliche Aspekte des finnischen Bildungssystems in vergleichender Sicht [Welfare state related aspects in the Finnish educational system in a comparative perspective]. In A.-L. Matthies & E. Skiera (Eds.), Das Bildungswesen in Finnland (pp. 33–43). Bad Heilbrun: Klinkhardt.

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Pohjola, A. (1998). Sosiaalityön yliopistollisen koulutuksen kehittäminen. Koulutus- ja tiedepolitiikan osaston julkaisuja 52/1998 [Developing social work university education]. Helsinki: Opetusministeriö.

Pohjola, A. (2003). Sosiaalityön koulutuksen tila ja paikka [The stage and place of social work education]. In: M. Laitinen, & A. Pohjola (Eds.), Sosiaalisen vaihtuvat vastuut [The shifting social responsibilities] (pp. 145–165). Jyväskylä: PS-kustannus.

Pohjola, A. (2019). Sosiaalihuollon ammattihenkilölain (817/2015) muutostarpeita koskeva selvitys. Selvityshenkilöraportti [Investigation on needs for reform in the Act on Social Welfare Professionals (817/2015)]. Investigator’s report 2019:16. Helsinki: Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö.

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Pösö, T., Pekkarinen, E., Helavirta, S., & Laakso, R. (2018). ‘Voluntary’ and ‘involuntary’ child welfare: Challenging the distinction. Journal of Social Work, 18 (3), 253–272. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017316653269 .

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Legislation

Act on Social Welfare Professionals (817/2015)

Act on Qualification Requirements for Social Welfare Professionals (272/2005)

Government Decree on University Decrees and Specialisation Education 794/2004

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Lähteinen, S., Matthies, AL. (2021). Research-Based Social Work Profession in the Finnish Welfare State. In: Laging, M., Žganec, N. (eds) Social Work Education in Europe. European Social Work Education and Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-69701-3_3

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9 Best universities for Social Work in Finland

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Finland ranked based on their research performance in Social Work. A graph of 4.06K citations received by 481 academic papers made by 9 universities in Finland was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Tampere

For Social Work

2. University of Eastern Finland

3. University of Jyvaskyla

4. University of Helsinki

5. University of Turku

6. University of Lapland

7. University of Oulu

8. Laurea University of Applied Sciences

9. Turku University of Applied Sciences

The best cities to study Social Work in Finland based on the number of universities and their ranks are Tampere , Joensuu , Jyvaskyla , and Helsinki .

Psychology subfields in Finland

PhD Social Work programs in Finland

Comparative social policy and welfare.

University of Tampere

Quantitative social research, social exclusion.

Abo Akademi University

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across all of their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

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Best universities with social work in finland.

Bachelor Social Work programs in Finland

Master Social Work programs in Finland

Most Popular Social Work programs in Finland

PhD Social Work programs in Finland

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Department of Social Sciences

Social sciences provide analytical points of view that explore new issues related to the well-being and welfare and a world in constant motion. The Department of Social Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland is multidisciplinary, and it operates both in Joensuu and in Kuopio. We warmly welcome you to study with us, or simply learn more about our activities!

Bachelor's and Master's degree students

Doctoral researchers.

The undergraduate education at the Department of Social Sciences provides the students with a strong discipline-based education and the abilities needed for the diverse and changing tasks in working life that require expertise in social sciences, as well as eligibility for postgraduate studies in their major subject. The teaching is of high quality with regard to the pedagogy and the content, and it develops a dialogue between theory and practice, internationality, and readiness for working life. The teaching takes advantage of the opportunities provided by the different learning environments in a variety of ways.

The teaching at the Department of Social Sciences emphasises both all-around education in social sciences and specialisation based on the research carried out at the department in tandem. The teaching focuses on action learning so that strong theoretical thinking can be transferred into real operating environments during the thematic studies.

To learn more about the department’s Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, please visit our Finnish-language website . 

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The mission statement of the Department of Social Sciences adheres to the scientific university tradition, in which teaching is based on research. The department makes use of a dialogue between different fields, looking for fresh and unique approaches to the challenges of social research. The research conducted by the department is internationally acclaimed and socially significant. The department's scientists participate analytically and critically in social dialogue as well as several international research and postgraduate studies networks. 

The research conducted in the department is free, open and public, and its results are intended equally for scientists, citizens, authorities and NGOs. The department's research policy emphasises equality and scientific freedom, both as the ethical grounds for research and as starting points for research practices and recruitment. In addition to the principles outlined above, the department's research strategy is based on two premises: 

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• The strategic research policies of the University of Eastern Finland 

The relevance of social research primarily arises from four factors. These are

• the participation of faculty in social debate within their area of expertise and publications on popular forums
• training experts and professionals for the diverse tasks in working life
• introducing new models of thought and action to professional practices such as the institution of education, working life, multiculturalism work, social work and welfare services; and
• participation in the planning, decision-making and implementation related to reforms and in international discussion in these areas. 

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Our research groups

Social work research and education team

Social work team includes professor, university lecturers and researchers working at the Department of Social Sciences. Our research focuses currently...

Adrift in a Borderland

This research focuses on the experiences of everyday bordering among asylum seekers. We apply and develop the methodological approach of drifting with...

Safety and Security in Diverse Society

Sustainable well-being

Sustainable well-being comprises sustainability and well-being at the individual, societal, and planetary levels. It presents a holistic and...

Interprofessional loearning

Our research is focused on inteprofessional learning

UEF-Philosophy Group

At the University of Eastern Finland, the subject of philosophy is in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies in two different departments...

Worth and worthlessness

We research the experience of dignity in Finnish society. We collected stories (n = 970) from people of different ages and in different life...

Sostyö-TerVa Evidencing the effectiveness of health social work assessment and intervention

Our study seeks to address the research question as to how effective social work interventions are in providing integrated service paths, linking...

Client and patient safety in social care service

The information produced in the study can be used to develop social care, nursing, client and patient safety as well as the quality of care, and to...

Feminist, Cultural, and Social Studies of Education

The research group focuses on educational processes and pedagogical practices in formal and informal educational contexts, covering the life-course...

The effect of micro-villages on loneliness and social isolation in urban environment

Child Welfare Services

It is accepted that individual and family problems are reasons underlying emergency child removals. For instance, a child’s parents may be under the...

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Doctoral education addressing sustainability transformations will start in finland, ethical burden, restricted resources and poor management cause home care workers to leave their jobs, social scientists at uef secure funding for a european research infrastructure exploring the living conditions of the ageing population, new eu project aims at better prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, university of eastern finland to lead two new pilots in doctoral education, (de)colonizations in global borderlands research seminar, safety and security in diverse society research group seminar ii.

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Law School, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies

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Taru Kekoni

taru.​kekoni​@uef.fi

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Department of Health and Social Management, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies

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Henna Nikumaa

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Eine Pakarinen

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+358469215510

Piia Puurunen

piia.​puurunen​@uef.fi

+358505976047

Sanna-Kaisa Ryynänen

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Mikko Saastamoinen

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Mari Suonio

mari.​suonio​@uef.fi

+358405280499

Heli Tiirola

heli.​tiirola​@uef.fi

+358504557081

Tiina Ahonen

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tiina.​ahonen​@uef.fi

+358505760971

Thomas Akintayo

Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology

thomas.​akintayo​@uef.fi

+358469231680

Tomi Mäki-Opas

tomi.​maki-​opas​@uef.fi

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Hanna Pohjola

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Hanna Ristolainen

hanna.​ristolainen​@uef.fi

+358504390671

Merja Tarvainen

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+358503469285

Vaula Helin

vaula.​helin​@uef.fi

Pauli Rautiainen

pauli.​rautiainen​@uef.fi

+358504645584

Teppo Eskelinen

teppo.​eskelinen​@uef.fi

+358504289317

Emerita and Emeritus Professors

Ari Antikainen, Sociology

Juhani Laurinkari, Social Policy

Leena Koski

Sabour M'hammed, Sociology

Pauli Niemelä, Social Policy, Social Work

Pirjo Pölkki, Child Welfare

Pirkkoliisa Ahponen, Social and Public Policy

Juha Hämäläinen

Vilma Hänninen

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See  Student and Learning Services .

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P.O. Box 111, FI-80101

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Yliopistokatu 7, Metria, 2th floor, Joensuu

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I’m a CEO in Finland, the happiest country in the world: 3 phrases we use at work every day

Finland is the happiest country in the world for the seventh year running, according to the latest World Happiness Report .

Two major factors help Finns find happiness at work: a high level of trust in institutions and colleagues, as well as a strong focus on work-life balance, says Miika Makitalo, CEO of HappyOrNot.

The Finland-based company makes the smiley-faced feedback buttons used in airports and other retail spaces around the world. It employs 56 people in Finland, who are of 15 different nationalities, as well as some 15 people in the U.S. and around 5 workers in the U.K.

As a business leader, Makitalo says there are three phrases in particular that capture the Finnish mentality around finding happiness and contentment at work.

'No one is born a smith'

Essentially, this phrase underscores that "no one is born as a professional," and "there's always things to learn," Makitalo says.

The phrase is meant to empower people to aspire to do great work, even if they're still learning on the job.

"If you dream of something, go for it," he says. "Apply for the positions you aspire to. And when you land something, learn how to do it."

Experts agree that having a growth mindset at work, or believing that you can improve your skills with practice, is an attractive quality in a star worker.

The Finnish phrase also emphasizes that it's OK to make mistakes in the learning process, as long as you use those experiences and any constructive feedback to improve.

It's a comforting idea, Makitalo says, that "it's not required or expected to master [something] on day one. Have mercy on oneself."

'Serious business matters are taken care of; otherwise, we'll be like Mary's chickens on the loose'

This phrase comes from the classic Finnish novel, " The Unknown Soldier ," and is used to say that a team of soldiers will take care of matters expected of them, Makitalo says. After accomplishing the task, they'll take it easy with the idea of being "chickens on the loose" as a positive thing: They've done their job and will use the rest of their time as they see fit.

Funny imagery aside, Makitalo says this phrase is meant to highlight the flat hierarchies common in Finnish work cultures. The main takeaway is, "Anything that is urgent will be taken care of. But we don't care about structures, bosses — don't come here telling me what to do," Makitalo says. "I know what I should be doing. And I'm setting the priorities."

As CEO, Makitalo says he supports hearing feedback directly from his employees. "Anyone in the organization can come to me and say, 'Miika that doesn't make any sense. Correct the strategy.'"

"I think that's good feedback, especially if it's based in facts," he says.

Finnish workers may have different roles and supervisory responsibilities, but "we are all equal contributors, and this amplifies that," Makitalo says.

It also prevents micromanaging behaviors and can empower workers to take ownership of their work. "When everyone in the organization knows the strategy and vision, they can act on their own and they don't need to be told what is required," he adds.

'Forward, said the granny in the snow'

Another visual metaphor, this phrase is meant to help people work through challenges.

"There's this playful idea that, even in four feet of snow, even a granny can say, 'Hey this is not a big deal,'" Makitalo says.

There's a mindset of: Let's not worry, let's not dwell on it, it will be taken care of when starting moving forward. Miika Makitalo CEO of HappyOrNot

This phrase might come up during a long meeting where people can't decide on the next point of action. At a certain point, Makitalo says, you have to move forward and address the unknowns as they come up.

"The idea is, let's get things done," he says. "So there's a mindset of: Let's not worry, let's not dwell on it, it will be taken care of when starting moving forward."

Want to land your dream job in 2024?  Take  CNBC's new online course How to Ace Your Job Interview  to learn what hiring managers are really looking for, body language techniques, what to say and not to say, and the best way to talk about pay.

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• CENTERS & INSTITUTES

UNC School of Social Work ranked No. 4 best graduate school for social work in the nation 

Posted on April 9, 2024

Tied for No. 2 public, No. 4 overall, UNC School of Social Work is recognized alongside a score of Carolina programs ranked Top 10 in the nation in their respective categories by the magazine.  

Months after being ranked fourth in national research and development (R&D) expenditures among R1 higher education institutions, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work earned another No. 4 ranking today.  

The School of Social Work moved up three spots in the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best Graduate Schools” rankings , rising to a tie for fourth in the nation among the 319 surveyed social work schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education.  

The School ranked No. 1 among schools of social work across the Southeast and tied for second nationally among public universities. 

Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson said being ranked second among all public university social work programs was especially meaningful due to the school’s responsibility to serve local, national and global communities. 

“Our new national ranking is exciting news,” Denby-Brinson said. “Among many measures of success, the ranking recognizes the tremendous contributions of our faculty and staff. Our MSW (Master of Social Work) program is preparing practitioners, researchers and advocates who improve life for thousands of people each day. We are honored to be recognized by our peers for the excellence displayed by our faculty in all they do.” 

Executive Vice Provost Amy Locklear Hertel, a clinical assistant professor at the School, said “The UNC School of Social Work is a true asset on campus, to our state, and the globe. By drawing our attention to pressing issues of our most vulnerable populations, to developing strong communities and systems, to informing policy as well as practice, the UNC School of Social Work is preparing social service practitioners and researchers to fully ‘advance equity, transform systems, and improves lives’ — just as the School’s mission states.” 

She went on to say, “It is an honor to be a clinical faculty member in the School.” 

Since arriving at the School as dean in August 2021, Denby-Brinson worked closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to establish a strategic plan that helped to elevate the graduate programs, modernize the curriculum, and increase student enrollment by providing access and flexible degree offerings while using advanced learning modalities and proven pedagogical tools.  

“Our graduates are prepared to work with individuals, families and communities to solve complex problems,” Denby-Brinson said. “The practice approaches that we teach derive from the impactful research produced by our faculty. We have a strong faculty, and they are tackling entrenched issues and devising real world solutions.” 

“I’m delighted to hear this news, and to note that the School has consistently ranked in the Top 10 since 1997,” said Dean Emeritus Jack Richman.

The latest rankings were compiled based on peer assessments from administrators, deans and faculty of accredited degree programs and are compiled on a scale of one (marginal) to five (outstanding). The surveys were sent in fall 2023 and early 2024. 

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UNC School of Social Work ranked fourth in national research expenditures

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work researchers helped the school secure a top four placement in the latest NSF HERD Survey.

School of Social Work College of Social Science

Michigan state university school of social work’s outstanding senior: brianna mccray.

April 9, 2024 - Brandon Drain

The Michigan State University School of Social Work is thrilled to congratulate its outstanding senior, Brianna McCray.

However, the struggles of life would birth perseverance and a sense of duty to help others. “The lack of access to resources, for myself and those surrounding me, empowered me to want to become a social worker,” McCray explained. “I wanted to make those resources, which I hadn’t had access to, available to children, youth and families who have either faced, or are facing similar hardships -- in addition to being a source of support for those that lack one.”

McCray attributes her success and stability at MSU to key programs and mentors who have helped guide her in her collegiate journey. Being a member of the MSU FAME Program -- a resource center for foster youth alumni attending MSU as well as for youth who were in kinship care, have experienced homelessness, or are otherwise independent -- gave McCray a network of friends who share common upbringings and experiences, as well as an avid support system dedicated to her individual success. “Prior to meeting Chiquita, the director of the MSU FAME Program, I struggled to navigate resources and support as a first-generation undergraduate,” said McCray. “However, ever since I have gotten to work with Chiquita, she has helped me to navigate resources valuable to my success and well-being. As well as inspiring me to keep going and even helped me build the courage to get more involved in leadership roles!”

During her collegiate tenure, McCray has strived to empower her local community in a variety of ways. Being a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society, the senior has facilitated and been involved in community service projects which “has allowed me to promote the furthering of social justice in the Lansing community.”

As an undergraduate research assistant with the Great First Eight, McCray has been “granted the opportunity to work in developing a curriculum for infants and toddlers in urban areas, which seeks to help teachers make adaptations to the developmental needs of children.”

Additionally, McCray has contributed to enhancing the experiences of the Black community on campus. She’s done this by becoming a contributor and editor of the MSU publication The MSU Black Book: A map to Black networks and resources at Michigan State University which centers on the Black student experience through a living archive to unearth Black existence at our predominately white institution and recognize the role community connection plays in student success.

For McCray, graduation will be a launching point in what is shaping up to be a prosperous career in social work. The senior plans on attending graduate school to pursue her master’s in social work with hopes of one day getting her doctorate as well.

McCray’s experience at MSU has “equipped me with drive, passion, patience and motivation, which has prepared me for the challenges and opportunities in the field of social work,” she explained. “MSU has encouraged me to take advantage of the once-in-a-life opportunities that I have been granted as well as allowing me to work on my leadership skills, which will be highly valued for big opportunities and my work within the field!”

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UB School of Social Work is again top 25 in U.S. News & World Report

By DAVID J. HILL

Published April 9, 2024

Several schools at UB, New York’s flagship, are ranked among the top nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings , released this morning.

The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is among the top 20 in the country, coming in at No. 19 overall and 18th among public universities.

“This achievement is a testament to our relentless pursuit of groundbreaking research, transformative discoveries and unwavering commitment to the success of our students,” says Gary Pollack, dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Our top 20 ranking reaffirms our steadfast commitment to cultivating the next generation of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science leaders who will push the boundaries of scientific inquiry, drive innovation in patient care and elevate the standards of pharmaceutical research on a global scale.”

The School of Social Work is once again in the top 25, coming in at 24th nationally and No. 13 among public universities.

The School of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program moved up 11 spots to 34th in the country and No. 24 among public universities. In addition, the nursing anesthesia program was ranked 22nd.

“We are immensely proud to rank among the best DNP programs in the United States,” says Dean Annette Wysocki. “Our commitment to exceptional nursing education cultivates discipline of the mind to educate highly discerning nurse practitioners, who are indispensable in addressing the nation’s critical shortage of primary care providers. Quality nursing education remains paramount in safeguarding the health and wellness of our community.”

The Graduate School of Education moved up four spots to No. 54 in Best Education Schools. Among public universities, GSE ranks 42nd. “Our steady climb in the rankings over the years is a testament to the hard work and high-quality research of GSE faculty,” says Dean Suzanne Rosenblith.

The School of Public Health and Health Professions moved up four spots, to No. 46 nationally and No. 29 among public universities. Its programs in occupational therapy (41) and physical therapy (74) were also ranked, as was biostatistics (22).

Meanwhile, the School of Law moved up 17 places to No. 108 among Best Law Schools nationwide and 56th among public universities.

The School of Management’s MBA program came in at No. 74 in Best Business Schools and 38th among public universities, making it the highest rated business school within SUNY.

In addition, UB’s graduate programs in audiology (22), clinical psychology (53) and speech language pathology (32) were also ranked this year.

Do you have questions or comments for the Office of the Provost? Let us know your thoughts and we’ll be happy to get back to you.

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Doctoral education at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Doctoral education in the Faculty of Social Sciences is organised in doctoral programmes. The Faculty of Social Sciences coordinates three doctoral programmes: Doctoral Programme in Economics (DPE), Doctoral Programme in Political, Societal and Regional Changes (PSCR) and Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences. A doctoral study right is always applied to from a specific doctoral programme.

You will find more information on profiles of the doctoral programmes, their teaching curriculum, supervisors in the programme and how to apply for the programme from the websites of the programmes. In conjunction with admission, the doctoral programme and the title of the doctoral degree to be pursued will be confirmed, and supervision arrangements will be confirmed.

Supervisors and coordinating academic

Each doctoral student will be assigned at least two supervisors who have completed a doctoral degree and of whom at least one has a permanent or long-term employment contract with the Faculty in which the student will pursue the doctoral degree.

In addition, each student will be assigned a coordinating academic. At the Faculty of Social Sciences, coordinating academics may be professors or docents on the third or fourth tier of the career path for teaching and research staff at the Faculty or at the Swedish School of Social Science, who are in a contractual employment at the Faculty or at the Swedish School of Social Science, and have prior experience in supervising dissertations to their completion . 

Staff positions on the third tier are e.g., Assistant/Associate professor (tenure track), Senior university lecturer, University lecturer, University researcher, Senior researcher and Academy research fellow.

The coordinating academic may also serve as one of the dissertation supervisors. Further information on the role of the coordinating academic is available on Instructions on Teaching.

Doctoral education in Helsinki University

The doctoral programmes of the Faculty belong to the University of Helsinki Doctoral School, which offers a good forum for interdisciplinary research and scientific networking through its five faculties and 11 doctoral programmes. You may also get familiar with all the doctoral programmes in the University of Helsinki .

University of South Florida

College of Behavioral and Community Sciences

Main navigation, cbcs programs advance in us news & world report best graduate schools rankings.

• April 9, 2024
• College News , Communication Sciences and Disorders , School of Social Work

Several programs in the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences are increasingly considered among the best in the nation according to rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

Two programs, social work and speech-language pathology, jumped multiple spots in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings released today. Social work moved up 11 spots in the rankings, from 94 to 83, and speech-language pathology moved up three spots, from 55 to 52. Several other programs are also ranked in the top 50: criminology (#18), rehabilitation and mental health counseling (#46), and audiology (#22).

“Today’s rankings are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our faculty,” said Julie Serovich, dean of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. “Students who graduate from these programs benefit not only from high-quality instruction, but also real-world experience that prepares them for exceptional careers in some of the most in-demand fields. I am so proud of the education we provide.”

USF features 23 graduate programs ranked inside the top 100 among all public and private institutions, including 11 ranked in the top 50. The university's highest-ranked programs are industrial and organizational psychology, criminology, and audiology.

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The Mission of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS) is to advance knowledge through interdisciplinary teaching, research, and service that improves the capacity of individuals, families, and diverse communities to promote productive, satisfying, healthy, and safe lives across the lifespan. CBCS envisions the college as a globally recognized leader that creates innovative solutions to complex conditions that affect the behavior and well-being of individuals, families, and diverse communities.

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CWRU, UC, OSU, Ursuline named in top 50 graduate school program rankings by U.S. News & World Report

• Updated: Apr. 10, 2024, 11:01 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 09, 2024, 2:22 p.m.

Ohio State University ranked the highest for business, education and law graduate schools in Ohio. (Associated Press file photo) AP

• Zachary Smith, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Multiple Ohio universities landed in the top 50 rankings for best graduate programs in various fields, according to the new 2024-2025 U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate Programs Rankings released Tuesday.

Ohio State University was the big winner in Ohio, tying for the No. 4 best overall nursing school in the country with the University of Pennsylvania and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. It improved four sports from the previous year.

In addition, OSU ranked No. 21 for the overall graduate education program, No. 26 for the overall graduate law program, and No. 30 for the overall graduate business program, which is the top Ohio school in each category.

The only other Ohio schools to be in the top 50 rankings in one of the four categories were Case Western Reserve University (No. 17 in Nursing), the University of Cincinnati (No. 41 in Nursing), and Ursuline College (No. 41 in Nursing).

For last year’s rankings (2023-2024), visit this link .

Specializations within graduate programs

Several Ohio State graduate programs also ranked among the top 10 programs in the country in specialized categories.

For full-time MBA programs, Ohio State ranked sixth in supply chain management, eighth in production operations and ninth in accounting. John Carroll University tied for No. 14 in international business.

OSU also tied for No. 10 for part-time MBA programs in the country.

In education, OSU ranked sixth in educational administration and supervision, seventh in curriculum and instruction, seventh in student counseling, eighth in elementary teacher education, eighth in secondary teacher education, ninth in education psychology and ninth in higher education administration programs.

For law programs, OSU ranked No. 1 for dispute resolution. Case Western Reserve University ranked No. 13 in international law.

For nursing, OSU ranked second in adult primary care nurse practitioner, second in family nurse practitioner, fourth in leadership, sixth in family nurse practitioner, fifth in adult gerontology acute care, and sixth in psychiatric nurse practitioner.

CWRU ranked fourth in adult primary care nurse practitioners.

Change in methodology

For business programs, Best Business Schools ranking of full-time MBA programs placed more emphasis on earnings through a new ranking factor that assessed how each school’s post-graduate salaries across different professions compared with other schools’ post-graduate salaries in those professions.

U.S. News published updated rankings of graduate programs in audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, nurse-midwifery, and speech-language pathology for the first time since 2020. Social work was ranked for the first time since 2022, and nurse anesthesia was ranked for the first time since 2016. These rankings are all based solely on reputational data.

Rankings for medical schools and engineering schools will be released at a later date.

View the chart below for the complete overall graduate school program rankings list. Lower-ranked schools are grouped together. Some mobile users may need to use this link .

A previous version of this story misstated that OSU was No. 4 in Business.

Zachary Smith is the data reporter for cleveland.com . You can reach him at [email protected] .

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