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Social Policy

Visiting address: Linna building 5. floor, Kalevantie 5, 33100 TAMPERE FINLAND

Social policy examines social change and the mechanisms of inequality and welfare in both people’s everyday life and public decision-making. Social policy offers theoretical and practical perspectives on the functioning of society and the management of social change.  The strong research themes of social policy at Tampere University include care, family relations, working life, citizenship, inclusion, welfare services, social problems, conflicts and abuse, as well as agency and societal change. The effects of political ideologies, institutional practices and everyday choices on well-being, the reduction of inequality and the fostering of sustainable development are also of interest.

Social policy has long traditions at Tampere University. The subject has maintained its steady popularity as one of the three favourite subjects in the Degree Programme in Social Sciences. The subject of social policy plays a key role in the Finnish-language Master’s programme Työn ja hyvinvoinnin maisteriohjelma and the international Comparative Social Policy and Welfare (COSOPO) part of the Master’s Programme in Social Science Research. The Pori Unit of Tampere University also admits students to the renewed Master’s Degree Programme in Work, Welfare and Well-being where social policy is a significant element.

Social policy is part of the Degree Programme in Social Sciences. The Bachelor’s Programme in Social Sciences is implemented with five other subjects, and annually, 80–100 students graduate from the programme. In the Master’s programme, students can study social policy as their major subject. In addition, students with a suitable educational background can apply directly to the Master’s programme. Applications are invited via Finland’s joint application process to higher education once a year. Application rounds for doctoral studies are organised twice a year in spring and autumn.