Faculty of Social Sciences

The driving forces behind the Faculty of Social Sciences can be found in its quality of studies, international relations, research projects and their results, which determine the direction of the studies. Utmost attention is given to the honing of the students’ professional skills, values and abilities, balancing theoretical studies and practical activities. Collegial academic communication between the students and the teachers is a crucial part of the faculty’s culture. Discussions and debates, critical thinking and reflections form the basis for academic community of the faculty. Currently, the faculty is involved in 60 study and research projects financed by numerous institutions of Lithuania and the European Union.

The studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences uphold the principles of liberal arts, and thus teach the students not just the knowledge necessary for developing professional competence, but also inform their universal and humanist world views, encourage critical thinking, create a culture of tolerance, promote participation in various academic activities. A lot of attention at the faculty is given to the improvement of the students’ universal practical and professional skills. Active collaborations with governmental institutions, companies and communities let the students expand their competences while reflecting and balancing theoretical and practical knowledge, familiarizing themselves with the working environment, establishing relations with potential employers. 

An opinion poll of social partners – employers and the alumni – has disclosed that the Alumni of VMU social work studies have strong common competences, theoretical knowledge and practical abilities, which ensures their competitive advantage in the job market. According to the partners, the internationalism, professional motivation and qualitative orientation are what makes these alumni stand out. 

The studies are complemented by interesting academic life. The students are encouraged to express themselves and show initiative in student organizations and various events, contribute to the management of the faculty, academic discussions and decision making. Time has shown that the students at the Institute of Social Welfare are very actively participating in scientific and civic activities.

Periodically published journals on social sciences bear testament to the quality of studies and research here. International scientific databases include the faculty’s journals, such as “The Quality of Higher Education”, “Vocational Education: Research and Reality”, “International Journal of Psychology: A Biopsychosocial Approach”, “Social Work. Experience and Methods” and “Culture and Society: Journal of Social Research”. The journals publish scientific works by authors from the university, Lithuania and abroad. Their articles are the perfect means for learning and experience sharing. 

Students of the faculty can choose from 7 BA, 10 MA, 1 non-degree and 3 doctoral study programmes. Students may expand their horizons and competences, acquire skills in academic and professional activities, participate in projects, conferences, seminars, club activities or volunteering. Also functioning at the faculty are clubs of sociology and educology students, the VMU Psychology Student Association and the social work students’ club Vesta are also functioning at the faculty.

Faculty students have many opportunities to gather international experience. They can participate in research and study projects or exchange programmes LLP / Erasmus and Campus Europae, which offer partial studies and internships in universities of Europe, the USA, South Korea, Japan, etc. Faculty lecturers have spent many years perfecting their skills while reading lectures at the universities of the United States, Canada and Europe, while intensive lecture courses are often read by guests from various foreign universities.

Faculty In Brief

Community

  • approx. 2000 students
  • 67 lecturers and 18 research fellows

Structure

  • Departments of Educology, General Psychology, Theoretic Psychology, Sociology, Social work
  • Centres of Social Research, Vocational Training Study, Educational Study and Social Anthropology
  • Psychology Clinic

Bachelor's Degree Studies in English

Master's Degree Studies in English

BA and MA Courses in English

Student Activities

  • VMU Psychology Students' Association
  • Club of social welfare students Vesta