The Institute of Social Welfare Atnaujinta: 2011-03-23 15:56:06
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Room 408
Kaunas
LT-44244
Phone: + 370 37 327 847
Fax: + 370 37 327 846
E-mail: dek@sgf.vdu.lt
Website: http://sgf.vdu.lt
Vice-Dean: doc. Violeta Ivanauskienė
Departmental Coordinators for International Relations: Roberta Motiečienė, Andželika Petraitienė
The Institute of Social Welfare at the VMU Faculty of Social Sciences is an internationally recognized competence centre in social welfare, giving uttermost attention to social justice, public solidarity and human rights, all while strengthening social linkage under the conditions of multiculturalism. Institute prepares highly qualified professionals able to build social linkage, expand scientific research of social welfare and participate in the formation of social politics.
In its strategic plan, the Institute of Social Welfare undertakes the development of the quality, variety and potential of studies, strive to contribute to the social linkage of Lithuania, provide an open and creative scientific environment, strengthen the inner resources of the organization, turn the faculty into a centre of resources of social welfare. BA and MA programmes of social welfare are available at the institute, as well as conditions for doctoral studies of social welfare.
The study process teaches the students independent decision making, teamwork, better understanding of human behaviour, acceptance of different people the way they are, knowledge of social politics and law. The institute keeps close ties with the best European universities, which allow the students and the teachers to learn and read lectures at the universities of Sweden, Finland, Spain, Germany, Portugal and other countries, acquiring invaluable international experience in the process.
The first studies of social welfare became available at VMU in 1992 and it was the first MA level programme of social welfare in the country. It was initiated by the conference of Lithuanian and American bishops, Lithuanian Caritas and universities of Illinois (USA) and Loyola (Chicago, USA). The first alumni of the programme have successfully made use of the experience of their teachers, eventually becoming teachers at the university themselves. BA level programme of social welfare was launched in 1997. The studies took place at the Centre of Professional Studies of Social Care, which became the Institute of Social Work in 2002 and the Faculty of Social Welfare in 2008. In 2010, it was renamed to the Institute of Social Welfare.
Today the institute continues collaboration with the Loyola University Chicago by jointly teaching MA study courses on video conferences. Strong relations have been established with the University of Lapland (Finland), allowing integration of visiting Finnish professors into the study programmes, as well as successful development of Phd. level studies of social work.
The institute publishes the journal “Social work. Experience and methods”. The editorial office of the journal consists of recognized Lithuanian and foreign academic specialists of social work. Scientists and practicians of social work share the results of their research and practical knowledge. The best works of the students are also published in the journal, as well as interviews with the experts of social work.
The opinion survey of social partners – employers and the alumni – carried out at the faculty (as of now, the institute), has disclosed that the alumni of VMU social work 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 marks the uniqueness of these alumni.
The studies at the institute 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.
The Institute In Brief
Institute Community
- approx. 600 students
- approx. 17 lecturers
Institute Structure
- Department of Social Work
- Centre of Social Work Competences
Master's Degree Studies in English
BA and MA Courses in English
