Programme description

With over 30 years of experience, the strong academic foundation of the Jagiellonian University, and a unique sociological approach, social work is a degree programme that combines tradition with modernity. Developed over decades, the programme provides solid theoretical and practical foundations while addressing contemporary social challenges.

We focus on development – you will learn not only to analyse social reality, but also to take action and implement solutions. Practical classes, methodological camps, collaboration with individuals with lived experience of support systems, and courses co-created with students ensure that you gain the professional competences needed from the very first months of your studies.

We also offer professional social work supervision and placements in social welfare institutions and non-governmental organisations. The result? Upon graduation, you obtain full qualifications to practise as a social worker – and make a real impact on the lives of others.

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Information regarding Faculty

The Faculty of Philosophy is one of the oldest faculties at our university. The degree programmes offered by the Faculty have for years ranked among the top in national league tables compiled by the “Perspektywy” Educational Foundation. Talented students of the Faculty are regularly among the recipients of the prestigious Diamond Grant programme, achieve success in national and international competitions, publish in recognised journals, and participate in both national and international academic conferences. The Faculty of Philosophy is a place where the human being is at the centre of scholarly inquiry. During their studies, students can get to know themselves and others, explore diverse cultures and religions, and gain a deeper understanding of the world, the individual, and society. The Faculty comprises six institutes: Philosophy, Pedagogy, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Comparative Civilisation Studies.

The Institute of Sociology at the Jagiellonian University is the centre of sociology in Kraków and one of the leading academic institutions in this field in Poland. It combines education in sociology, data analysis, and social work with excellence in research. The Institute’s academic and educational activities reflect both its rich tradition and the current, diverse research interests of its staff and doctoral candidates. The Institute’s research aims to develop theoretical tools for understanding and explaining social change, its dynamics, mechanisms, and consequences for people, culture, and the environment. The Institute addresses a wide range of topics related to the social dimensions of political processes, as well as technological and environmental change.

One of the key strengths of the Institute of Sociology at the Jagiellonian University is the active involvement of its staff and students in both national and international academic and teaching collaboration. We carry out important and up-to-date research projects, and our staff and doctoral candidates are authors and co-authors of numerous publications in recognised journals and publishing houses. The Institute of Sociology at the Jagiellonian University collaborates not only with other research and academic centres in Poland and worldwide, but also with non-governmental organisations, public institutions, companies, and the media. Expert activities, analyses, reports—the forms of this cooperation are diverse.

The Institute has three well-equipped computer laboratories, where, among other things, data analysis workshops are held, as well as a lab equipped with VR technology. Modern audiovisual equipment is also used during classes and academic events.

👉  Read more about the Institute of Sociology of the Jagiellonian University

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

• Scientific category B+ in the main discipline of Sociology awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Curriculum overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

Student’s life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations operate at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences, and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls. There are many student activities and associations at the Faculty of Philosophy. Numerous student research associations operate at the Faculty of Philosophy, including Social Work Students Academic Association and the “On-line on-Soul” educational and discussion group formed by Social Work students at the Institute of Sociology of the Jagiellonian University. The Institute enables the publication of articles in the renowned journal "Zeszyty Pracy Socjalnej".

Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes, such as Erasmus+, Utrecht Network, bilateral exchange programmes, European university Una Europa, or the domestic mobility programme called MOST.

More than just studies

• Student Government of the Faculty of Philosophy

Admission to studies

Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System: irk.uj.edu.pl. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific study programme directly.

Graduates

Nowadays we are facing the change in the approach towards social aid (professionalisation, activating approach). This change is a response to new challenges and constantly emerging social problems. Therefore, well-educated and competent specialists in social work are indispensable in the labour market both in the European Union and Poland.

Internships are part of the study programmes in the Institute of Sociology of the Jagiellonian University. Students learn about various approaches and methods of contemporary social work (e.g. streetworking, solution-focused social job, action research), learn through experience, and implement group projects for specific institutions (e.g. SIEMACHA Association, PARASOL Center for Prevention and Social Education, MONAR Association). Graduates of Social Work obtain the right to practice as social workers; they can be employed:

• as animators of local communities, family advisers, life coaching specialists
• in companies - HR departments and departments responsible for CSR (corporate social responsibility)
• in non-governmental organisations and local government institutions
• in health promotion and protection institutions (including mental health)
• in institutions working with children, youth, elderly, and people with disabilities
• in social aid institutions, socialisation, rehabilitation, care and educational institutions, addiction therapy centres

Further education possibilities

• Doctoral School, f.e. Doctoral School in the Humanities
• Post diploma programmes
• Second-cycle programmes

Contact

The study programme is conducted at the Institute of Sociology, a unit of the Faculty of Philosophy. The Institute is located in the historic centre of Kraków. For more information, please contact:

instytut.socjologii@uj.edu.pl

ul. Grodzka 52
31-044 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 422 21 29

socjologia.uj.edu.pl
phils.uj.edu.pl

Other programmes that may interest you

• Sociology (Faculty of Philosophy) – programme in Polish
• Psychology (Faculty of Philosophy) – programme in Polish
• Pedagogy (Faculty of Philosophy) – programme in Polish
• School Pedagogy with Pedagogical Therapy (Faculty of Philosophy) – programme in Polish