Programme description

The Institute of Sociology has over 30 years of experience in teaching Social Work – initially as the first in the country specialisation being a part of sociological studies, and since 2014 as an independent second-cycle programme. The study programme offers a wide knowledge as well as skills in contemporary social work methods, planning, organisation and evaluation of aid activities. The curriculum received a positive opinion by the Department of Social Assistance and Integration of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, it covers courses in the general knowledge module and four specialist blocks: child and family, mental health and addictions, community and social justice, ageing and intergenerational equality. During the courses, students learn about various approaches and methods of contemporary social work (e.g. streetworking, solution-focused social work, action research, and learn through experience, implementing group projects for specific institutions (e.g. SIEMACHA Association, PARASOL Center for Prevention and Social Education, MONAR Association).

👉  Read why it is worth studying Social Work at the Jagiellonian University

Information regarding Faculty

The Faculty of Philosophy is one of the oldest faculties of our university, founded in 1364. The A+ category was granted to the Faculty by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Study programmes conducted at the Faculty lead in rankings prepared by the Education Foundation “Perspektywy”, talented students win the prestigious Diamond Grant programme every year and succeed in Polish and international contests. The Faculty of Philosophy is the place where a human being is in the centre of research interest. Studies are an excellent opportunity to learn more about oneself, other cultures and religions as well as understand the world, an individual, and society.

The Faculty consists of 5 institutes: Institute of Philosophy, Institute of Pedagogy, Institute of Psychology, Institute of Religious Studies, Institute of Sociology and Centre for Comparative Studies of Civilisations. Classes are taught in the Institute of Sociology, the centre of sociology in Kraków and one of the most important Polish research centres in this area. The research and educational activity of the Institute reflects both the rich tradition and current diverse scientific interests of its employees and doctoral students. The beginning of sociology in Kraków dates back to the end of the 19th century. 

One of the significant features of the Institute is the employees’ and students’ participation in the cooperation on a national and international level. We perform essential research and scientific projects; our employees and doctoral students are authors and co-authors of many works published in well-known journals and publishing houses. The Institute of Sociology is a unit which cooperates with other research centres in Poland and abroad as well as with NGOs, public units, companies, and media. Expert activity, analyses, reports... – there are many forms of cooperation! The Institute has two well-equipped computer rooms where data analysis workshops are held and a specialised focus room (a place to conduct, register, and analyse group interviews). 

👉  Why is it worth studying at 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