As part of the MSW program and according to the student’s study track, s/he may choose to study a “specialization” in a specific field (at least 12 credits).
Specialization is not a requirement, and does not appear on the diploma, but only on the grade transcript.
Studies within the framework of a specialization will include mandatory courses, elective courses, and a practicum/theoretical seminar or research seminar.
The specializations offered:
Children and family
The aim of the specialization is to enrich the student’s knowledge in the developing and changing fields of theory, research and practice regarding children and family and thus to promote the students’ work in these fields. In the specialization, students will be exposed to various theories about intervention in families. The courses in the specialization will deal with work with children and their families at different ages, such as early childhood and adolescence. Discussions in these courses will be based on various different theories, such as the object-relation approach, the narrative approach or the cognitive-behavioral approach. Courses within the framework of the specialization are included in the count of courses students are required to take in the MSW program. Registration for the specialization is via the MSW program registration form. Studies comprise 12 credits: 4 elective courses (8 credits), to be taken in the first or second year of study, and a research seminar/practicum (4 credits), given in the second year of study.
Trauma
The aim of the specialization is to enrich the student’s knowledge in the developing and changing fields of theory, research and practice regarding trauma and thus to promote the students’ work in this field. The courses in the specialization will deal with aspects of trauma such as mass trauma, personal trauma and complex trauma, as well as studying the ramifications of traumatic events such as political violence, violence in the community and sexual harassment, on the individual, the family and the community. Various courses will discuss trauma based on different theories, such as the object-relation approach or the cognitive-behavioral approach. Courses within the framework of the specialization are included in the count of courses students are required to take in the MSW program. Registration for the specialization is via the MSW program registration form. Studies comprise 12 credits: 3 elective courses (6 credits), to be taken in the first or second year of study, and one required course (2 credits) and a research seminar/practicum (4 credits), both given in the second year of study.
Disabilities, rehabilitation, and mental health
The specialization in disabilities, rehabilitation and mental health is a novel interdisciplinary specialization of the School of Social Work and social Welfare and the Schools of Occupational Therapy and Medicine. The overarching superstructure of the specialization is an integrative viewpoint, emphasizing a theoretical and practical connection between social policy, social, medical and functional aspects and their application in methods of intervention, therapy and rehabilitation of people with disabilities and their family members. The interdepartmental cooperation will make it possible to develop a wide multi-professional view in order to evaluate people with disabilities and to develop appropriate responses to their needs. Within this superstructure, specific fields of knowledge and expertise will be represented by faculty members of the School of Social Work. The specialization will be open to students studying for the Master of Social Work or the Master of Occupational Therapy. These students will be able to take the specialization (12 credits) as part of their degree program. Studies comprise 12 credits: 2 elective courses (4 credits), to be taken in the first or second year of study, and 2 required courses (4 credits) and a research seminar/practicum (4 credits), given in the second year of study.
List of the courses in the different specializations in the 2017-2018 academic year