Social sciences provide analytical points of view that explore new issues related to the well-being and welfare and a world in constant motion. The Department of Social Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland is multidisciplinary, and it operates both in Joensuu and in Kuopio. We warmly welcome you to study with us, or simply learn more about our activities!
1,100
Bachelor's and Master's degree students
120
Doctoral researchers
100
Employees
Studies
The undergraduate education at the Department of Social Sciences provides the students with a strong discipline-based education and the abilities needed for the diverse and changing tasks in working life that require expertise in social sciences, as well as eligibility for postgraduate studies in their major subject. The teaching is of high quality with regard to the pedagogy and the content, and it develops a dialogue between theory and practice, internationality, and readiness for working life. The teaching takes advantage of the opportunities provided by the different learning environments in a variety of ways.
The teaching at the Department of Social Sciences emphasises both all-around education in social sciences and specialisation based on the research carried out at the department in tandem. The teaching focuses on action learning so that strong theoretical thinking can be transferred into real operating environments during the thematic studies.
To learn more about the department’s Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, please visit our Finnish-language website.
Research
The mission statement of the Department of Social Sciences adheres to the scientific university tradition, in which teaching is based on research. The department makes use of a dialogue between different fields, looking for fresh and unique approaches to the challenges of social research. The research conducted by the department is internationally acclaimed and socially significant. The department's scientists participate analytically and critically in social dialogue as well as several international research and postgraduate studies networks.
The research conducted in the department is free, open and public, and its results are intended equally for scientists, citizens, authorities and NGOs. The department's research policy emphasises equality and scientific freedom, both as the ethical grounds for research and as starting points for research practices and recruitment. In addition to the principles outlined above, the department's research strategy is based on two premises:
- The research traditions of its academic subjects
- The strategic research policies of the University of Eastern Finland
The relevance of social research primarily arises from four factors. These are
- the participation of faculty in social debate within their area of expertise and publications on popular forums
- training experts and professionals for the diverse tasks in working life
- introducing new models of thought and action to professional practices such as the institution of education, working life, multiculturalism work, social work and welfare services; and
- participation in the planning, decision-making and implementation related to reforms and in international discussion in these areas.
Our research groups
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Contact information
Ari Antikainen, Sociology
Juhani Laurinkari, Social Policy
Leena Koski
Sabour M'hammed, Sociology
Pauli Niemelä, Social Policy, Social Work
Pirjo Pölkki, Child Welfare
Pirkkoliisa Ahponen, Social and Public Policy
Juha Hämäläinen
Vilma Hänninen
Joensuu Campus
Postal address
University of Eastern Finland
Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies
Department of Social Sciences
Joensuu campus
P.O. Box 111, FI-80101
Finland
Visiting address
Yliopistokatu 7, Metria, 2th floor, Joensuu
Kuopio Campus
Postal address
University of Eastern Finland
Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies
Department of Social Sciences
Kuopio campus
P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211
Finland
Visiting address
Yliopistonranta 8 E, Snellmania D-door, 3th floor