Erasmus Mundus jungtinė magistrantūros programa Socialinis darbas su vaikais ir jaunimu/European Joint Master Degree in Social Work with Children and Youth

Abstract

Mykolas Romeris University is the first higher education institution in Lithuania to receive Erasmus Mundus funding for joint Master's studies. The aim of the programme is to develop social work professionals with high personal and professional competences, who are able to be leaders in working internationally and cross-culturally with children and young people, and in conducting comparative research, analysing the situation and challenges of children and young people. The duration of the programme is 2 years (120 ECTS). The theoretical block of studies is designed to acquire knowledge on national and European trends in child and youth policy, human rights and human diversity, planning, coordination and innovation in social services; methods to help young people overcome socialisation difficulties; effective organisation of social work with different groups of young people, career guidance and self-development. Intercultural competences are also highlighted, such as intercultural mediation, ensuring dialogue between different ethnic groups, enabling the education of the public, especially children and young people, about other cultures. This helps to broaden students' abilities to work with children and young people in an international, multicultural perspective. Particular emphasis is placed on the application of digital technologies in social work and on students' entrepreneurial skills. Research practice is an integral part of the study process to help students integrate theories, research-based knowledge and practical social work strategies and skills in a variety of social work activities with children and young people, developing sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity and enabling students to collect data for their Master's thesis. Each semester students will study at a different university in the consortium: semester 1 at Mykolas Romeris University (LT), semester 2 at Riga Stradins University (LV), semester 3 at CU (SK) and semester 4 at ISCTE-IUL (PT).