1. Master’s Degree Program
Level: Master
Major: Social Work
Major code: 8760101
2. Training Objectives:
2.1. General Objectives:
The Master’s Program in Social Work is designed to advance learners’ professional knowledge, strengthen interdisciplinary understanding, and provide in-depth expertise in selected areas of social work. The program equips students with advanced research and applied practice skills, fosters independent learning and critical thinking, and develops the capacity to address social work issues with flexibility and effectiveness.
2.2. Specific Objectives:
The program is designed to equip graduates with the following knowledge, skills, and professional qualities:
- SO1: Provide students with core knowledge, including: (i) General education (political theory, law, national defense and security, social sciences and humanities, foreign languages, information technology, and digital competence aligned with the national digital framework);(ii) Professional education (foundation, specialized, and professional knowledge of social work).
- SO2: Develop essential competencies of a social worker, focusing on: Understanding theories of psychology, society, and human behavior; Applying social work knowledge to professional practice; Using English in professional contexts; Implementing laws and policies to protect vulnerable groups; Conducting social work research; Applying intervention processes with individuals, families, groups, and communities; Enhancing self-study and research capacity; Building soft skills in communication, problem recognition, foreign language use, and digital literacy to adapt to the challenges of the 4.0 era.
- SO3: Cultivate ethical standards and professional values, including: Commitment to responsibility, dedication, and integrity; Professional conduct and exemplary lifestyle; Adherence to the philosophy and mission of social work; Awareness of the role and function of the profession; Capacity for autonomy, accountability, and responsibility in learning and practice.
3. Learning Outcomes:
After completing the Master’s Program in Social Work, graduates will acquire the following knowledge, skills, and levels of autonomy and responsibility:
3.1. Knowledge:
- LO1: Demonstrate understanding of basic principles of philosophy, including Marxism–Leninism; acquire English proficiency appropriate to the program; apply scientific research methodology and essential skills to participate in research projects or groups.
- LO2: Apply social work models and methods in different fields; use analytical, planning, evaluation, and critical skills in relation to social policies, social work projects, and management models.
- LO3: Analyze professional ethical standards in social work and apply them in practice; integrate knowledge of social institutions, law, and culture of specific communities to apply theory and ethics appropriately to different groups and contexts.
3.2. Skills:
- LO4: Develop a scientific worldview and methodology to address professional issues; demonstrate English skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) for academic and professional purposes; conduct scientific research and complete a master’s thesis.
- LO5: Perform the functions of a social work practitioner according to relevant models and methods; provide counseling, consultation, policy advice, and evaluation; analyze and critique economic, cultural, and social policies from a social work perspective. Show skills in management and policy impact assessment, and make recommendations or advocacy to adjust policies and laws to protect the long-term interests of vulnerable groups.
3.3. Autonomy and Responsibility:
- LO6: Demonstrate professional leadership and influence in guiding collective development; design and implement social work strategies, projects, and plans for individuals, groups, and communities, with sensitivity to regional contexts, especially the Mekong Delta, in line with international integration.
- LO7: Show respect for colleagues, clients, and partners; maintain professionalism, integrity, and reliability in work; take high responsibility for professional duties.
4. Program duration:
24 months – Maximum duration: 48 months
5. Career Opportunities:
After graduation, students can take on positions such as:
- Managing, coordinating, developing, and implementing social work policies and services at agencies under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs from central to local levels;
- Working in, managing, or establishing social service institutions for different target groups in fields such as healthcare, education, law, and social welfare;
- Serving as program officers or project managers in development projects of domestic and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
- Conducting research or teaching social work at research institutes, centers, and training institutions;
- Pursuing further academic development, including doctoral studies in Vietnam or abroad.
6. Further Study Opportunities:
- Conduct independent research and/or publish scientific studies and applied products in professional journals and conferences;
- Have the potential to participate in undergraduate-level teaching in Social Work as well as training courses at various levels on social work knowledge and practice skills (from basic to advanced, with priority for the Mekong Delta region);
- Have opportunities to engage in undergraduate teaching in Social Work and training programs at different levels (from basic to advanced);
- Be qualified to pursue doctoral study programs both domestically and internationally.
