Students on this programme must show an understanding of encounters between cultures and develop an awareness of the possibilities and challenges posed

by cultural diversity. The programme will help to enhance students’ insight into the interplay between children, adolescents and parents in a multicultural society, provide an understanding of new challenges faced by children and adolescents and of some areas which may present problems in today’s society. Enhanced cultural understanding and cultural analysis are primary aspects of such insight.

The programme examines various formative environments, socialisation conditions and marginalisation factors from a cultural-analytical and preventative perspective. Attention is directed towards preventative work in relation to children and adolescents in general, and especially to vulnerable groups of children and adolescents. The programme also directs attention to mental health, nutrition, and identity development. Scientific theory and research methods are emphasised, both for developing such skills and for cultivating a critical attitude toward accepted “facts”. The programme includes the following main themes: family, formative conditions and socialisation, cultural analysis and identity, research methods and research ethics.

The first week of the first year of study consists of 4 teaching days, while for the rest of the year it will be 2 days a week. In the second year there will be as many as 4 one-week methodology sessions. The rest of the time in the second year is devoted to students independent work on their Master’s theses. For students taking a part-time Master’s degree programme, there will be the possibility of taking 2 years to write the Master’s thesis. However, the first year is common for both part-time and full-time students.

 

Career opportunities/Further studies

The programme aims at developing insights regarding the new and changed challenges that children and adolescents are faced with in

a multicultural society. The programme will qualify students for work within the public, private and voluntary sectors, as well as within fields such as teaching, planning and development work and research and development.