MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM IN SOCIAL WORK

Issued pursuant to Decision No. 1475/QD-XHNV dated March 19, 2026, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities

PART I. GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. Some information about the training program:

- Name of the training program:

+ Vietnamese: Social work

+ English: Social Work

- Program name:

+ Vietnamese: Social work

+ English: Social Work

- Training program code: 8760101

- Language of instruction:Vietnamese

- Standard training duration:2 years

- Name of the graduation certificate:

+ Vietnamese: Master's degree in Social Work

+ English: The Degree of Master in Social Work

2. Objectives of the training program:

2.1 General Objectives:

The Master's program in Social Work provides students with comprehensive interdisciplinary knowledge in social sciences and humanities, and updates their professional knowledge and skills to enhance their capacity for modern interdisciplinary research, critical thinking, innovation, analysis, and problem-solving in social work within a changing society and international integration context. Graduates will be able to work independently, demonstrate critical thinking and a high level of professional ethics, and be ready to contribute to the sustainable development of the community and the social work profession, as well as develop themselves after graduation. They will also have the ability to pursue doctoral studies and lifelong learning.

2.2 Specific Objectives

- Specific Objective 1(O1): The training program provides interdisciplinary foundational knowledge in social sciences and humanities, systematically and broadly systematizing modern interdisciplinary theoretical knowledge on social work, social policies, service models and scientific research methodologies to analyze complex social issues in the context of digital transformation.

- Specific Objective 2(O2): The training program helps learners to proficiently use research and intervention methods of social work, thereby developing skills in planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating social programs, services and policies, as well as mastering the skills of analyzing and applying scientific research methods to professional social work activities in a multicultural context.

- Specific Objective 3(O3): The training program helps learners develop the qualities of a professional in the field of social work, continuously learn and improve their knowledge, proactively and creatively apply knowledge and skills in professional decisions, commit to adhering to professional ethical standards and integrity in research, and demonstrate high responsibility towards the community and society.

3. Admission Information

3.1. Admission methods

Admission is based on the regulations of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi).

3.2 Eligibility Criteria

3.2.1. Educational requirements

Applicants must have graduated from university with a GPA of "good" or higher (or equivalent qualification or higher) in a relevant field, or have at least one published scientific work. If applicants require supplementary courses, these must be completed before applying for admission.

Diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions must undergo recognition procedures in accordance with the current regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

3.2.2. Foreign language requirements

Possess foreign language proficiency (in one of the following languages: English, French, Chinese, Japanese, German, Korean, Russian) meeting the requirements of the training program at level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam. Foreign language proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the following diplomas or certificates:

- A university degree or higher in a foreign language; or a university degree or higher where the program is primarily conducted in a foreign language;

- A university degree or higher awarded by Vietnam National University, Hanoi, within the last two years, where the program's output meets the requirements of Level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam;

- A foreign language certificate equivalent to level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam; or equivalent, valid for 2 years from the date of the foreign language exam to the date of registration for the master's program, issued by institutions accepted by the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The head of the training unit or the Rector of the University of Foreign Languages ​​will assess and be responsible for the authenticity of foreign language certificates issued by foreign organizations before recognizing their equivalence;

- Applicants who are foreign citizens and register for master's programs taught in Vietnamese must have a Vietnamese language proficiency level of 4 or higher according to the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for Foreigners, or have graduated from a university (or equivalent qualification or higher) where the training program is taught in Vietnamese; and meet the requirements for a second foreign language as stipulated by the training program (if any).

3.2.3. Other requirements

- A clean personal record, not currently serving a sentence or higher in any legal penalty, and not currently serving a criminal sentence, as confirmed by the human resources department of the workplace or the local government where the individual resides.

- I am healthy enough to study.

- Meet other conditions (if any) as required by VNU.

- Commitment to fulfilling financial obligations during the training process as stipulated by the training institution.

3.3. List of suitable industries

- This field is in the same group as Social Work;

- The field of study is defined in the training program standards issued by the Ministry of Education and Training;

- For cases where there are no established training program standards for the corresponding field or group of disciplines, the specialized unit must have a scientific and practical basis, determined by the Scientific and Training Council of the specialized unit and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, to identify the discipline with the closest professional foundation to the training program and determine the corresponding supplementary courses (if needed); report to VNU before enrollment and be responsible for this professional evaluation.

3.4. Projected enrollment size

- According to the quotas granted annually by Vietnam National University, Hanoi (expected to be 20-30 students per year).

- The detailed admission plan is implemented according to the Admission Regulations, the annual postgraduate admission guidelines of VNU, and the admission scheme of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities approved by VNU (if any).

PART II: LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

Upon completing the Master's program in Social Work, students will be able to:

1. Knowledge Output Standards

PLO 01:To understand the interdisciplinary knowledge system in the social sciences and humanities, and the basic knowledge of science and technology, in order to perceive and critique contemporary social and humanities issues and apply them to professional activities.

PLO 02:Systematizing specialized theories, research methods, and social work interventions to understand and interpret social issues at the individual, group, and community levels.

PLO 03:Analyze policy systems, welfare models, and types of social services in order to apply them effectively to professional activities in specific contexts.

2. Skill Output Standards

PLO 04:To effectively combine planning, prevention, mitigation, and remediation skills in addressing social problems through the implementation of appropriate intervention models for target groups at different levels.

PLO 05:Designing and implementing scientific research to evaluate the effectiveness of social services and policies, and proposing improvement solutions in multicultural contexts, meeting the requirements of digital transformation and international integration.

PLO 06:Integrating foreign language proficiency at a level equivalent to level 4 of the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework used in Vietnam into the study of specialized documents, writing scientific reports, and presenting and discussing specialized issues.

3. Output standards regarding autonomy and responsibility.

PLO 07:Develop a solid professional stance to make decisions, evaluate, and improve professional practice based on critical thinking and autonomy.

PLO 08:Adhering to the professional ethical standards of a social work professional and demonstrating a commitment to serving the community in accordance with Vietnamese and international standards.

4. Job positions that students can take on after graduation.

Master's degree holders in social work are trained to address complex and diverse social problems. Job positions that Master's degree holders in social work can take on include:

- Social workers in social organizations and agencies; consultants and managers in state administrative agencies; social welfare centers; social service providers; consultants in non-governmental organizations with various social activities;

- Researchers at research centers and non-governmental organizations;

- Teaching and research staff in the system of universities, colleges, and vocational high schools;

- In addition, a Master's degree in Social Work provides sufficient knowledge and skills to take on various positions in government agencies, businesses, or social organizations.

5. Opportunities for further learning and professional development after graduation.

After graduating with a Master's degree in Social Work, students are well-equipped to continue their studies and research to obtain a PhD in Social Work, participate in training courses related to social work to enhance their knowledge and professional skills, and engage in research, writing, and publishing scientific articles. Master's graduates in Social Work have many opportunities for career development through their studies, research, and participation in other social activities.

PART III. TRAINING PROGRAM CONTENT

Note:One credit is equivalent to 50 hours of student-standard learning, including time spent observing lectures, guided learning, self-study, research, experiences, and participating in tests and assessments; for classroom teaching activities, one credit requires a minimum of 15 hours of lectures or 30 hours of practical work, experiments, and discussions, with one classroom hour counted as 50 minutes.

(1): Theory

(2): Practice, Experiment, Discussion

(3): Internship, Research, Self-study with assessment