Degree Programme

in Social services,

focus on Diaconia

and Christian social practice

Degree:

Bachelor, 210 ECTS

Charles University

Protestant Theological Faculty

Diaconia University of Applied Sciences

International Academy for Diaconia andSocial Action, Central and Eastern Europe

Ukraine

Poland

Romania

Latvia

Georgia

SlovakiaCzech Republic

Hungary

Serbia &Montenegro

Moldova

Armenia

Estonia

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Are you interested to:� Work for change with people and communities?� Study social service and diaconia with reference

to the context of Central and Eastern Europe?� Share knowledge and experience with a

multicultural learning community of studentsand teachers?

� Learn in English?

This programme is a good choice for youwhen you want to:� Develop your professional skills in social service,

working with marginalised people andcommunities.

� Work for diaconia or other social serviceorganisations.

� Learn in close connection with working life andthe local context.

� Analyse, reflect and act on the most importantsocial issues in the context of Central andEastern Europe.

� Influence the direction of change in the society.

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What is the programme about?The study programme aims to train professionals whoare able to work with marginalised or disadvantagedpeople and communities, especially in the regionof Central and Eastern Europe. Graduates will havea broad view of society which will enable them todevelop their work in response to the rapid changeswhich are affecting people and communities.The course will also integrate learning about thecontribution of theology and spirituality to socialservice and diaconal work.Because of the value base of our institutions, we areespecially concerned about human dignity of eachindividual, empowerment, diaconia and we work forthe concept of conviviality.This means that you will develop your knowledge andskills in order to:� work for communities and a wider society which

are more just and inclusive and which offergreater chances for participation;

� address the challenges of differences in culture,religion, gender and race which impact onpersonal well-being and employment;

� develop diaconal action and social service whichencourages the participation of those affectedby different issues in their lives and theircommunities;

� have a European and global perspective onsocial policy.

Focus on Diaconia and Christian socialpracticeDiaconia is usually understood as a ministry of thechurch which is focussed on social practice andhealth. It is organised differently in different countriesand churches and goes by different names,for example in many Orthodox churches it is knownas Philanthropia. Within this degree programme,the learning path includes a strong emphasison value based organisations & work with groups

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and communities. The study of theology andspirituality is integrated in the programme and isrelated to the specific context of the work.

Graduate expertiseGraduates from the programme will able to:� work with people and groups facing issues

of exclusion, marginalisation or discrimination;� support the engagement of local communities

in social action and of civil society in working forchange;

� encourage processes which lead to communitywellbeing and resilience;

� take a rights based approach to social welfareand social work in relation to such issues asrefugees;

� address the impact of globalisation & economiccrises on local communities and changes inworking life in urban and rural areas;

� develop and manage new and innovativeprojects with communities and groups;

� relate Christianity through dialogue, to social anddiaconal work in multi-faith contexts.

How the programme will be organised?The programme includes 7 semesters over 3.5 years.The teaching will be organised using a blendedlearning methodology. The educational processis designed in such a way that the learning tasks arecarried out in practice contexts and relate directly tothat experience.Each semester will consist of four 3 - 5 day contactteaching sessions averaging a total of 19 days.The contact teaching will be run mainly in ČeskýTěšín (Czech Republic) and regional centres may beestablished if there is a group from one context.In-between the contact teaching, you will be involvedin concrete work in your home organisation or aninterdiac partner organisation or in other diaconalorganisations or in a church related placement

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across the CEE region. Some students may bebased the whole time in Český Těšín.A key element of the programme is supervision.Each student will have supervisor who will supportthe whole learning process, especially during thein-between periods.As an added advantage in intercultural learning, youwill have an opportunity to learn with the internationalgroup of students at Diak University of AppliedSciences in Finland virtually and through thestudent exchange in the projects internationally.This is one of the benefits of a double degreeprogramme.

RecognitionThe programme is recognised by Ministryof Education in Czech Republic and Finland.The Graduates will be able to work as social serviceworkers for diaconal organisations, churches andfaith communities, non-profit organisations, publicand private organisations in their chosen nationalcontexts. Graduates will receive the Diploma of bothparticipating Universities.

Applying for the studies:The course is open to students of all ages, fromthe Czech Republic and internationally. It is focussedon the needs of Central and Eastern Europe.It is preferable that applicants have some experienceof social service or youth and community work ina voluntary or paid capacity. Applicants should havea high school or vocational high school leavingdiploma, an aptitude for the profession and be ableto follow a course of study, practical and written workin English.The selection will be based on qualification and thequality of the application form, a written examinationand an interview.

The application process for the study programme willbe opened in the autumn 2014.Please check the interdiac web site:www.interdiac.eu.

The programme will start in September 2015.

Financial mattersThe study fee of 500 EUR per study year(2 semesters) will be charged.Applicants are encouraged to apply to scholarshipfunds or for sponsorship in order to cover the studyfee, the travel and living costs related to the contactteaching periods, as well as living costs duringthe periods between the contact teaching, wherenecessary. A scholarship system will be introducedby interdiac and the selected students will alsobe able to apply to it. Many organisations have showninterest in sending their employees to the studyprogramme. Please consult your employer to find outif there are any opportunities for them to support yourstudies. If you need advice on these matters pleasecontact interdiac at office@interdiac.eu

Further questionsIf you have further questions, please, consult withMs. Janka Adameová of the following address:office@interdiac.eu or by phone:+420 731 401 449.

PARTNERS INVOLVED IN RUNNINGTHE DOUBLE DEGREE PROGRAMME

Charles UniversityProtestant Theological FacultyČerná 9115 55 Praha 1Contact person: Mr. Jindřich HalamaE-mail: halama@etf.cuni.czPhone: +420 221 988 321

DiakSturenkatu 200510 HelsinkiContact person: Ms. Eija-Riitta KinnunenEmail: eija-riitta.kinnunen@diak.fiPhone: +358405092141

International Academy for Diaconia and SocialAction, Central & Eastern Europe, o.p.s (interdiac)Dukelská 264/5737 01 Český TěšínCzech RepublicContact person: Ms. Janka AdameovaE-mail: office@interdiac.euPhone: +420 558 764 341

INTERDIAC FOUNDERS