International Social Work
The world of today no longer faces social issues confined within borders. Inequality, displacement, polarization and the climate crisis are deeply interconnected. This master’s program trains you to become a critical, reflective social professional who can work across cultures and contexts to co-create just and viable social practices.
The full-time International Social Work program takes 1 year and covers 2 semesters. The key focus? Developing critical praxis and carrying out community-engaged research in real social contexts - often together with international partners. During your program, you learn to analyze complex social issues, understand global–local connections, and challenge harmful practices. You also learn how to design research that contributes to social justice and more viable ways of living and working together. In this year, you shape your own learning journey as you grow into a reflective and ethical international social worker.
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
You need to have completed a bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:
- Social Work
- Pedagogy
- Sociology
- Arts Therapies
- Education
As places for this program are limited, we also look at your suitability. We check this through:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Interview
After completing your master in International Social Work, you can work in international organizations, NGOs, governments, or community-based initiatives in any number of roles. How do these positions sound?
- Policy advisor on social justice, inclusion, or global development
- Researcher in community-engaged or social-impact projects
- Project leader or program developer in international social work
- Coordinator for diversity, equity, inclusion, or social sustainability
- International social worker in intercultural and transnational settings
- Educator or trainer focused on social justice and transformative practice
