Center on International Cooperation of the College of Social Work (CSW) supports the activities of the CSW in the international academic public, encourages scientific research and participation of teachers and students in international projects, establishes contacts and cooperation with partners at local, national and international levels, organizes student mobility, teaching and non-teaching staff within international projects with special emphasis on improving the teaching process.
The main goals of the Center are:
- encouraging and pursuing international cooperation in the field of teaching, research and international projects;
- establishing and developing contacts and cooperation with higher education institutions and international organizations dealing with education;
- presentation and promotion of the CSW to the international academic public.
- The main activities of the Center are:
- establishing and supporting the international academic and scientific cooperation of the CSW with institutions from abroad;
- organizing and monitoring the mobility / international exchange of teaching and non-teaching staff abroad for the purpose of training;
- monitoring of international exchange, educational and development project oppenings: ERASMUS +, HORIZON 2020, etc.
- analysis and monitoring of the results of the international cooperation of the CSW;
- maintaining contact and correspondence with domestic and foreign higher education institutions in order to achieve international cooperation.
Center Coordinator and Ersmus Officer:
Associate Professor Veselin Medenica
Deputy Coordinator of the Center:
Associate Professor Neda Milosevic
Address: Center for International Cooperation of the College of Social Work, Terazije 24, Belgrade
Contact: veselin.medenica@asp.edu.rs
SERVICES: administrative and logistical support, mobility support, academic support.
ABOUT COLLEGE
THE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK SPECIALIZED IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL WORK, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, AND SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY IS UNIQUE IN THE REGION!
A STUDENT, A FUTURE PROFESSIONAL AND CONTRIBUTOR TO THE SOCIETY, IS IN THE CENTER OF OUR MISSION
CONSISTENCY OF STUDY PROGRAMS WITH CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE NEEDS OF THE SOCIETY
The College of Social Work considers that higher education should function as a link between the society needs for qualified employees and future students and their families.
The College of Social Work develops its own curricula especially focusing on the increase of the employment opportunities for its graduate students.
LOCATION, PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
Although it is not necessary to judge the book by its cover, the location and premises of the College of Social Work cast a shadow on most of the institutions of this type. It is located in the very heart of Belgrade in the famous Krsmanovic House built in 1885 in the style of academism. Due to its exceptional cultural, historical and architectural value, it has been declared a cultural monument of great importance.
Modern didactic tools are provided for students, while the information and communication network enables fast access to databases, books and documents with the aim of simplifying, facilitating and speeding up procedures, administration and work within the College of Social Work.
AQUIRING EXPERIENCE DURING STUDIES
The College of Social Work insists on getting the highest quality practical experience during the course of studies. Our concept of practical work provides students with direct insight and hands-on experience, thus enabling a student to apply the acquired knowledge. Professional monitoring encourages students to become more independent and involved in work. Thus, graduate students from the College of Social Work obtain both degree and practical experience for their future profession.
SPECIAL ATTENTION IS PAID TO THE TEACHING PROCESS AND COOPERATIVE RELATION BETWEEN STUDENTS AND PROFESSORS
By developing contemporary concept of teaching based on the cooperative relation between students and professors, the College of Social Work creates a creative, academic and stimulating environment which ensures development of professional and personal leadership skills and values. In this way, the College of Social Work provides its graduates with the opportunity of employment and further professional, intellectual and personal development.
MISSION
Overall activities of the College aim at creating experts who are able to successfully apply the acquired knowledge and skills to the field of social work, and special education and rehabilitation.
VISION
The College of Social Work works in the interest of students and the community, with the task of educating highly competent academic experts in the field of social work and social policy, as well as special education and rehabilitation. The ultimate aim is to enable graduates to successfully apply principles and expertise to practice and develop professional career.
The College of social work is an independent, accredited higher education institution, which provides undergraduate and master studies in the field of social work, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology.
LICENSE FOR WORK – Based on the Report on accreditation of higher education institutions and study programs, the Ministry of Education and Science has issued the Work Permit for the College of Social Work No. 612-00-00898 / 2017-06 of 14.08.2017. which approves the realisation of the following academic study programs:
- Undergraduate studies – Language and Speech Pathology (number of students – 30)
- Master Studies – Language and Speech Pathology (number of students – 25)
- Undergraduate studies – Social work (number of students – 40)
- Master Studies – Social Work (number of students -25)
- Undergraduate studies – Occupational Therapy (number of students – 30)
- Master Studies – Occupational Therapy (number of students – 25)
Download – Course Catalogue – Social Work
ACADEMIC TITLE: BA IN SOCIAL WORK
DURATION OF STUDIES: 4 YEARS / 8 SEMESTERS
ECTS CREDITS: 240
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
The aim of the study program is to enable students to deal professionally with social needs, life difficulties and improvement of the social position of citizens. The goal of the study program is to provide students with fundamental understanding and commitment to the values of social work and ethics that govern professional practice. In addition, a graduate in social work will be prepared for professional work and trained for the application of the basic methods of scientific and behavioral research.
OUTCOME OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
Upon completion of undergraduate studies, a student has acquired comprehensive knowledge of the basics of social policy and social processes, and understanding of the principles and factors of a man’s psychological development as a unique personality, and a member of society.
Being at disposal of social welfare beneficiaries, a graduate is able to apply basic theories, methods and techniques of social work, knowing the working methods of the existing institutions and organizations. Also, the expertise of a graduate student is reflected in the ability to independently and within a team organize and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the needs, strengths and risks of an individual, family, and community. A graduate will be able to implement preventive, developmental, protective and advisory measures to encourage growth and development, and meet the needs of individuals, groups and communities, as well as to ensure the safety and welfare of all participants in the work of a social worker. The study program also provides the acquisition of adequate competencies necessary for continuing education at a higher education level – master studies.
ACADEMIC TITLE: MA IN SOCIAL WORK
DURATION OF STUDIES: 1 YEAR / 2 SEMESTERS
ECTS CREDITS: 60
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
The study program is intended for graduates in the field of social work and social policy, and social work experts who aim to further deepen their knowledge and skills, especially in the field of management or management in social work. In this regard, the aim of the program is to provide students with knowledge and skills in areas such as strategic planning and development, conflict management, methodology of scientific research and the application of results to practice, crisis interventions, social work supervision and mediation..
OUTCOME OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
The completion of this program ensures the competencies and knowledge required for the tasks of management and managing departments in charge of the provision of social care services – social welfare centers, counseling centers, care homes, social welfare services within health care institutions, state administration and local self-government institutions , educational institutions (as parts of specific teams in schools, especially in special education), services and employment agencies, humanitarian aid organizations, citizen associations, etc.
Download – Course Catalogue – Speech and Language Pathology
ACADEMIC TITLE: BSC IN SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
DURATION OF STUDIES: 4 YEARS / 8 SEMESTERS
ECTS CREDITS: 240
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
The main goal of the study program is acquiring general and specific knowledge in the field of speech, language, hearing and communication and skills necessary for practice, as well as developing professional approach to work while respecting the highest ethical standards. The study program also provides the acquisition of adequate competencies necessary for continuing education at a higher education level – master studies.
OUTCOME OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
Upon completion of undergraduate studies, students have acquired the specific skills, abilities and skills necessary for prevention, early detection, evaluation and treatment of hearing, speech, language and communication disorders, both in people with developmental disabilities and in people of regular development, as well as skills and knowledge to encourage speech and language development of people with proper development.
ACADEMIC TITLE: MSC IN SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
DURATION OF STUDIES: 1 YEAR / 2 SEMESTERS
ECTS CREDITS: 60
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
The objectives of the study program are broadening general and specific knowledge and training for scientific research; independent planning and research in the field of hearing, speech, language and communication; critical examination and evaluation of the present-day approaches in speech and language therapy; integration of knowledge from different disciplines important for fostering development of speech, language and communication; improvement of practice through independent planning and creation of treatments for hearing, speech, language and communication disorders; development of the ability to plan and evaluate the work program in the field of speech and language therapy, as well as acquiring the competencies necessary for continuing further professional development and training at PhD level.
OUTCOME OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
Master studies in Speech and Language Pathology enable students to:
- plan, design, implement and evaluate standard and innovative programs in the area of prevention, assessment, early intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation, and support of people with disabilities and hearing, speech, language and communication disorders;
- become competent professionals working on complex tasks of prevention, diagnostics and treatment in educational, social and health care institutions, as well as civil society organizations;
- plan and design programs for encouraging and promoting human communication in order to improve the quality of life of adults and the elderly.
The study program trains students for independent research in the field of etiology, phenomenology, prevention, assessment, differential diagnostics, early intervention, rehabilitation, habilitation and support of people with hearing, speech, language and communication disorders, work in scientific and research institutions and continuing education at PhD level.
Download – Course Catalogue – Occupational Therapy
ACADEMIC TITLE: BSC IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
DURATION OF STUDIES: 4 YEARS / 8 SEMESTERS
ECTS CREDITS: 240
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
The main goal of the study program is acquiring general and specific knowledge in the field of occupational therapy and skills necessary for practice, as well as developing professional approach to work while respecting the highest ethical standards. The study program also provides the acquisition of adequate competencies necessary for continuing education at a higher education level – master studies.
OUTCOME OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
Contemporary approach to occupational therapy is based on creating new environments and enhancing the existing ones in which people with different abilities may live with dignity. Present-day conceptions of occupational therapy shift the focus from reducing disability to prevention of disability and providing opportunities for extensive participation. Namely, if at any time in someone’s life (at birth or later), a disease, injury or disability occurs and prevents a person from functioning effectively and independently in one or more occupational areas, occupational therapy provides intervention that helps restoring functions, maintaining the level of functioning, and / or prevents the expected deficits. The occupational therapists help their clients participate more effectively and independently in daily activities, thus increasing the quality of their life.
ACADEMIC TITLE: MSC IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
DURATION OF STUDIES: 1 YEAR / 2 SEMESTERS
ECTS CREDITS: 60
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
The main goal of the study program is broadening general and specific knowledge in the field of occupational therapy and skills necessary for practice, as well as developing professional approach to work while respecting the highest ethical standards. The study program also provides the acquisition of adequate competencies necessary for scientific research and continuation of professional education.
.OUTCOME OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
The outcome of the study program is independent planning and research in the field of occupational therapy, as well as the application of results to the improvement of practice; critical review and assessment of contemporary approaches in occupational therapy; integration of knowledge from different disciplines important for occupational therapy and the application of skills; development of capabilities for planning and evaluation of work programs in occupational therapy.
MA in occupational therapy is trained for independent realization of activities in educational and social protection institutions, health care systems, working organizations, prisons, NGOs and private practice.
DR VESELIN MEDENICA
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK
ADDRESS: TERAZIJE 34, 11000 BELGRADE, SERBIA
STUDENT SERVICE CENTER: 0114040839
E-MAIL: veselin.medenica@ahr.edu.rs
E-MAIL2: internationaloffice@ahr.edu.rs
SERVICES: administrative and logistical support, mobility support, academic support.
Download Erasmus Policy Statement
ERASMUS POLICY STATEMENT INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY
International Strategy of the College of Social Work (VSSR) is a comprehensive and long-term strategy that sets priorities and goals for all aspects of quality education. It aims at raising the quality of the study programmes, mobility of students, teaching and non-teaching staff, and supports training, participation in international projects as means of continuous improvement of the quality.
The focus of the international strategy is on cooperation and mobility as they guide institutional actions in teaching, research and outreach to the global community. The ERASMUS network is an important part of the internationalization strategy.
The College of Social Work (VSSR) cooperates with other scientific and educational institutions coming from united Europe, but it is equally open to cooperation with institutions in other parts of the world. In choosing partners for cooperation, mobility and other strategic activities, the College has four main criteria: compatibility of study programs, commitment to quality education, mobility and project development; a long-term view of the projects to be developed; the principles of mutual benefit. The College of Social Work implements its mission in the field of science, education and knowledge transfer in accordance with a system of values that is generally accepted in developed European countries and applies academic standards established by international agreements signed and ratified by the Republic of Serbia. The selection of partners would also be carried out in accordance with the educational programs of the College of Social Work.
Primarily, the focus is based not on geographic location but on the activities planned under the partnership. The geographic area would encompass all EU countries and non-EU countries, as well as the neighbouring countries. The most important objectives are cooperation, sharing and acquisition of experience and knowledge. For students, mobility activities aim to build international competencies (including language) and employability for both the College and incoming graduates.
Staff mobility has two focuses: developing international research and cooperation projects, and supporting student mobility activities with partner institutions. Both of these focuses aim to further develop the capacity of staff to improve the quality and relevance of the College teaching and research. Training projects have a strong focus on capacity development and sustainable outcomes with a balance between EU and non-EU (developing country) participants and partners.
According to the Statute of the College of Social Work, the usage of ECTS facilitates implementation and participation in the development of double/multiple/joint degrees. Double degree is an area of priority for mobility and cooperation in the future, especially in first and second cycles.
STRATEGY FOR THE ORGANISATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL (EU AND NON-EU) COOPERATION PROJECTS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME
The College of Social Work (VSSR) aims at strengthening its strategic partnerships in order to increase the quality of student and staff mobility as required by the EU. One of the primary strategies in cooperation is investing in the projects and networks to strengthen the sustainability of outcomes for all participants.
The College has well staffed and resourced service office in charge of promotion and implementation of international cooperation of mobility. The College Council provides the quality insurance criteria, closely monitors participation in exchanges and supports mobility at all levels.
In future the College intends to implement further measures to create conditions for involving more immigrants staying in the Republic of Serbia and former Yugoslavia in the educational process that is being carried out within the College, establish broader cooperation with top lecturers from other countries and their engagement as visiting professors, support students with family commitments and students with special needs in participating in exchange programmes.
The College invests in five special Centres to focus on cooperation projects: The Centre for International Cooperation and Career Development, The Centre for Science and Research Development, Centre for Publishing, Centre for Lifelong Education. Through these centers, the College conducts, disseminates and applies research expertise in solving social and scientific problems in Serbia and partner countries. The College teaching and non-teaching staff and students are the key resources in this process.
One of the key strength of the College is entrepreneurship specially focused on cooperation projects. The projects focus on empowering individuals and communities to develop sustainable business enterprises within their local environment. An instrument to reach this sustainable outcome is to invest in research within local communities to connect the academic and business sectors.
Furthermore, the College is particulary dedicated to the promotion of joint study programmes. It has established a section for dealing with the legal aspects of cross-border agreements with the neighboring countries. The College teaching staff is also motivated and closely involved in promoting international corporation and mobility via participation at international conferences and establishing academic links with universities worldwide.
THE EXPECTED IMPACT OF THE PARTICIPATION IN THE ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME ON THE MODERNISATION OF THE COLLEGE OF THE SOCIAL WORK
The major expected impact is contribution to the modernisation of the College of Social Work (VSSR) by taking part in helping students become globally competent graduates, internationally engaged researchers, and by improving the quality and relevance of our programs. Also, mobility will strengthen the entrepreneurial endeavours of both students and teaching and non-teaching staff. It will have a strong impact on development of the capacities of our students and researchers to participate in important international knowledge communities. Mobility provides VSSR with the opportunity of incorporation of new learning into already existed academic curricula, thereby continuously improving the quality and relevance of VSSR education.
VSSR is also recognised as an academic institution attempting to be in tune with the ever changing needs of employers in all industries. Thus, VSSR seeks to strengthen related professions by organizing lifelong educations and offering career guidance and counselling. It mediates between research, practice oriented academic institutions and businesses in order to stimulate and implement innovation. Mobility increases the chances of becoming familiar with the best practices of universities with similar agenda and their application in Serbia.
One of the expected impacts on modernization of VSSR is broadening knowledge in the field of application of digital technologies and long distance learning to teaching, pedagogical and assessment methods. VSSR recognises the impact of cutting edge technologies and is willing to take an advantage of their use in the manner of other universities abroad.
By becoming part of the mobility programmes, VSSR students and staff are given an opportunity to understand how universities operate in other countries. Thus, the integration of internationalisation strategies into the VSSR academic activities will be more successful, resulting in the raising awareness of the necessity for high quality education level in general.
DOWNLOAD – The Academic Credit System
THE ACADEMIC CREDIT SYSTEM
College of Social Work applies the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) which evaluates the total engagement of a student related to active teaching, examinations and practical work. A total of 60 ECTS credits corresponds to the average student engagement within the 40-hour working week during an academic year.
Study programmes at the College of Social Work are organized on two levels, in line with the guidelines of the Bologna Process:
Undergraduate level: 240 ECTS, duration 4 years
Master level: 60 ECTS, duration 1 year
METHODOLOGY OF CREDIT ALLOCATION
The full-time workload of an academic year corresponds to 60 ECTS credits, which accounts for an average total engagement within the 40-hour working week. As one ECTS credit corresponds to 25-30 hours of work, the total workload ranges from 1500 to 1800 hours for an academic year. Credits are awarded to individual students after they have achieved the defined learning outcomes of educational components and their associated workload.
Total student workload consists of active teaching (lectures, exercises, seminars, presentations, projects, consultations), written tests, final examination, final paper, practical work and self-study. Teaching takes place within 30 weeks, while 12 weeks are intended for consultations, exam preparation and exams. Students’ engagement in specific courses is continually monitored and evaluated in points. A student can earn the maximum of 100 points by fulfilling the pre- exam obligations and passing the final exam. Pre-examination obligations participate with at least 30 and maximum 70 points. The proportion of ECTS credits is allocated to each course on the bases of the estimated workload.
The student’s total achievement in the exam is expressed in grades from 5 to 10 with the corresponding number of points: grade 6 (six) from 51 to 60 points, grade 7 (seven) from 61 to 70 points, grade 8 (eight) from 71 to 80 points, grade 9 (nine) from 81 to 90 points and grade 10 (ten) from 91 to 100 points.
Grading scale
|
grade |
grade description |
number of points |
|
10 |
outstanding |
91-100 |
|
9 |
excellent |
81-90 |
|
8 |
very good |
71-80 |
|
7 |
good |
61-70 |
|
6 |
satisfactory |
51-64 |
DOWNLOAD – The Recognition of Student Mobility Achievements
College of Social Work will fully recognise the the mobility achievements by awarding the total number of credit hours achieved at the receiving institution. As the student, sending and receiving institution have already signed the learning Agreement prior to the exchange and committed themselves to complying with all the agreed arrangements, the students will obtain full recognition for doing their study programme or traineeship abroad without any further requirements.
The mechanisms for full recognition are based on the documents such as Learning Agreement, Transcript of Records and Training agreement, the student has to provide to the receiving and sending institutions. Diploma Supplement also plays an important part in the recognition of student mobility achievements. It makes qualifications and competencies acquired during the studies more transparent and easily comparable. Containing additional relevant information on student mobility, the benefit of the Diploma Supplement is that different educational contexts or institutions both home and abroad can get informed judgments on acquired competencies during mobility.
The recognition is done via Credit System equivalences. Depending on the programme, students will have the opportunity to change courses or replace courses according to their interests. There will also be the option of including extra elective courses.
The VSSR also has a Center for Career Development with fully competent staff for the assessment and recognition of student achievement in enterprises. These achievements are also recognized through procedures of evaluation and self evaluation.
The Team for International Cooperation also facilitates mobility and provides that all the parties become aware of their responsibilities and that precaution measures are taken. Mobility achievements are also recognized through quality assurance standards.
The most important objectives Of College of Social Work are cooperation, sharing and acquisition of experience and knowledge.
Staff mobility has two focuses: developing international research and cooperation projects, and supporting student mobility activities with partner institutions. Both of these focuses aim to further develop the capacity of staff to improve the quality and relevance of the College teaching and research. Training projects have a strong focus on capacity development and sustainable outcomes with a balance between EU and non-EU (developing country) participants and partners. The College is particularly dedicated to the promotion of joint study programmes. It has established a section for dealing with the legal aspects of cross-border agreements with the neighboring countries. The College teaching staff is also motivated and closely involved in promoting international corporation and mobility via participation at international conferences and establishing academic links with universities worldwide.
The Advisory Board of the College identifies and proposes employees (both teaching and non-teaching staff) suitable for mobility on the bases of their achievement and professional advancement. The College itself is fully aware of the importance of the staff exchange and the acquirement of knowledge and experiences in different working environments. Thus, it sets the mobility as an important goal for its employees and encourages them to get involved.
Apart from the full recognition of the experience of staff by VSSR, the participants themselves are provided with available certification of mobility through already established mechanisms. Recognition is based on the certificate of attendance issued by the receiving institution and on an individual report.