Department of Social Work
The Social Work Department at the University of Pristina, established in 2012, stands as the only academic institution in Kosovo offering a Bachelor’s program in Social Work. The growing number of applicants to this department underscores its appeal to students, offering a multidisciplinary curriculum covering fields such as psychology, sociology, social legislation, human rights, and methods in social work. Key areas of focus include working with families, marginalized groups, and various community settings. This comprehensive curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills essential to professional roles within the field.
Social work studies at this department are invaluable for fostering social justice, community empowerment, and sustainable societal development. The program’s mission aligns with the university’s commitment to social responsibility, emphasizing practical and theoretical knowledge that prepares students to address social challenges in Kosovo and beyond. Social work education here is also linked to international standards and practices, equipping students with a global outlook while addressing local needs.
Graduates from the Social Work program are well-prepared for employment in Social Work Centers, governmental organizations, and NGOs focusing on child protection, family support, youth services, elderly care, and work with people with special needs. They may also work in correctional and rehabilitation facilities, domestic violence shelters, and advocacy organizations dedicated to human rights and social change. The practical component of the curriculum in the sixth semester allows students to gain hands-on experience, enhancing their readiness to serve in diverse social work roles.
The Social Work Department offers a well-structured Bachelor’s curriculum, accredited until September 30, 2029, combining theoretical and practical training. It includes subjects such as social work case management, counseling, and applied social sciences, each taught by experienced professors. This program structure ensures that students earn practical competencies alongside their theoretical understanding, totaling 180 ECTS credits upon graduation. The course curriculum and relevant information are provided in a detailed PDF document listing subjects, credits, weekly hours, instructors, and accreditation terms.
The department promotes international academic exchange, enhancing learning experiences through Erasmus+ collaborations with institutions like Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, Vives University in Belgium and Savonia University of Applied Sciences in Finland. These partnerships offer students the chance to complete a semester abroad, gaining international perspectives on social work practices.
In the sixth semester, students undertake a 15-week professional internship facilitated by departmental partnerships with the Department of Social and Family Policies (DPSF), Social Work Centers, civil society organizations, and other institutions. These partnerships enable students to enhance their skills, expand their professional networks, and actively engage in practical experience within various community settings. The Social Work Department facilitates these placements to ensure comprehensive experiential learning in real-world environments.
The department also provides extracurricular training focused on developing essential skills, such as communication and advocacy, and hosts regular events, including conferences, symposia, and workshops. The Social Work Alumni Group also offers ongoing professional development opportunities, engagement in research and community projects, and support for students’ academic and career growth.
To support students academically, the department offers essential resources, including handbooks and key publications in social work. Additionally, it has launched an online platform, PunaSociale.info. This platform supports professional development for social workers by providing training resources and facilitating collaboration between academia, social services professionals, and policymakers.
The Social Work Department is headed by Prof. Ass. Dr. Avdyl Gashi, with Ass. Rita Selimi serving as the department secretary. The faculty consists of five dedicated staff members:
- Prof. Dr. Lulzim Dragidella
Link to profile - Prof. Asoc. Dr. Vjollca Krasniqi
Link to profile - Prof. Ass. Dr. Njomza Llullaku
Link to profile - Prof. Ass. Dr. Avdyl Gashi
Link to profile - MA Ass. Rita Selimi
Link to profile
The BA in Social Work program is committed to developing qualified social workers capable of addressing the needs and rights of individuals, groups, and communities in Kosovo’s social services sector. The program’s mission, aligned with the Faculty of Philosophy’s Strategic Development Plan, integrates social research, academic collaboration, and a student-centered learning approach. This alignment is instrumental in building knowledge that empowers communities and fosters sustainable social development.
The department has also initiated collaborative courses, such as the COIL program on Gender and Social Work, in partnership with Swiss institutions, allowing students to gain international insights. This successful completion of this course earns students 4 ECTS credits from the University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, underscoring the department’s commitment to integrating global perspectives within the curriculum.
As the department plans to expand, there is a vision to introduce a master’s program in Social Work within the Faculty of Philosophy. Additionally, the department continues to facilitate internationalization through projects like Erasmus+ and is committed to advancing social work education and practice in line with contemporary societal needs and international standards.