Program Overview

---

Barnevern - Bachelor Program

The Bachelor in Barnevern (Child Welfare) is a three-year, full-time study program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with children, youth, and families in vulnerable situations.

Description of the Study Program

The program combines theory and practice, with a focus on child development, family life, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students will gain competence in creating tailored services for children, youth, and families, with a special emphasis on the rights of Sami children to language and culture.

Job Opportunities

Graduates of the program can work in various fields, including:

• Child and adolescent psychiatry
• Barnevern (child welfare)
• Schools and kindergartens
• Refugee services
• Substance abuse treatment
• Adult psychiatry
• Health and social services
• Environmental work for people with intellectual disabilities
• Crisis centers
• Family counseling offices
• Voluntary organizations
• Leisure sector
• Preventive youth work
• Mental health care

Graduate Title

Bachelor in Barnevern

Further Studies

The Bachelor in Barnevern qualifies students for admission to various master's programs in fields such as child welfare and social work.

Institute for Barnevern and Social Work

The institute offers master's programs in barnevernsarbeid (child welfare work) and socialt arbeid (social work).

Related Professions

• Barnevernspedagog (child welfare pedagogue)
• Miljerapeut (environmental therapist)
• Pedagogical-psykologisk r蘚giver (pedagogical-psychological counselor)
• Saksbehandler (case handler)
• Familier蘚giver (family counselor)
• Flyktningkonsulent (refugee consultant)

Study Structure

The program consists of two obligatory practice periods:

• Praksis 1: 8 weeks in the 2nd semester, with a focus on communication, relationships, social inequality, and living conditions, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration and preventive work.
• Praksis 2: 16 weeks in the 5th semester, with a focus on child welfare services, child and adolescent institutions, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.

Exchange Opportunities

Students can apply for exchange studies in connection with the practice period in the 5th semester. The university has partnerships with institutions in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Study Plan

The study plan for the Bachelor in Barnevern can be found on the university's website.

Teaching and Examination Language

The teaching and examination language is Norwegian.

Admission Requirements

• General study competence or realkompetanse (recognized prior learning)
• Relevant work experience (minimum 5 years) or education from upper secondary school, folk high school, university, or college
• Documentation of competence in Norwegian and English (minimum VG1/basic course)

Number of Study Places

35

Point Limits

Point limits for admission in the fall of 2025:

• Ordinary quota: 0
• First-degree quota: 0

Police Certificate

Applicants who are admitted to the Bachelor in Barnevern must provide a police certificate in accordance with the University and University College Act ｧ 4-9, second paragraph, and the Health and Care Services Act ｧ 5-4.

Application Code

186 563

What You Will Learn

The program provides students with broad knowledge of child welfare, including:

• Child development and family life
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and preventive work
• Social inequality and living conditions
• Communication and relationships
• Ethics and values in child welfare work
• Sami children's rights to language and culture
• Inclusion, equality, and welfare state structures
• Practical skills in working with children, youth, and families
• Environmental therapeutic methods
• Analysis, documentation, and communication of professional issues

Expected Learning Outcome

The expected learning outcome for the program is specified in the study plan.

Practice

The program includes two obligatory practice periods, which provide students with valuable work experience under supervision.

Student Testimonials

Students who have completed the program share their experiences and recommendations.