The Department of Social and Education Policy of the University of the Peloponnese was established by Presidential Decree 118/2003 (Government Gazette 102, Issue A) and belongs to the School of Social and Political Sciences, based in Corinth. It welcomed its first students in the academic year 2003-2004. Over these years of operation, the department has developed a unique dual scientific identity within the academic landscape of Greece, addressing key areas of Social and Education Policy that are internationally at the forefront of interest. In today's rapidly changing and innovation-driven global society, the design of effective policies is closely linked to education, social progress, economic development, social cohesion, and the cultivation of active and responsible citizens.

The Department of Social and Education Policy of the University of the Peloponnese was established by Presidential Decree 118/2003 (Government Gazette 102, Issue A) and belongs to the School of Social and Political Sciences, based in Corinth. It welcomed its first students in the academic year 2003-2004. Over these years of operation, the department has developed a unique dual scientific identity within the academic landscape of Greece, addressing key areas of Social and Education Policy that are internationally at the forefront of interest. In today's rapidly changing and innovation-driven global society, the design of effective policies is closely linked to education, social progress, economic development, social cohesion, and the cultivation of active and responsible citizens.

The interdisciplinary nature of the department, the shared mission of its two academic directions, and the integration of theory, scientific research, and practical application in social and education policies define the academic identity and mission of the Department. This unique epistemological framework in Greece focuses on the balanced development and synergy of its two academic fields: Social Policy and Education Policy.

The academic mission of the Department of Social and Education Policy is consistently centered on four interdependent dimensions:

• High-quality education

• Scientific research

• Applied policies

• Engagement with society.

The distinctive academic structure of the Department of Social and Education Policy is evident in all three levels of the programs of studies offered (Undergraduate Program, Postgraduate Programs, and Doctoral Studies), and in the holistic approach it adopts, aiming to transform scientific knowledge into policies applicable in practice.

The Department’s continuous academic development focuses on the following strategic priorities:

• Ongoing development of the Programs of Studies.

• Generation of new knowledge through scientific research.

• Integration of theory, research, and the educational process.

• Strengthening of faculty and their teaching activities.

• Achieving high-impact research outcomes.

• Enhancing extroversion and international recognition.

• Strengthening connections with contemporary society and the job market.

The Department of Social and Education Policy has a dual scientific focus, addressing two distinct yet closely related fields and emphasizing their complex and multilayered interactions.

• Social Policy examines and analyzes how societies respond to social needs, reduce inequalities, and promote social well-being. Its specialized areas include social security, welfare and care, healthcare protection, employment, migration, housing, crime prevention policies, gender equality, social economy, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
• Education Policy focuses on a holistic study of the educational phenomenon at all levels, linking education with the labor market and addressing public policies in all their modern forms:
  • From international organizations and the European Union to national policies.
  • From the macro-level of national policies to the micro-level of institutions providing education today (e.g., schools, universities, lifelong learning centers, adult education institutions, vocational training organizations, etc.).

The scientific fields of the Department are theoretically and methodologically grounded within an interdisciplinary framework shaped by key academic disciplines, including sociology, political science, education sciences, economics, social statistics, digital technologies, history, law, criminology, psychology, and lifelong learning.

The specific subjects of Social and Education Policy:

• Originate from shared theoretical approaches, as both fields focus on public policies aimed at promoting social well-being and pursuing social justice.
• Utilize common methodological approaches for the empirical investigation of the issues under study.
• Are designed and implemented within a shared social, cultural, institutional, political, and economic context.
• Bridge theoretical foundations, research, and the practical application of social and education policies.

The systematic study, design, critical analysis, dissemination, and evaluation of policies are developed across four levels:

1. Supranational (international organizations)
2. European (European Union and related bodies)
3. National
4. Sub-national (regions, municipalities).

The Undergraduate Program is distinguished by its interdisciplinary nature and follows a common curriculum for all students during the first two years. The two scientific fields that define the academic identity of the Department are the foundation of the two specialized Directions within the Undergraduate Program.

• Core compulsory courses aim to help students understand the interconnection and complementarity of the two fields covered by the Department. These courses provide fundamental knowledge and skills essential for the continuation of their studies. They include introductory courses in Social and Education Policy, Research Methodology, as well as subjects such as Political Science, Sociology, Educational Design, Economics, Law, History etc.
• In the third year, the program is divided into two Directions, offering specialized courses that deepen students' scientific knowledge while developing their research and professional skills in specific areas.

Social Policy Direction

• Health and welfare policies
• Employment and labor policies
• Social security
• Social and political institutions
• Inequalities and social discrimination
• Law
• Crime prevention policy

Education Policy Direction

• Policies for school education
• Higher education policy
• Inclusive education
• E-learning
• Lifelong learning
• Human resource development
• Diffusion of Knowledge and Innovation.

The degree (diploma) awarded to students specifies the Direction they have chosen, distinguishing the Department and enhancing the professional prospects of graduates.

The Undergraduate Program of the Department of Social and Education Policy is designed to:

• Provide high-quality education in line with international academic standards.
• Integrate new knowledge into the curriculum through scientific research.
• Promote the free exchange of ideas, critical thinking, and a culture of collaboration.
• Bridge education, research, and practical training for students.
• Ensure the holistic development of students by equipping them with the skills needed to navigate the dynamic changes of the 21st century.
• Develop competencies essential for students' academic growth and professional careers.
• Encourage student-centered learning approaches.
• Shape responsible citizens with a strong scientific foundation, academic integrity, and social and political awareness.

Upon completing their studies, students are expected to:

• Develop a holistic understanding of theoretical frameworks, models, institutional arrangements, and the various forms (supranational, national, etc.) in which Social and Education Policy is developed and implemented.
• Interpret the historical evolution and contemporary state of social and education policies, institutions, and practices.
• Critically analyze theories and phenomena related to the design and implementation of public policies.
• Examine the interconnections between Social and Education Policy and other fields such as social development, social cohesion, the labor market, the economy, and digital transformation.
• Independently acquire new knowledge and skills, preparing them for further specialization in various fields of Social and Education Policy.
• Communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions related to Social and Education Policy effectively to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.
• Apply their knowledge and skills to design comprehensive educational interventions that address the needs of diverse learner groups.
• Collect and interpret data to form judgments and evaluations on social, educational, scientific, and ethical issues related to the broader developmental role of education and lifelong learning.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research in Social and Education Policy and utilize findings for policy design, implementation, and evaluation (evidence-based policy).
• Undertake administrative roles in their area of specialization and tackle challenges both individually and as members of multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop a broad range of 21st-century skills, such as critical and analytical thinking, teamwork, communication, creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, scientific and innovative thinking, adaptability, self-regulation, and ethical responsibility.