The Undergraduate Program follows a common curriculum for all students during the first two years, characterized by its interdisciplinary nature. Core compulsory courses cover fields such as Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Law, History, and introductory courses in Social and Educational Policy.

The aim of the curriculum during these first two years is to help students understand the connection and complementarity between the two disciplines taught in the Department. Students develop fundamental knowledge in both fields, as well as analytical and conceptual synthesis skills. They are introduced to scientific research through courses on qualitative and quantitative methodology and statistical analysis. Additionally, they acquire digital technology skills through courses and workshops in the Department’s two Informatics Laboratories.

Specializations

In the third year, students select one of the two specialization tracks:

Social Policy

Educational Policy

For students enrolled from the academic year 2016-2017 onward, their selected specialization is explicitly stated on their degree, enhancing both the distinct identity of the Department and its graduates’ career prospects.

The specialization courses focus on not only in cultivating in-depth knowledge in the respective fields, but also on helping them hone useful research and professional skills relevant to their chosen field.

Social Policy Specialization

The curriculum includes elective compulsory courses covering a wide range of topics such as:

  • Theoretical, historical, institutional, and economic analysis of the welfare state
  • Organization, administration, and evaluation of social services
  • Employment policy, labor relations, health policy
  • Social inequalities, poverty, social exclusion
  • Migration policy, crime prevention policy, social economy, etc.

Educational Policy Specialization

Courses analyze Educational Policy at all levels of formal education and modern education models (lifelong learning, adult education, distance learning, corporate training, informal education). Other topics include:

  • Institutional framework and public policies in education
  • Digital transformation and evaluation of education programs
  • Historical and sociological perspectives on education theories
  • Contemporary trends in pedagogy and education sciences

European and International Dimension

A key priority of the curriculum is to analyze European and international experiences and to relate national social and Educational policies to corresponding supranational policies. Students are encouraged to engage in international literature and participate in research initiatives within the Department.

The Erasmus+ program supports student mobility for studies in partner European universities, while the Department’s English Language Program assists students in achieving these academic goals.

Curriculum Structure

The undergraduate program lasts eight (8) semesters and is divided into two cycles of four semesters each:

  • The first cycle is common for all students, covering subjects from both specialization tracks.
  • The second cycle consists of Elective Compulsory Courses, and students select their specialization at the beginning of the 5th semester.

The curriculum is structured into three course categories:

  1. Core Compulsory Courses
    • Total: 104 ECTS (22 courses)
  2. Specialization Courses
    • Each includes Elective Compulsory Courses (total 68 ECTS, 13 courses)
  3. Free Elective Courses
    • Students must complete 30 ECTS
    • They may choose courses from either specialization.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must successfully complete:

  • Core Compulsory Courses (1st & 2nd category)
  • Elective Compulsory Courses (chosen specialization)
  • Free Elective Courses (optional courses from either specialization)

Students must accumulate 240 ECTS in total, in accordance with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) standards.

Additional Academic Requirements

  • English Language Program (4 compulsory courses, 8 ECTS)
  • Research Project / Internship (8th semester, 20 ECTS)
  • Optional Thesis (8th semester, 10 ECTS) or additional elective courses (10 ECTS)

Career Preparation & Professional Skills

The curriculum is designed to enhance career readiness, including courses on soft skills, policy design and evaluation, administration, and entrepreneurship.

Students can gain practical experience through:

  • Internships in Greece or abroad (Erasmus+ Placement)
  • Thesis project (optional, 10 ECTS, final semester)

Download the Full Study Guide for the Academic Year 2024-25


 

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