HEAD OF DEPARTMENT
Dear Students, Prospective Students and Stakeholders,
In our ever-changing and evolving world, the challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities now go beyond traditional support networks, making professional intervention grounded in human rights and social justice essential. As the Department of Social Work at Istanbul Kent University, we are an academic institution that develops solutions—ranging from the empowerment of disadvantaged groups to the enhancement of social welfare—guided by scientific and ethical values, while also actively engaging in professional practice in the field.
Social Work in Line with Our University’s Vision and Mission In accordance with the fundamental principles adopted by our university, our program aims to cultivate individuals who prioritize national needs while embracing universal values, are capable of establishing strong interdisciplinary relationships, and possess an entrepreneurial spirit. Our mission is to prepare qualified social work professionals who can take responsibility in the face of complex social issues—which are diversifying alongside global change—and who effectively utilize science and ethical responsibility to enhance the quality of social life.
In today’s world, social work is not merely a charitable activity aimed at providing aid; it is a dynamic field of study and profession that protects human dignity, advocates for social justice, and addresses the interaction between individuals and their environment through ecological, empowerment-based, and solution-focused approaches. In our department’s educational program, we integrate intervention methods at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels with contemporary approaches such as green social work, migration studies, rights-based advocacy, and crisis intervention.
The future of social work education requires competent and effective professionals who can anticipate new areas of disadvantage in a digitalizing world, think critically and conduct research, and possess strong practical field skills. In this context, the exclusive academic and professional opportunities we offer our students include:
Expanded Field and Ministry Internship Opportunities: To help our students bridge their theoretical knowledge with practical experience, we provide comprehensive internship opportunities at key public institutions—primarily the Ministry of Family and Social Services—as well as local governments and qualified civil society organizations; this process is supported by qualified academic supervision.
Employment-Focused Professional Networking and Career Pathways: Our curriculum and institutional partnerships offer a strategic career perspective designed to enhance our graduates’ employability in the public and civil society sectors, transforming their professional competencies directly into productive outcomes and social benefits.
Experiential Learning and Research: Students have the opportunity to conduct research integrated with the research centers at our university, participate in interdisciplinary projects, and actively contribute to processes of social transformation.
As the Department of Social Work at Istanbul Kent University, we look forward to welcoming all young minds who embrace the ideal of building a social order that centers on the human being, is fair and sustainable, and is inclusive of all differences.
With love and respect,