At present, the department's strongest areas in research and teaching are the social problems of Eastern Europe, welfare state and its future, problems of old age, life stories and life course, urban and environmental problems. In both alternatives the student's major subject is social policy. In social policy the emphasis is on observing the welfare state and its alternative institutions. Studies include questions concerning social theory, social changes and life-politics. Students will also become acquainted with one specialised field in social policy.
Social work is focused on problems of everyday life and empowerment processes.
It also deals with social problems such as poverty, drug abuse, violence, refugees, minorities, and other marginalized people. The core of social work is solving and alleviating social problems. Moreover, social work tries to make an impact on political decision-making processes, and it aims at strengthening communities and various population groups in the society.