Social Wellbeing

Social Wellbeing


Disability Studies

Building a Maltese Disabled people's History
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Disability Issues in Practice
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Exploring Disabled People's Expressions through the Arts
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability; equal access to the art for persons with disability
Services for an Independent Life
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability; equal access to services for persons with disability to lead an independent life
Disability Issues in Social Policy and Social Work
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability; equal access to services for persons with disability
Sexuality and Disability
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Building Inclusive Communities
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Providing Equal Access to Disabled People
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Guided Long Essay
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Advanced Study Skills for Disability Studies
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Disability Policy
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Education, Employment and Health Access to Related Services
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability; equal access to education, employment and health services for persons with disability

Disability studies

Universal Design: Access for all
UG
Environmental and social sustainability; Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability

Disability Studies

Living with the Label '' Intellectual Disability''
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Representation of Disabled People
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Directed Literature Review
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Disability Access Project
UG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Emancipatory Disability Research
PG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Disability, Poverty and Social Exclusion
PG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Rights Based Approach to Disability
PG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Intellectual Disability
PG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Psycho-Social Disabilities
PG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability; equal access to services for persons with disability to lead an independent life
Person-Centred and Family-Oriented Disability Services
PG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability; equal access to services for persons with disability to lead an independent life
Disability, gender and Sexuality
PG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Disability Across Cultures: Critical Dimensions
PG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability
Disability, Tourism, Leisure and Sport
PG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability; equal access to tourism, leisure and sport for persons with disability
Disability, Media and the Arts
PG
Promoting the social inclusion of persons with disability

Child & Family Studies

Current Family Issues in a Changing Society
UG
Covers pro-natalist policies; work-life integration policies; and childcare.
Contemporary Family Issues for Pastoral Work
PG
Covers issues such as low fertility rate, challenges parents face, and work-life integration.

Gerontology & Dementia Studies

Ethical Issues in the Care of Older Persons
UG
Ethical evolvement (secular) Relational ethics Robotics in old age Tracking and mapping in dementia care
Gerontechnology and Digital Inclusion in Later Life
UG
Addresses digital inclusion, reducing the digital divide for older adults and ensuring sustainable technological adaptation.
Environmental Gerontology and Assistive Technologies
PG
Focuses on sustainable living environments for older adults through assistive technologies and design.
PsychoSocial Aspects of Ageing and Dementia: Theory and Research
PG
Contributes to sustainable caregiving practices and policies for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Dementia Friendly Environments and Design
PG
Advocates for sustainable and dementia-friendly design in built environments.
Myths, Realities and Ageism in Media Representations of Ageing and Dementia
PG
Challenges ageism in media, promoting an inclusive and socially sustainable society.

Gender & Sexualities

Gender and Culture
UG
SDG 5
Gender, Poverty and Development
UG
SDG05 SDG01 SGD10 SGD08
Gender and Psychology
UG
SDG 5
Media Literacy and Gender Issues
UG
SDG05 SDG04
Violence Against Women
UG
SDG 5
Gender, Sociology and Politics
UG
SDG 5
Gender and Law
UG
SDG5 SDG16
The Intersectionality of Inequality
UG
SDG5 SDG10
Gender in Communications
UG
SDG 5
Mainstreaming for Diversity
UG
SDG5 SDG10
Gender, Sexuality and Society
UG
SDG 5
Gender based Violence
PG
SDG05 SDG16
Gender and Culture
PG
SDG 5
Gender and Social Justice
PG
SDG5 SDG12 SDG15 SDG10

Gerontology & Dementia Studies

Principles of Social Gerontology
UG
Explores the social aspects of ageing, promoting sustainable social structures and policies for an ageing population.
Mental Health Issues in Later Life
UG
Examines psychological aspects of ageing, promoting sustainable mental health practices and policies.
Sociology of Ageing and Later Life
PG
This study-unit guides students who are already working with older persons or who are planning to work with older persons on empowering older persons through active participation, life-long learning, and intergenerational collaboration. Additionally, this study-unit emphasises the importance of policies which integrate ageing considerations within broader frameworks, while promoting health, wellbeing, and inclusive economic opportunities to ensure that older persons remain active contributors to society. Thus, this study-unit fosters social cohesion, and creates a sustainable model for addressing the challenges of an ageing population.
Ensuring Quality of Life in Old Age
PG
Promotes sustainable social and health care services to ensure the well-being of older adults.
Evaluation and Assessment in Dementia Care
PG
Ensures sustainable evaluation practices for dementia care, leading to continuous improvement in care services.

Gender & Sexualities

Gender Based Violence and Domestic Violence for Police Officers
UG
SDG 5
Introduction to Gender and Sexualities
UG
SDG 5
Gender, Culture and the Body
UG
SDG 5
Gender Issues in Cultural Mediation
UG
SDG 5
Sexual and Gender Diversity for Social Wellbeing
UG
SDG5 SDG10
Gender, Sexuality and Religion
UG
SDG 5
Queering Knowledge
UG
SDG05 SDG04
Gendered Decision Making
UG
SDG5 SDG10 SDG16
Migrating Bodies
UG
SDG5 SDG10 SDG08
Social and Gendered Intersections of Sexual and Reproductive Health
UG
SDG5 SDG03
Sport, Gender and Sexualities
UG
SDG5 SDG03 SDG10
Introduction to Gender, Sexuality and Feminism
PG
SDG04 SDG05 SDG03

Psychology

Psychology of the Family
UG
Covers pro-natalist and work-life integration policies and practices
Environmental Psychology
UG
Sustainability in discussed in relation to Environmental Psychology by examining the relationship between human behaviour and the environment, focusing on how psychological principles can promote sustainable practices. It examines how the physical environment impacts our behaviour and how we, in turn, influence the environment through our actions. The theme of sustainability in this field integrates psychological principles with ecological concerns to promote environmentally responsible behaviours that contribute to long-term ecological balance. Here are a few key aspects of sustainability discussed in Environmental Psychology: 1. Behavioural Change and Sustainability; (a) Understanding and influencing pro-environmental behaviours: Environmental psychologists study how individuals and groups make decisions about their environmental impact. They explore what motivates sustainable behaviours such as recycling, reducing energy consumption, or using public transportation. (b) Barriers to sustainable behaviour: Factors like lack of awareness, social norms, and perceived inconvenience can prevent people from adopting sustainable behaviours. Understanding these barriers helps in designing interventions to promote positive changes. 2. Designing Sustainable Spaces; (a) Built environment and behaviour: Environmental psychologists explore how the design of spaces (homes, workplaces, public areas) can encourage or discourage sustainable behaviours. For example, energy-efficient buildings, green architecture, and nature-integrated designs can promote a connection to the environment and reduce ecological footprints.(b) Green spaces: The availability of parks and green areas can foster a stronger connection with nature, increasing individuals' awareness of sustainability and the importance of conservation. 3. Social Norms and Sustainability; (a) Influence of social norms: People often look to others for guidance in their behaviour. Environmental psychologists investigate how social norms and peer pressure can shape attitudes toward sustainability. For instance, seeing others engage in eco-friendly practices like composting or reducing plastic usage can encourage individuals to adopt similar habits. (b) Community-based sustainability: Collective action is key to promoting large-scale environmental change. Environmental psychologists study how communities can collaborate to create sustainable solutions, whether through local resource sharing, renewable energy initiatives, or collective action on climate issues. 4. Environmental Identity; (a) Connection to nature: How individuals perceive and connect with nature plays a crucial role in their attitudes toward sustainability. Environmental psychologists look at the emotional and psychological connection people have with natural environments and how this affects their willingness to protect and preserve them. (b) Ecological behaviour and self-concept: People who identify as environmentally conscious may feel a stronger obligation to engage in sustainable behaviours, linking their personal identity with pro-environmental actions. 5. Sustainability and Well-Being; (a) Impact of sustainability on well-being: Environmental Psychology examines how sustainable living practices—such as reducing waste, consuming fewer resources, and living in green spaces—can positively impact personal well-being, health, and life satisfaction.(b) Mental health and nature: Exposure to natural environments has been linked to reduced stress, improved mental health, and increased feelings of calm and well-being. This connection supports the idea that sustainable practices not only benefit the planet but also enhance human quality of life. 6. Cognitive and Emotional Aspects of Sustainability; (a) Awareness and cognitive biases: Environmental psychologists analyse how cognitive biases (e.g., optimism bias, discounting future consequences) affect individuals' understanding of long-term environmental issues like climate change. They focus on how to enhance people's awareness and emotional responses to sustainability issues to foster greater engagement. (b) Empathy and environmental advocacy: By exploring how emotions like empathy towards future generations or other species influence sustainability-related decisions, environmental psychology seeks to promote deeper connections with environmental causes. 7. Sustainable Consumption and Lifestyle; (a) Sustainable consumer behaviour: The psychology of consumerism is central to understanding how individuals can be encouraged to adopt more sustainable consumption patterns, such as purchasing eco-friendly products or reducing overall consumption. (b) Shift in values and norms: Environmental psychologists explore the role of values in shaping sustainable consumption, such as prioritising environmental values over materialistic desires.

Social Policy & Social Work

Foundations of Social Wellbeing
UG
Goals 1 and 2 (End poverty; end hunger) covered in lecture on poverty
Social Policy workshops 1
UG
By different lecturers: Workshops on education (goal 4), gender (goal 5), work (goal 8), poverty and inequality (goals 1 & 10).
Understanding the Supply and Support of Volunteers
UG
This study unit can be linked to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily because volunteering plays a crucial role in achieving many of them. While the course description doesn't explicitly mention the SDGs, its focus on understanding, supporting, and training volunteers directly relates to the crucial role volunteers play in achieving multiple SDGs. • SDG 1: No poverty: The course's focus on understanding volunteer motivations and support systems can help organisations effectively recruit and retain volunteers who can contribute to poverty reduction through the provision of essential services. • SDG 3: Good health and well-being: The course's emphasis on training and support for volunteers is especially relevant, ensuring volunteers are well-equipped to contribute effectively and ethically to health initiatives. Furthermore, thee course explores the fact that volunteering itself can have positive impacts on the volunteer's well-being. • SDG 4: Quality education: Volunteers play a significant role in education, from tutoring and mentoring to supporting educational programmes in communities (like youth mentoring programmes). The course's exploration of volunteer motivations and the impact of volunteering can inform strategies for recruiting and engaging volunteers in educational initiatives. • SDG 10: Reduced inequalities: Volunteering can empower marginalised communities and promote social inclusion. By understanding the factors that drive volunteering, organisations can better engage volunteers in efforts to address inequalities and support vulnerable groups. • SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities: Volunteering is essential for building strong and resilient communities. Volunteers contribute to creating sustainable cities and communities. The course's focus on national and international trends in volunteering can help students understand how volunteering contributes to community development on a broader scale. • SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions: Volunteering can strengthen civil society and promote good governance. By understanding the motivations and support needs of volunteers, organisations can better engage them in initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Introducing Social Policy
UG
While the unit does not explicitly mention the UN SDG framework, it examines how social policies can promote well-being and reduce inequalities, contributing to a more sustainable society. By analysing the distribution of resources and access to services, the unit explores the social dimension of sustainability. Specific SDGs that are addressed are goal 1, goal 3, goal 4, goal 5, goal 8, goal 10, goal 16.
The political context of welfare
UG
SDGs explained as example of supranational politics in social domain
Origins & Development of Welfare States
UG
SDGs introduced overall, in narrative about influences on welfare state development
Social Enterprise: Concept and Methods
UG
This study-unit explores how social enterprise organisations prioritise social and environmental impact alongside profit, aligning with Goal 8, promoting decent work and economic growth, while also addressing other goals like reducing poverty (goal 1) and promoting responsible consumption and production (goal 12). Students learn how different social enterprises contribute to specific SDGs. The unit further explores the challenges and opportunities of measuring and reporting social and environmental impact, aligning with goal 17, which emphasises partnerships for the goals.
Governance & Administration in Social Welfare
UG
Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) covered in international development of good governance conceptual framework
Ethics in Social Work Seminars
UG
The study unit focuses on the ethical identity and the development of ethical practices in social work. It does not delve into the UN SDGs, but ethical practice relates to Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Social Workers are involved with different institutions, and ethical practice is significant to strong institutions and justice.
Placement A
UG
Social work placements address issues related to social justice and equity, which are closely aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even if they don’t explicitly mention the SDGs themselves. The values and principles embedded in the curriculum align strongly with the broader SDG agenda. • SDG 10: Reduced inequalities: The learning outcomes of these placements directly address issues of inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion. Students are expected to "assess and explain the impact of psychosocial, political, cultural, racial and economic systems on the lives of people" and "describe and analyse the impact of inequality, discrimination and social exclusion in work with people". These skills are essential for addressing the root causes of inequality and working towards a more equitable society. While not explicitly stated, the types of interventions and evaluations students are involved address the consequences of inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion. For example, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at supporting families in poverty or individuals experiencing discrimination contributes to the broader goal of reducing inequalities. • SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions: Ethical practice, accountability, and working within organisational structures are pivotal markers of these placements. The courses emphasise "demonstrating and applying ethical principles in all aspects of social work practice". This includes navigating complex ethical dilemmas and working within the legal and policy frameworks that aim to promote justice and fairness. Strong institutions rely on ethical professionals to function effectively and serve all members of society. Students are expected to "manage, be accountable for and develop their own practice within an organisational context”. This implies an understanding of professional responsibility and working within established systems, which is crucial for building strong and just institutions. Furthermore, the ability to "critically analyse and evaluate existing practices and structures" is essential for promoting positive change within institutions and ensuring they are serving the needs of all members of society. • Indirect links to other SDGs: While not as directly addressed, the placements' focus on working with vulnerable populations, on intervention and evaluation, likely intersects with other SDGs. For example, social workers often work with individuals and families facing poverty (SDG 1), health challenges (SDG 3), lack of access to education (SDG 4), or community development (SDG 11). By addressing the social determinants of these issues, student social workers' practice can contribute indirectly to progress across multiple SDGs. By evaluating the effectiveness of their interventions, students contribute to evidence-based practice and help ensure that programmes are achieving their intended outcomes, which can contribute to progress across multiple SDGs.
Anti-Oppressive Perspectives in Social Work and Social Policy
UG
The study unit content is focused mostly on SDG 10 Reducing Inequalities and addresses SDG 5 in a lecture on gender inequalities. The unit delves into the effects of oppression in various dimensions such as education, health, poverty, and work.
European social policy
UG
Covers EU's role in contributing to SDGs and its role in implementing them; individual lectures on EU-level policies relevant to goals 1 & 10 (poverty & inequality); 3 (health); 4 (education); 5 (gender equality; 8 (decent work); 16 (peace, justice & strong institutions).
Human Rights Advocacy and Practice in Social Work and Social Policy
UG
The study unit links directly to SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) by exploring human rights and their application. The focus on advocacy links to SDG 10. The focus on second and third generation rights directly link to SDGs related to environmental sustainability, poverty reduction, decent work and well-being.
Areas of Social Policy
PG
By different lecturers: sessions on health (goal 3), education (goal 4), work (goal 8), poverty & inequality (Goals 1 & 10)
Social Work Professional Identity and Ethical Practice
PG
The study unit focuses on the ethical identity and the development of ethical practices in social work. It does not delve into the UN SDGs, but ethical practice relates to Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Social Workers are involved with different institutions, and ethical practice is significant to strong institutions and justice.
Specialised Field Placement
PG
Specialised Field Placement (SWP5206) is offered in a Master of Arts in Management of Social Care Services. Its learning outcomes indirectly relate to some SDGs, primarily those focused on social well-being and effective institutions, though it doesn't explicitly mention the SDGs. The skills and knowledge gained in this placement can contribute to building stronger social care systems that support the well-being and social inclusion of individuals and communities, thereby indirectly contributing to the achievement of relevant SDGs. • SDG 3: Good health and well-being: Social care services are often closely intertwined with health and well-being. Effective management of these services is crucial for ensuring that individuals receive the support they need. By developing skills in managing social care services, students contribute to the infrastructure that supports well-being within communities. • SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions: This placement emphasises applying knowledge to real-world management practices within social care organisations. Effective management, including networking, improving interpersonal skills, and critical reflection, contributes to building strong and responsive institutions. Well-managed social care services are essential for promoting social justice and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need. The focus on critical reflection also aligns with the idea of continuously improving institutions to better serve their purpose. • Indirect Links: Depending on the specific focus of the particular student's placement and the types of social care services involved, there could be indirect links to other SDGs. For example, some of the placements focus on services for families or children, thus there might be connections to SDG 4 (Quality education) or SDG 5 (Gender equality). When this placement involves working with communities facing poverty or social exclusion, there could be links to SDG 1 (No poverty) or SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities).
Resource Management of Social Care Organisations
PG
Resource Management of Social Care Organisations (SWP5208) has indirect connections to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily those related to good governance, decent work, and potentially health and well-being. The skills and knowledge gained in this course can contribute to building more effective, equitable, and sustainable social care systems, thereby indirectly supporting the achievement of relevant SDGs. • SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth: The focus on human resource management, leadership, and creating inclusive work environments directly relates to promoting decent work. The course aims to equip students with the skills to manage diverse teams, foster positive organisational cultures, and effectively plan and budget. These skills are essential for creating workplaces where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered, contributing to productive and fulfilling employment. • SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions: Effective management and administration are crucial for building strong and accountable institutions. This course focuses on various management functions, including planning, financial management, and change management, all of which are essential for running efficient and responsive social care organisations. By developing these skills, students contribute to strengthening the institutions that provide vital social care services. Furthermore, the emphasis on managing diversity promotes inclusion and equity within organisations, contributing to more just and equitable institutions. • Indirect Links to other SDGs: The specific focus of the social care organisations discussed in class varies. This can provide indirect links to other SDGs. For example: o SDG 3: Good health and well-being: When focusing on managing resources within health-related social care organisations, there is a clear link to promoting health and well-being. o SDG 10: Reduced inequalities: Managing diversity effectively and creating inclusive organisations directly contributes to reducing inequalities within the workplace and ensuring that services are accessible to all members of the community.

Youth, Community & Migration Studies

Sustainability and Community Development
PG
The study-unit provides engagement with foundational concepts and perspectives on sustainable development and traditions and trends in policy-making for sustainable development. Further to that, key economics perspectives on environmental degradation (covering insights on causes, sources and implications of GDP, Wellbeing, Equity and Sustainability) are presented and discussed. Students will also gain exposure to economists' toolkit for understanding the costs and benefits of intervention mechanisms (taxes, subsidies, penalties, education, nudges etc.

https://www.um.edu.mt/about/sustainability/research/study-units/socialwellbeing/