The Department of Social Work Research is for studying social work, youth work and other youth issues and social pedagogy and for doing research on these subjects.

Social work is offered as a major subject in which it is possible to take the Bachelor's and Master's degrees and also postgraduate studies. Postgraduates have the choice of scientific doctoral training or more professionally oriented specialization (known as the licentiate's professional degree). In youth work and youth research and in social pedagogy courses at the basic and intermediate levels are available. During the period 2009-2011 Master's studies are also to be offered in youth work and youth research.

Social work is an old subject of study at the University of Tampere, having been offered as a major subject for the Master's degree ever since the 1970s. Before that, ever since the 1940s, social work could be studied at what was known as the civic college, later the University of Tampere, as the institution was subsequently renamed. Youth work likewise has a long history at the University of Tampere. Until 2009 teaching and research in social work, social pedagogy and youth work came under the Department of Social Policy and Social Work.

The Department of Social Work Research is located on the University main campus on the sixth floor of the Linna Building.