Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work

On September 1, during the ceremonial celebration of Knowledge Day for first‑year students of Kherson State University — “KSU: the power of knowledge is the power of the future!” — special recognition was given to applicants who demonstrated the highest results during the 2026 admission campaign.

At the end of the summer, the project Summer School of Professional Development – 2026 titled “Professional Activity of a University Lecturer in the Context of Digital Transformation” took place.

The Summer School was held from August 25 to 30 and consisted of two modules:

August 25–27 – three days of online training in a virtual environment. The online module program included modern trainings, practical workshops, discussions, and meetings with experts.

01 September 2026, PhD in Pedagogy, Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work, Tetiana Shvets, together with students of all years of the first (bachelor’s) and second (master’s) levels of higher education in the specialties “Social Work” and “Social Work and Counselling”, took part in the online practice‑exchange meeting “Social Work and Communication Assistance at an Integration Enterprise”. The online meeting was held within the project “Pathways Out of Poverty: First Aid and Career Prospects”, implemented by the Charitable Organization “Horikhovyi Dim Foundation” in partnership with WienWork integrative Betriebe und AusbildungsgmbH and supported by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of Austria.

On August 31, a meeting was held between the faculty members and first-year students of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Work.

At the beginning of the event, the Dean of the Faculty, Nataliia Anatoliivna Voropai, addressed the students with words of welcome, wishing the first-year students successful studies, engaging student years, new opportunities and professional growth.

During the meeting, the students were introduced to the structure and composition of the faculty, the specifics of its activities, educational directions and the opportunities available to them.

An extraordinary journey has come to an end — participation in the international camp “Mindrise: The Respite, Recovery & Resilience Camp”, which took place in the city of Płońsk (Poland). In this journey, together with psychology students and under the guidance of D. S. Domanchuk, took part Rostyslav Yevsiukov, a fourth‑year student of the first (bachelor’s) level of higher education, majoring in Social Work.

These two weeks became a time of deep professional reboot, learning, and inspiration for a future social worker.

On June 30, 2026, a meeting was held at Kherson State University between the staff of the Faculty of Pedagogy and the Faculty of Psychology, History, and Sociology, the Rector Oleksandr Volodymyrovych Spivakovskyi, and the University Vice-Rectors.

During the meeting, significant changes in the university structure were presented, namely: the merger of two strong units into one large faculty, which, starting from July 1, 2026, will be named the Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology, and Social Work.

Today, on 18 June 2026, the third and final stage of the meeting of the Attestation Examination Commission took place. The defence of the qualification thesis (project) was held for a first‑cycle higher education student (bachelor’s level) majoring in 054 Sociology, group 07‑451 (full‑time).

The Commission consisted of: O. V. Maksymovych (Chair of the Commission) – Director of the Educational and Scientific Centre “Carpathian Institute of Analytics”, sociologist, researcher of intercultural communication among youth in the border regions of Eastern and Central Europe, sociology of education and culture, and ethnosociology; 

Today, on 17 June 2026, the second stage of the meeting of the Attestation Examination Commission for students of the first level of higher education in the Social Work programme, groups 07‑411 (full‑time) and 07‑411z (part‑time), took place — namely, the Defence of the Qualification Thesis (Project). All bachelor’s students were present at the examination and presented their qualification works.

The Commission, chaired by O. Yu. Pashchenko, Director of the Territorial Centre for Social Services of the Central District of Kherson, together with other commission members — S. K. Kostiuchkov, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, 

From 8 to 13 June 2026, Tetiana Shvets, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, and Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work, took part in the X International Anniversary Forum “Mediation and Law”, organized by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation in cooperation with its partners: the Supreme Court of Ukraine, the Ombudsman of Ukraine, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the State Tax Service of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine, the State Service of Ukraine for Children, the National Mediation and Conciliation Service, the National Social Service of Ukraine, 

On 5 June 2026, Tetiana M. Shvets, PhD in Pedagogy, Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work, took part in the annual Forum “Educational Leadership Days – 2026”, organized by the National University “Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic”. The Forum was held with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the All-Ukrainian Association of Regional Employer Organizations of Metallurgical Enterprises “Federation of Metallurgists of Ukraine”, the Zaporizhzhia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Public Union “Zaporizhzhia Cluster ‘Engineering – Automation – Mechanical Engineering’”, and SE “IVCHENKO-PROGRESS”.

On 16 June 2026, the first stage of the bachelor examination assessment was completed. Today, the attestation exam was held for students of groups 07‑411 (full‑time) and 07‑411z (part‑time) in the disciplines “History and Theory of Social Work” and “Social Work Technologies”.

Composition of the Attestation Commission:

• Chair of the Commission — O.Yu. Pashchenko, Director of the Territorial Centre for Social Services (Provision of Social Services) of the Central District of Kherson.

• Deputy Chair — S.K. Kostiuchkov, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, Head of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work.

From 29 May to 05 June 2026, the lecturers of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work — Associate Professor V. O. Hurich, Associate Professor T. M. Shvets, and Associate Professor T. O. Cherkashyna — completed training within the EU4DEFA 2.0 Summer Online School, held as part of the implementation of the international project of the EU Erasmus+ Programme, Jean Monnet Module “EU for people’s digital, eco and financial awareness” (Jean Monnet Module 101174694 – EU4DEFA – ERASMUS-JMO-2024-HEI-TCH-RSCH).

Today, 04 June 2026, first‑year students of the bachelor’s programme in Sociology (specialty C5) presented the results of their initial academic research. This event marked a bright conclusion to the study of the course History of Sociology. 

The presentations clearly reflected the emerging directions of the students’ future scholarly interests:

• Taras Danyltsiv focused on Digital Sociology.

• Yana Lysak explored issues of global migration, transnationalism, and life “between two worlds”.

• Polina Veselova concentrated on cyberfeminism and the transformation of gender hierarchies under the influence of AI.

Today, on 26 May 2026, a presentation of the book “The Gates of Avaloria” by Taras Danyltsev, a first‑year student of the Sociology programme at the Faculty of Psychology, History and Sociology, took place. The presentation was held at the Regional Youth Library in Ivano-Frankivsk.

The ceremonial event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Iryna Shaposhnykova, and the Deputy Dean and Digitalisation Assistant, Halyna Mykhailenko.

Representatives of the Department of Social and Humanitarian Work and members of the Student Self-Government of Kherson State University were also present.

On May 28, 2026, Kherson State University, together with the Council of Young Scientists under the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, held the All‑Ukrainian Youth Scientific Forum “Science Shaping the Future: Ideas, Research, Impact.”

The event consisted of two blocks: Block I. Experience in Organizing Youth Scientific Work Block II. Postgraduate Lecture Series

The opening remarks were delivered by Anastasiia Simakhova, Chair of the Council of Young Scientists under the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Today, May 19, 2026, the scientific and practical student seminar of the department, “Young Science of the Department,” was held as part of the KSU Science Week. Additionally, a preliminary defense of bachelor’s theses for 4th‑year students and the defense of course papers for 3rd‑year students of the first (bachelor’s) level of higher education in the specialties Social Work and Sociology took place. The defense was attended by the Chair of the Commission, Head of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work, Professor S. K. Kostiuchkov; member of the Commission, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, History and Sociology, Professor I. V. Shaposhnykova; 

On 19 May 2026, within the framework of Science Weeks at Kherson State University, the academic staff of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work took part in the roundtable discussion “Professional Standard of the Social Pedagogue: From Discussion to Implementation.” The event was organized by the Department of Social Pedagogy and Social Work of the Faculty of Education at Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University and the Department of Social Work of the Faculty of Special Education and Social Policy at Mykhailo Drahomanov Ukrainian State University.

Today, May 18, 2026, the assessment of the industrial (field) internship for first‑year part‑time Master’s students took place. The internship lasted for three weeks, from April 20, 2026 to May 15, 2026.The internship bases included the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work, as well as the Municipal Institution “E. E. Karabelesh City Clinical Hospital” in Kherson.

The attending trainees submitted all required materials and their practical work, and also demonstrated a high level of theoretical preparation and readiness to apply their knowledge in the future.

On 27 March 2026, the assessment of the first‑year students of the I10 Social Work and Counselling master’s programme (full‑time study) for their field placement was conducted. The examination committee consisted of the Acting Dean of the Faculty, Professor I.V. Shaposhnykova; the Head of the Department, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor S.K. Kostiuchkov; and T.M. Shvets, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, and guarantor of the Social Work and Counselling educational programme.

On 19 March 2026, as part of Social Work Week dedicated to the celebration of World Social Work Day, the Department of Social Pedagogy and Social Work of Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University and the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work of Kherson State University held a joint interdepartmental event. The event was moderated by Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, and Professor of the Department of Social Pedagogy and Social Work at Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University, O. L. Protas,

Students of the “Social Work” and “Social Work and Counselling” programmes traditionally demonstrate initiative and creativity in implementing various educational and social projects. This time, they have prepared a new career‑orientation video titled “Social Work and Counselling - It’s Cool!” In the video, first‑, second‑, third‑ and fourth‑year bachelor’s students share their own vision of the profession, highlighting its modern relevance, importance, and wide opportunities for growth.

Today, April 3, 2026, another career‑orientation meeting was held with future potential applicants to our department. Today we met with the 11th‑grade graduating students of Kherson Educational Complex No. 56 of the Kherson City Council.The prospective applicants were welcomed by the Acting Dean of the Faculty, Professor, Doctor of Sociological Sciences I. V. Shaposhnykova. The Head of the Department, Professor S. K. Kostiuchkov, also delivered a brief address.

In March 2026, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, and Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology, and Social Work T. M. Shvets took part in the webinar “Academic Integrity: Challenges, Problems, and Prospects”, organized by the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance, the Ethics Committee of the National Agency, the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service, the Integrity Office of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, and Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University.

On 17 April 2026, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, and Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology, and Social Work T. M. Shvets, together with M. I. Ozerov, a first‑year postgraduate student of the third (educational and scientific) level of higher education in the specialty I10 Social Work and Counselling, took part in the 20th International Scientific and Practical Conference “Development of Modern Education and Science: Results, Problems, and Prospects. Between Disciplines: Spaces of Interaction in Science, Art, and Education.”

Today, May 6, 2026, a career‑orientation meeting was held with the graduating students of Kherson Specialized School No. 24 of the Kherson City Council. As is tradition, the prospective applicants were welcomed by the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, History and Sociology, Professor, Doctor of Sociological Sciences I. V. Shaposhnykova.

The Head of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work, Professor S. K. Kostiuchkov, also delivered a brief address.

The future students were introduced to the academic programmes offered by our department.

On April 30, 2026, lecturers of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work, together with first‑year students of the Social Work and Counselling programme, took part in the presentation of the book Kherson Residents in 2022–2025. 

The book is a collection of personal memories of city residents about their experiences and everyday life during this challenging period. It brings together stories and photo chronicles of Kherson citizens — medical workers, utility service employees, firefighters, rescuers, volunteers, educators, cultural figures, and representatives of other fields.

On March 18, 2026, the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work hosted a networking event titled “Social Work as an Activity and Profession Filled with Humanism and Compassion,” dedicated to World Social Work Day for first-year students of Group 111, full‑time programme, specialty I10 Social Work and Counselling. Networking is an activity aimed at exchanging information among people united by shared professional or personal interests, usually in an informal setting. 

On April 14, 2026, a career guidance meeting was held with the 11th‑grade students of Hola Prystan Lyceum No. 3 of the Hola Prystan City Council, Kherson Region.

The acting dean of the faculty, Professor I. V. Shaposhnykova, addressed the prospective applicants, presenting the faculty and providing general information about its departments and their academic programs.

The Head of the Department, Professor S. K. Kostiuchkov, gave a more detailed overview of the “Social Work and Counseling” program.

On 29 December 2025, the final conference on pre‑graduation practice was held for first‑year full‑time students of the second (master’s) level of higher education in the specialty I10 “Social Work and Counselling”.

The students presented the initial steps and preliminary results of their future master’s research projects.

All participants received grades of “excellent” or “good”.

On April 7, 2026, a career‑orientation meeting was held with students of the general secondary education institution “Muzykivka Lyceum” of the Kherson Regional Council.

The meeting was attended by: Acting Dean, Professor, Doctor of Sociological Sciences I. Shaposhnykova; Head of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work, Professor S. Kostiuchkov; and the program guarantors of “Sociology” and “Social Work and Counseling” — T. Cherkashyna and T. Shvets. The Head of the “Admissions Office” of the university, N. Starodubets, was also present.

Today, on March 26, 2026, a career‑orientation meeting was held between the lecturers of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology, and Social Work of Kherson State University and prospective applicants to the degree programs “Social Work and Counselling” and “Sociology.” Today we were joined by students of the Kherson Scientific Lyceum of the Kherson Regional Council. During the meeting, the following speakers addressed the students: Acting Dean of the Faculty, Professor I. V. Shaposhnykova; Head of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology, and Social Work, Professor S. K. Kostiuchkov; 

On December 10, 2025, a meeting of the Competition Committee of Kherson State University was held.

During the meeting, the competition case of Associate Professor Volodymyr Hurich, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology, and Social Work, was reviewed in connection with his participation in the competition for the position of Associate Professor.

Good news! 

In the second stage of the All-Ukrainian Competition for the Defense of Research Projects by Student Members of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in the 2025/2026 academic year, first place was awarded to Ksenia Fertak, an 11th-grade student of the Regional Scientific Lyceum of the Kherson Regional Council, for her research project “Developing National-Patriotic Identity and Value Orientations of Youth through Student Self-Governance in Wartime Conditions.”

Yesterday, on March 10, 2026, a warm and solemn meeting was held at the Kherson State University office in Ivano-Frankivsk, along with an online broadcast of a university-wide cultural and artistic event dedicated to the creative legacy of Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko. The poetry café “Well, what are words, it would seem…”

The event featured open readings of poetic works, lyrical excerpts, and original interpretations of Taras Shevchenko’s poetry.

13 March 2026, on the 82nd anniversary of the liberation of our city from the Nazi occupiers during the Second World War, the book “Kherson Residents in 2022–2025” was presented in Kherson — a collection of personal memories by city residents about their lives during this period.

The book brings together stories and photo chronicles from doctors, utility workers, firefighters, rescuers, volunteers, educators, cultural figures, and representatives of other fields.

On December 17, 2025, a guest lecture by Professor Serhii Kostyuchkov was held via the Zoom application for higher education students majoring in “Journalism” at Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University. The topic of the lecture — “Bioethical Imperatives of Counteracting Neurocognitive Hacking: A Biophilosophical Interpretation” — aroused significant interest among the audience.