Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

University of Victoria’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students to become critically engaged and socially responsible practitioners committed to advancing social justice and community well-being. The program is grounded in principles of decolonization, anti-racism, Indigenous resurgence, feminism, disability justice, and 2SLGBTQ+ liberation, encouraging students to examine social issues through inclusive and anti-oppressive perspectives. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to work collaboratively with individuals, families, and communities while promoting equity, advocacy, and meaningful social change.

The fully accredited BSW program offers a comprehensive curriculum with opportunities to specialize in areas such as child welfare, Indigenous social work, and Indigenous child welfare. Field education placements are a key component of the program, allowing students to apply classroom learning within real practice settings while strengthening professional competencies and reflective practice. Placements may be completed within students’ own communities or in other locations, and those with prior social work or social justice experience may qualify for Prior Learning Assessment options. Through this combination of theory and practice, graduates are prepared for diverse professional roles grounded in ethical, community-focused social work practice.

Admission Requirements

• Completion of a minimum of the first two years (30 units) of an undergraduate program.

What You’ll Learn

• Learn anti-oppressive, decolonizing, and socially just approaches to social work practice.
• Develop skills to support individuals, families, and communities through advocacy and community engagement.
• Explore specialized areas such as child welfare, Indigenous social work, and social justice movements.
• Gain hands-on experience through field education placements in diverse community settings.