Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is designed to help students develop competencies in social service delivery within a framework of decolonization and social justice. It emphasizes pedagogical and practice approaches that address systems of power and discrimination related to age, race, gender, sexual orientation, class, culture, and other intersecting identities. Through this lens, the program prepares students to critically engage with structural inequalities while supporting individuals and communities in meaningful, equitable ways.

The program’s educational objective is to equip students with the knowledge, values, ethics, and practical skills required for entry-level professional practice, particularly at the intersection of personal challenges and broader social issues. Delivered as a single, integrated program typically completed over two years of full-time study, the curriculum includes courses in theory, policy, research, and practice, alongside integrative seminars, electives, and two field practicums. Students are required to complete 728 hours of supervised practicum experience in community-based settings, tailored to their learning goals and interests. The Bachelor of Social Work degree is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE), and international students are encouraged to review certification requirements in their intended country of practice.

Admission Requirements

• An academic bachelor’s degree that contains at least 60 credits that are transferable to UBC, or a minimum of 60 credits from Arts or Sciences courses which are transferable to UBC.

What You’ll Learn

• Develop skills in ethical, socially just, and anti-oppressive social work practice.
• Understand how personal challenges connect to broader social and systemic issues.
• Gain knowledge in social work theory, policy, research, and intervention methods.
• Build hands-on experience through supervised community-based practicum placements.