COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Victoria is structured to develop professional, ethical, and community-engaged social work practitioners through a combination of academic study and supervised field experience. In the first two years, students complete foundational courses such as Introduction to Social Work Practice and Critical Analysis of Social Welfare in Canada, while also building a broad liberal arts and social sciences background. In Year 3, the program becomes more practice-oriented with courses in collaborative community work, anti-racist social work, Indigenous perspectives, social justice and law, and global approaches to human development. Students also complete a major practicum or prior learning assessment option, gaining hands-on experience in real social service settings. In addition, electives allow students to broaden their academic understanding and tailor their learning. In Year 4, students undertake an advanced practicum along with courses in critical social work practice, research for social change, and Indigenous policy analysis in social work. They also complete upper-level electives in social work or health-related fields to deepen their expertise. Overall, the program integrates theory, critical reflection, and extensive field education to prepare graduates for professional practice in areas such as community services, healthcare, child and family welfare, policy advocacy, and social justice organizations.