Program Overview

Bachelor of Social Work [BSW]

Programme Information

The Bachelor of Social Work programme entails work-integrated learning that leads to a professional career in social work and enables graduates to assist people with solving problems, to promote social change, development and cohesion, and to empower and liberate all people. The learning outcomes of the programme include equipping graduates with the values, knowledge, skills and applied competencies to enable them to:

• uphold social justice and human rights;
• enhance the social functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities;
• promote sustainable communities;
• advocate for the removal of structural causes of poverty, inequality, oppression, discrimination and social exclusion;
• adopt developmental social work methods and techniques in rendering preventative, protective, developmental and therapeutic interventions to individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities;
• inform social work services to protect those who are vulnerable, belong to high-risk groups and are unable to protect themselves;
• address social needs and issues in the South African social welfare policy and legislation contexts;
• influence and develop social policy; and
• inform research methods, designs and strategies.

Career Opportunities

• Social worker

Faculty Notes

Except in cases where modules or programmes require the use of a language other than English, all modules will be presented only in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Humanities provides a holistic education, transferable skills, critical thinking, and communication and problem-solving that will help you develop to your full potential. You will be entering a stimulating environment that will broaden your intellectual horizons and help you achieve personal and professional success through the best possible learning experience.

As the most diverse Faculty of the University of Pretoria, we offer an exciting and comprehensive range of programmes and discipline-based majors, including studies in languages, social sciences and visual and performing arts.

Admission Requirements

Important Information for All Prospective Students

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications.

• Minimum Requirements
  • Achievement level: English Home Language or English First Additional Language
  • APS (Grade 11): 30
  • APS (NSC/IEB completed): 28
• To retain admission, candidates must obtain an APS of at least 28 in the NSC/IEB.
• A police clearance certificate (PCC) is required to study social work.
• Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
• Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
• Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
• Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Selection Process

Departmental selection takes place at the end of the first year and is based on academic merit, an aptitude test and an interview.

Minimum Duration

4 years, full-time

Closing Dates

• South Africa: 30/06/2025
• International: 30/06/2025