Bachelor Of Social Work at UBC - The University of British Columbia - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-05

Program overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of British Columbia is designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, ethics, and values necessary for effective social work intervention. This program emphasizes social justice at various levels, including individual, family, organization, community, and societal contexts. Students will engage in critical and transformative social work theory and practice, focusing on direct practice, group work, and social community development. The program aims to prepare graduates to address complex social issues and advocate for marginalized populations.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Social Work program is a comprehensive educational journey that typically spans 2 years of full-time study. The program structure includes:

Core courses that emphasize human dignity, social equity, and social justice.
Field placements in diverse settings, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world contexts.
Integrative seminars and electives that complement the core curriculum.
A total of 728 hours of practicum experience over the two years, supervised by agency staff.

This program does not offer a co-op option, but students can combine their studies with full-time, paid work at various local and international organizations. The curriculum is designed to foster competencies in social service delivery, focusing on decolonization and social justice.

Featured Experiences

Field placements in community-based settings, providing hands-on experience in social work.
Courses that address contemporary social issues, including those affecting Indigenous peoples.
Opportunities to engage in critical discussions about race, culture, and social policy.
Supervised practicums that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical environments.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Social Worker: Work in various settings such as child protection, health, and mental health services, providing support and advocacy for individuals and families.
Community Development Worker: Engage with communities to identify needs and develop programs that promote social change and empowerment.
Indigenous Cultural Safety Facilitator: Lead initiatives that promote cultural safety and awareness within health and social services.
Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop policies that address social issues and improve service delivery in public and private sectors.
Social Services Coordinator: Oversee programs and services within organizations, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse populations.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit UBC - The University of British Columbia official website

Last updated on 2025-12-05

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of British Columbia, prospective students must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Completion of at least 60 credits of transferable academic post-secondary coursework.
First-year English (3 credits) is mandatory.
Completion of SOWK 200 and 201 (or transferable equivalents).
At least 18 credits in social sciences and humanities.

For international students, it is essential to determine the certification requirements in the country where you intend to practice. This is particularly important for students from Vietnam and other Asian countries, as they may have specific requirements to fulfill.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all necessary deadlines and requirements.

For any clarification or support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors who are ready to assist you.

Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English before they’re admitted.

There are nine ways to meet UBC’s minimum English Language Admission Standard (ELAS) for an undergraduate degree on the Vancouver campus:

Complete four or more consecutive years of recognized, full-time education in English within Canada immediately prior to attending UBC.
Complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language. These four years must be immediately prior to attending UBC.
Achieve a final exam grade of 70% or better on the provincial examination portion of Alberta English Language Arts 30-1, BC English 12 (achieved August 2019 or earlier), or equivalents.
Achieve a final grade of 4 or better on Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition; or achieve a final grade of 5 or better on International Baccalaureate English A: Language and Literature or English A: Literature (higher-level or standard-level).
Achieve the competence standard indicated by one of the tests of English language proficiency that evaluates skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Successfully complete the equivalent of six credits of transferrable post-secondary first-year English studies at a recognized university in an English-speaking country.
Graduate from a recognized degree program at an accredited university at which English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the principal language.
Attend four or more years at an eligible international secondary school that uses English as the language of instruction but operates in a country where the primary language is not English.
Achieve a UBC Certificate in English Language or CEL by completing Level 600 and Level 650 of the UBC English Language Institute’s English for Academic Purposes program on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

If you are fully proficient in English but do not meet any of the nine options listed above, you may request a waiver for the English Language Admission Standard.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!