Bachelor of Social Work at University of Cape Town

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (HB063, NQF level 8, SAQA ID 96465) is a four-year professional degree with a strong emphasis on field practice and on meeting the ethical requirements of the South African Council for Social Service Professions. It totals 480 NQF credits.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities | Department: Department of Social Work and Social Development | Duration: Four years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

First year: Psychology and Sociology introductions, Basic Professional Interaction, Field Practice I and Community Connections. Second year: Introduction to Social Development, Social Work Assessment, Social Work Intervention, Field Practice II and III plus two Psychology or Sociology courses. Third year: Social Work Research, Contemporary Social Work Issues, Field Practice IV and V plus Psychology or Sociology. Fourth year: Social Work Research II, Research Project Paper, Contemporary Families in a Changing Society, Psychosocial Functioning & Empowerment, Social Policy & Management and Field Practice VI.

Career pathways

Professional social work; professional registration requires a full specialisation in either Sociology or Psychology (two second-year and two third-year courses).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Faculty of Humanities (BSW): applicants are admitted into first year but do not gain automatic entry to second year. Continuation is competitive and judged on first-year theory performance, a practical examination (above 65% required), workshop participation (overall practice mark of 65%), demonstrated ability to meet ethical requirements, and a final panel interview; disciplinary matters make a student ineligible. Students not selected transfer to the general BSocSc or BA.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications to study at UCT in 2027 opened on 1 April 2026 and close on 31 July 2026 for undergraduate study; late applications are not considered.

The application fee is R100 for undergraduate and postgraduate applications from South Africa and the SADC region, and R300 for applications from outside the SADC region; it is non-refundable and payable by direct deposit, EFT or credit card (online). UCT students and graduates are exempt except for GSB programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.uct.ac.za

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