Bachelor of Social Work at University of Pretoria

Programme overview

This work-integrated-learning programme prepares graduates for professional social work, equipping students to promote social justice, strengthen community cohesion, and provide preventative, protective, developmental and therapeutic support to individuals, families, groups and communities.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities | Duration: 4 years, full-time | Intake: Closing dates 30 June 2026 (South Africa and international). | Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

Values, knowledge and practical competencies for developmental social work, social policy, research methods, and statutory and therapeutic social work practice; a police clearance certificate and NCPR Form 30 registration are required.

Career pathways

Child and family welfare, healthcare, disability support and counselling, occupational social work, marriage and divorce counselling, youth work, HIV/AIDS advocacy, substance abuse counselling, clinical social work, community development, statutory social work, gerontology, crime prevention, forensic social work, SAPS social work, mental health advocacy, correctional rehabilitation, adoptions, school social work, social policy, psychiatric social work, and social work education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 28. NSC/IEB: English Home/First Additional Language level 5; APS of at least 30 (Grade 11) / 28 (NSC/IEB, must be retained). Police clearance certificate required. Continuation to second year requires a general average of 60% in first-year social work modules and a weighted average of 60% in other required modules, plus possible aptitude test and interview. Life Orientation excluded from APS.

Domestic applicants: ZAR 56,000 a year (2026). Estimated average 2026 tuition for the 1st year of study for SA and SADC citizens (table row 'BSW (Bachelor of Social Work)'); the source states a range of R56,000 to R68,000 for 1st year, the lower figure is shown, and 2nd to later years have separate ra Source

Intake: Closing dates 30 June 2026 (South Africa and international).

Duration: 4 years, full-time

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