Bachelor of Social Work at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

As a social worker, you can build a career creating meaningful change in people’s lives by addressing social issues and advocating for well-being. With a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) you can work in many different health and social care settings, supporting the long-term will being of people of all ages. With VIU’s BSW, you have flexible study options.

Faculty: Human Services | Duration: 4 years | Study mode: online | Intake: The Bachelor of Social Work program has one intake each Fall. | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Foundations in Critical Social Work, Social Work with Communities, Social Work Theory and Practice Skills, Social Work with Groups, Critical Perspectives on Legal Systems and the Law, Advanced Interpersonal Communication, Third Year Field Education, Contemporary Issues in Social Work.

Career pathways

With a degree in social work you can find a rewarding career in many different workplaces. You can work for health authorities or government agencies. Roles include registered social worker; social work in health care; social work mental health or substance use; social work with children and families; social work with older adults; social work with indigenous communities; social work in criminal justice; social justice advocacy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work degree program at Vancouver Island University is competitive. Students apply to enter the program at the third year level. Students must complete a combination of required and elective courses prior to admission. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the program with an Advisor before pursuing application.; Admission Requirements; To be eligible for admission to the third year, students must have completed at least 60 credits of post-secondary courses that include:Degree English Requirements. A minimum grade of "C+" is required in each course.; 6 credits of SOCW 200A and SOCW 200B or equivalent. A minimum grade of "B-" is required for each course.; Note: For SOCW 200A and SOCW 200B online options, check the VIU Bachelor of Social Work website for further information.; 48 credits of post-secondary courses, of which, at least 24 credits...

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

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

The deadline to apply for most undergraduate programs that begin in September is March 31; deadlines for other start dates vary by program.

Extended deadline of August 16, 2026 for Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science; Business Management Certificate, Event Management Certificate, Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate, Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care, Health Care Assistant Certificate and Practical Nursing Diploma list ongoing deadlines.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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