University of Northern British Columbia

Social Work - Foundation Year (MSW)

University of Northern British Columbia

Faculty:Graduate Studies
Degree:Master
Field of Study:Social Work
Course Based:Yes
Length:1 Year(s)
Cost per year:*
National: $4,435
International: $6,209

Tuition is subject to change.



Careers:Managers in Social, Community and Correctional ServicesSocial WorkersCommunity and Social Service Workers

Description:

The Master of Social Work program is available on a full- or part-time basis and can be completed by thesis or practicum. The MSW builds on the BSW by offering students an integrated research/policy/practice concentration in one of the key thematic areas: social work in northern and remote areas; Indigenous peoples; women and the human services; and community practice and research. The aim of the MSW is to provide students with advanced social work research, policy, and practice skills. It is designed to enable students to pursue independent studies that will help them undertake a variety of responsibilities in management, policy formulation, program consultation, planning, advanced social work, clinical practice, and research within the human services.

For those with baccalaureate degrees in related areas and two years of full-time previous human service experience, the MSW normally consists of 66 credit hours (two years) of study. The foundation year consists of six 600-level courses, two 600-level social work electives, plus SOCW 632-9 (MSW Practicum I).

Prerequisites:

Grade for Entrance Previous Year (%)*75
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.

    To submit your application online, you will need:

    • Unofficial copies of transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (unofficial transcripts). Transcripts should be submitted in the original language they were produced in, accompanied by English translations (if required). International applicants are required to upload proof of degree as well. For more information see requirements for including transcripts with your application.
    • In general, applicants to a Master’s degree program must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
    • Domestic applicants are normally required to have a minimum overall average of 3.00 (B) for third- and fourth-year courses.
    • A statement of academic interest (programs may have specific requirements for the statement of interest, please review the program specific admission requirements below for specific program requirements).
    • Name and contact information for your references (an institutional email address is required). References should be submitted no later than 2 weeks after the published deadline for your program. Please review our guide to tracking your application to monitor receipt of your references.

    Test Scores:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) or Canadian Academic English Language Assessment or International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) or Pearson Test of English (Academic)
    Application Notes :

    Please note that there are two entry routes into an MSW at UNBC: Entry from a Bachelor of Social Work leads directly into the Advanced Year of the MSW Program, and Entry with a Bachelor's degree in a related field or discipline, and two years (24 months full-time equivalent) human service experience. More information can be found here: http://www.unbc.ca/calendar/graduate/social-work.

    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Statement of Research Interests

    Domestic applicants must supply a Criminal Record Check search result after receiving an offer of admission and before the first day of classes; the search result is not required with the application. International applicants must submit a Criminal Record Check search result provided by their local police authority upon application, and will also be required to submit a British Columbia Criminal Record Check if offered admission. The Office of the Registrar will provide instructions to domestic and international applicants who have accepted offers of admission on how to complete a British Columbia Criminal Record Check.


    Completion of the MSW Supplementary Application form is also required in order to be considered for admission. The MSW Supplementary Application form is included with the application material for this program. Two academic letters of reference and one professional letter of reference must be submitted.

    * The entrance grade may change from year to year. Please contact the school for further information.

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

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    Modified on April 20, 2026

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