The University of British Columbia offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree. 

  • Admission to the BSW program is open both to applicants with a Bachelor of Arts degree, or a minimum of 60 credits of Arts and Science courses which are transferable to UBC
  • Applicants with a Social Service Worker diploma should note that a significant number of these courses will not transfer to UBC. Students can receive transfer credit for UBC SOWK 200 and 201 by completing the SSRV 2000 and 2001.
  • Students will also be required to demonstrate proven suitability for a career in social work through a minimum of 100 hours of relevant employment and/or volunteer history. The experience should focus on social service or health-related activities and have direct and ongoing contact with vulnerable or disadvantaged members of society
  • Two letters of reference are required
  • Overall average of at least 68% (2.67) on the most recent 30 credits preceding admission is required

 

Useful links when using this course planning worksheet:

UBC Admission Requirements  
UBC Department Website
BC Transfer Guide
Langara Diagnostic Tests

The following are the lower division academic requirements for entry into the School of Social Work:

UBC Courses

Credits

Langara Equivalent Courses

Credits

ENGL 100 or WRDS 150

3

ENGL 1100 or ENGL 1123

3

Social Science & Humanities electives 

 18

Social Science & Humanities electives 1

18

Electives 

 33

Electives 2

33

SOWK 200 & 201 

 6

SSRV 2000 & 2001 3

6

FOOTNOTES:

1 18 credits of course work in the social sciences and humanities. Suitable subject areas include, but are not limited to Anthropology, Canadian History, Economics, Family Studies, Gender Studies, Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

2 An additional 33 credits of university-transfer course work is required to complete two academic years (60 credits).  It is advisable to follow requirements for Bachelor of Arts programs. 

3 Students who have completed a Social Service Worker certificate/diploma will generally be exempt from SOWK 2000 and SOWK 2001. UBC requires a minimum grade of 72% in the courses equivalent to SOWK 200 & 201.

 

This course planning outline is created by Langara Counselling Services and is intended for use only as a guide. It is the student's responsibility to consult original sources to ensure accuracy.

Updated August 2023