Social Work (MSW)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Northern British Columbia is designed for aspiring social work professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in advanced practice, policy, and research. This postgraduate program equips you with the critical skills needed to address complex social issues, particularly within northern, remote, and Indigenous communities. You will explore core areas such as Indigenous Peoples: Advanced Social Work Practice, Qualitative Research Approaches, and Integrative Seminar, preparing you for impactful roles in human services and policy development. This degree is ideal for those committed to advancing social justice and community well-being.

You will engage in a rigorous, full-time, on-campus learning experience over two years, focusing on either a thesis or practicum pathway. Your studies will involve required courses in advanced quantitative and qualitative research, alongside specialized electives like Clinical Social Work Practice or Community Work/Politics of Change. The MSW program emphasizes hands-on experience, whether through a substantial MSW Thesis or extensive MSW Practicum placements. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for advanced responsibilities in social work management, policy formulation, clinical practice, and research, ready to make a significant contribution to the field.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Master of Social Work program offers advanced training in social work practice, research, and policy. Students will engage with core coursework focusing on Indigenous Peoples, research methodologies, and integrative seminars. Depending on their chosen path, students will complete either a thesis or practicum, alongside required and elective courses that explore diverse areas such as Northern/remote practice, women's issues, community work, and specialized topics related to Indigenous populations and mental health.

1 Thesis students must take the following required courses:

Indigenous Peoples: Advanced Social Work Practice
Advanced Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research Approaches in Health and Human Sciences
MSW Integrative Seminar
MSW Thesis

2 Practicum students must take the following required courses:

Indigenous Peoples: Advanced Social Work Practice
Advanced Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research Approaches in Health and Human Sciences
MSW Integrative Seminar
MSW Practicum II

3 All students are required to take one of the following courses, and may take the other two courses as electives:

Current Issues in Northern/Remote Social Work
Women: Policy/Practice Issues
Community Work/Politics of Change

4 Electives

Directed Readings
Wellness: Alternative Approaches
Clinical Social Work Practice
Indigenous Peoples in Canada: Past/Present/Future
Reflections on Practice: Indigenous Child/Youth Mental Health
Social Work/Counselling Skills with Indigenous Children/Youth
Mental Illness and Addictions Among Indigenous Children/Youth
Crisis Work With Indigenous Children/Youth: Restoring Balance
Community-Based Prevention with Indigenous Peoples: Creating Balance
Special Topics
Research Practicum

5 MSW Foundation Year

Communication Skills
Critical Social Work Practice
MSW Practicum I
Critical Social Policy
Social Work Research/Policy/Practice
Social Work Philosophy and Ethics
Advanced Practice

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 4,535.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 4,535.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 9,071.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 530.00 - USD 1,716.00
Food & Groceries USD 5,634.00 - USD 6,068.00
Transport USD 521.00 - USD 694.00
Utilities & Bills USD 867.00 - USD 1,301.00
Estimated Total USD 7,022.00 - USD 8,063.00

Living cost estimates are based on Prince George Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

89%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Civil & Infrastructure EngineeringCorporate Finance & TreasuryElectrical & Mechanical InstallationHealthcare Administration & ManagementInsurance & Risk ManagementInvestment Management & Asset ManagementMental Health & CounselingNursing & Allied HealthProject & Construction ManagementQuantity Surveying & Cost Estimation

Top Employers Hiring for this course

College of New Caledonia

Government of ALberta

Government of Canada

The University of British Columbia

University of Northern British Columbia

Why Study Social Work (MSW) at University of Northern British Columbia

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at University of Northern British Columbia in Canada

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Social Work (MSW) at University of Northern British Columbia

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term time and unlimited hours on breaks. Campus work is also permitted without a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests. Minimum scores include a TOEFL overall score of 90, IELTS overall score of 6.5, or PTE overall score of 65.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue roles such as social work manager, policy consultant, program planner, clinical social worker, or community researcher.

What will I actually study in this course?

The MSW program focuses on advanced social work skills, including research, policy formulation, and clinical practice. Students can specialize in areas such as social work in northern regions and Indigenous peoples.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Master of Social Work program has an intake in September each year. Students can choose to enroll either full-time or part-time.
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