Bachelor of Social Work [BSW]

● University of Pretoria
● Study at UP
● Bachelor of Social Work [BSW]

Bachelor of Social Work

This programme entails work-integrated learning that leads to a professional career in social work and
enables graduates to assist people with solving problems, to promote social change, development and
cohesion, and to empower and liberate all people. The learning outcomes of the programme include
equipping graduates with the values, knowledge, skills and applied competencies to enable them to:

● uphold social justice and human rights;

● enhance the social functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities;
● promote sustainable communities;
● advocate for the removal of structural causes of poverty, inequality, oppression, discrimination and
social exclusion;
● adopt developmental social work methods and techniques in rendering preventative, protective,
developmental and therapeutic interventions to individuals, families, groups, organisations and
communities;
● inform social work services to protect those who are vulnerable, belong to high-risk groups and are
unable to protect themselves;
● address social needs and issues in the South African social welfare policy and legislation contexts;
● influence and develop social policy; and
● inform research methods, designs and strategies.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

Career Opportunities

Social worker

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Programme Code

01130144

Closing Dates

● SA – 30/06/2025
● Non-SA – 30/06/2025

Admission Requirements

Important information for all prospective students for 2026

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria
with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB)
qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Minimum requirements
Achievement level
English Home
Language or
APS APS
English First
(Grade 11) (NSC/IEB completed)
Additional
Language
5 30 28

* To retain admission, candidates must obtain an APS of at least 28 in the NSC/IEB.

* A police clearance certificate (PCC) is required to study social work. In terms of the Children’s Act
(2005), all registered student social workers have to complete Form 30 in Part B of the National Child
Protection Register (NCPR).

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification
results.

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Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.

Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International
undergraduate prospectus 2026: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi
(South Africa), available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was
a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for
admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who
have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered
for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a
registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be
considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

● Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may
be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
● Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
● Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of
space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must
be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

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Selection Process

Departmental selection takes place at the end of the first year and is based on academic merit, an
aptitude test and an interview.

Minimum duration of study

4 years, full-time

Faculty Notes

Except in cases where modules or programmes require the use of a language other than English, all
modules will be presented only in English, which is the University's official language of tuition,
communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Humanities provides a holistic education, transferable skills, critical thinking, and
communication and problem-solving that will help you develop to your full potential. You will be
entering a stimulating environment that will broaden your intellectual horizons and help you achieve
personal and professional success through the best possible learning experience.

As the most diverse Faculty of the University of Pretoria, we offer an exciting and comprehensive range
of programmes and discipline-based majors, including studies in languages, social sciences and visual
and performing arts.

● Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the
University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to
time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here
is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification.
The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all
times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by
any party whatsoever.

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Enquiries about the programme

Click Here

How to apply

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Note: Also consult General Rules and Information on the Yearbook website for additional information.

Disclaimer: Due to the continuous restructuring of the Faculty and this website, some of the information
displayed here may not fully reflect the most recent developments in the Faculty. Any discrepancies
that are experienced may be taken up with Student Administration of the Faculty.

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