Distance education
Distance education
Mode of delivery
Is studying by distance education for you?
Where can I get more information?
Distance education
Distance education courses provide students residing in Canada an opportunity to create a flexible, full- or part-time program of studies. The first of its kind in Canada, UVic’s distance BSW has been established for over 30 years and continues to offer a progressive, interactive curriculum that responds to the needs of the profession.
All required academic courses in UVic’s BSW curriculum are available through distance education study, allowing you to continue to be employed while completing your studies. Please note that all distance education students are required to attend a mandatory five-day session held on-campus at UVic as part of SOCW 312.
Graduation from the BSW program provides you with a fully accredited degree that opens career opportunities in a variety of different social service organizations. You are also eligible for membership in your provincial professional association of social workers.
Mode of delivery
It is important to note that distance BSW courses are scheduled year-round (September, January, and May terms) with explicit start and end dates and specific assignment deadlines within each course.
- Moodle/online
Distance BSW courses are offered using a combination of delivery methods. For each course, you purchase a package of course materials and are given logon access to a Moodle course site.
Moodle is server-side software application that provides tools for running and facilitating courses online. Here, instructors can post lecture notes, create quizzes, facilitate class discussions and small group exercises, and provide links to learning resources. Online participation is a required component of each course. Instructors are available for group or one-on-one consultation online via the Moodle site and by telephone.
- Face to face instruction
Although the majority of coursework is completed via distance education, one course, SOCW 312: Collaborative Conversations: Working within Communities, also requires a mandatory five-day session held on-campus at UVic.
- Practicum
Along with academic coursework, you must complete both a third and fourth year practicum. These courses can usually be completed in your own community. Please see the practicum section for additional details.
- Materials
Distance Education textbooks and course manuals are easily ordered using the University of Victoria Bookstore’s service “DE Textbooks Online” . Average turnaround time for filling your order is 5-7 working days.
More information on the School of Social Work's distance education program can be found in the de resource kit. On this page you will find a number of links to information, policies, and other resources that we hope will assist you in preparing for and completing BSW courses online.
To help you determine whether online distance education is a fit for you, here are some important considerations:
•You will require regular access to a computer and the Internet
• You will be required to spend 8-12 hours per week on each course
• All online Social Work courses follow the regular UVic semester schedule with set start and end dates, and specific participation and assignment deadlines
• You need to be comfortable communicating online in a group environment, via both written discussions and live web conference sessions
Check out our Faculty, Instructors and Staff
What some of our Distance education students have said:
“For me, the two biggest surprises about online learning have been that I don't feel alone in cyberland, but rather feel connected to folks across the country and inspired and challenged by them (the depth of this connection varies depending on the group, but is there nonetheless). Secondly, I love the peer learning aspect of our online learning together -- overall group discussions have been a very positive experience.”
“AOP (Anti-oppressive practice) enhanced my learning and way of life. I use this in my social work practice everyday."
“ Didn’t realize I had such dedication and determination and could accomplish my dream BSW online.”
“The depth of support I received from people I had never met completely amazed me.”
Check out one of our DE student's blog: http://learnfromafar.wordpress.com/
Tammy Thielman has recently completed her BSW and convocated in November 2012. She has been a Distance BSW student from Salmon Arm, BC, where she lives with husband John and their three children on 20 acres. Tammy's area of interest is mental health and she plans to complete Master's degree from UVic, her favourite university. Tammy is just one of the many mature students with families who was able to complete a meaningful degree while staying in her home community, where her family has deep roots.
The School of Social Work has a unique Student Representative and Mentorship program.
Where can I get more information?
BSW admissions assistant
Phone: 250-721-8036
Email: socw@uvic.ca