Field Education: BSW

What is Field Education?

Field Education placements are an opportunity for students to gain work experience in the social work field under the supervision of an experienced professional. Placements are completed in a wide range of community and government agencies and can usually be done in your home community. Normally students complete their field education placements in a single semester. We do, however, offer a two semester, part-time, option from September to April only.

Contact

For general enquiries about field education, please contact our Field Education (Practicum) Assistant: 

Application Process

Once you are registered as a School of Social Work student, you will gain access to Field Education Hub which has application information, forms, and deadlines.


1. Visit the Field Education Hub and note the application deadline: Depending on the practicum course, an application is due 6, 8, or 12 months in advance. 2. Fill out an application: All application links are on the Field Education Hub. 3. After the application deadline: You will receive a confirmation of your successful application after all applications are processed. 4. Registration: You cannot self-register for a practicum course. The School of Social Work does this. / Soon after registration opens you will receive an email confirming you are registered in the course. 5. Receive an email from your Field Education Coordinator with next steps: OR If you applied for SOCW 304A Prior Learning Assessment, the assessor will review your application and you will be notified if you have been accepted.

Pre-requisites:

Students can choose the semester they wish to complete their field education placement in; however, students are responsible for ensuring they have successfully completed their pre-requisite courses prior to beginning their placements. (e.g. 312A and 312B must be done before starting SOCW 304 or 304A). Pre-requisites, for your year of entry to the program, are listed in the UVic Academic Calendar.

For questions about BSW pre-requisites, please contact the BSW Academic Advisor, swadvise@uvic.ca

In Field Education:

  • Students will complete two placements (350 hours per placement) over the course of their program. A field education seminar is also required.

  • All BSW students are required to complete either a 3rd year field education placement (SOCW 304) or a 3rd year Prior Learning Assessment (SOCW 304A). The Prior Learning Assessment is an option for students who already have at least two years of social work employment or volunteer experience.

  • All BSW students are also required to complete a 4th year field education placement (SOCW 402, 404A or 404).

  • Child Welfare/Indigenous Child Welfare Specialization students need to complete a SOCW 404 (protection) or SOCW 404A (non-protection).

  • Availability of field education placements differs depending on your area, access to qualified supervisors and time of year.