Delivery method and course plan
The MSW Advanced program is delivered primarily through distance education. Students in the MSWA complete 15 units comprised of course work and one of two completion options: thesis or course-based.
On-campus institute
The first term of study begins with a mandatory 5-day on-campus institute, which is normally scheduled in the last week of August. This on-campus experience gives students the opportunity to visit the UVic campus, meet face-to-face with faculty, staff, and peers, and begin SOCW 512 and SOCW 519, the first two courses of the MSWA program. Both courses will continue online via distance education after the institute concludes. The remainder of the MSWA courses are offered via distance education.
The exact dates for the on-campus institute will be emailed to all admitted MSWA students. Please also refer to the Academic Calendar for other official dates.
MSWA core course requirements
Students are required to complete 9.0 units of core course requirements before proceeding to the completion option of their choice.
- SOCW 512 (1.5) Knowledge and Inquiry: Re-Theorizing Social Work *
- SOCW 519 (1.5) Indigenous Resistance, Resurgence and Revitalization for Helpers *
- SOCW 510 (1.5) Policy Context of Practice
- SOCW 511 (1.5) Contemporary Debates and Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work
- SOCW 515 (1.5) Transnational Social Work
- SOCW 516 (1.5) Research Methodologies
* Begins with the one-week on-campus institute in late August
Course-based option
The MSW Advanced course-based option requires a minimum of 15 units. The 15 units are made up of 10.5 units of course work and a 4.5 unit advanced field education placement.
Field education placement requirement (4.5 units)
- SOCW 506 (4.5) Advanced Practice Practicum
Additional course requirement (1.5)
- SOCW 571 (1.5) MSW Capstone
Thesis option
The MSW Advanced thesis option requires a minimum of 15 units. The 15 units consist of 9.0 units of core courses and a 6.0 unit thesis.
Thesis requirement (6.0 units)
- SOCW 599 (6.0) Thesis
Optional additional course (1.5)
- SOCW 517 (1.5) Research Seminar (supervisor's recommendation required)