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
A one week mandatory on-campus institute is offered at the beginning of the first term of study. Institute dates are posted prior to students receiving offers of admission. The on-campus institute provides students with the opportunity to visit the UVic campus; to meet face-to-face with faculty, staff and other students; and to begin SOCW 512 and SOCW 519—two of the core courses in the MSWA program. SOCW 512 and SOCW 519 continue after the on-campus institute via distance education.
The on-campus institute is normally scheduled within the last week of August/early September (exact dates for 2024 to be determined). All admitted MSWA students will need to refer to their email for the most up-to-date information. Please also refer to the Academic Calendar Timetable for other official dates.
The remainder of the MSWA courses are offered via distance education.
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 510 (1.5) Policy Context of Practice
- SOCW 511 (1.5) Contemporary Debates and Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work
- SOCW 512 (1.5) Knowledge and Inquiry: Re-Theorizing Social Work *
- SOCW 515 (1.5) Transnational Social Work
- SOCW 516 (1.5) Research Methodologies
- SOCW 519 (1.5) Indigenous Resistance, Resurgence and Revitalization for Helpers *
* part of the on-campus institute
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)