Undergraduate
Social Work
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- Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
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- Peterborough & Durham GTA
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- Fall & Winter & Summer
At a glance:
- Degree Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
- Campus Peterborough Durham GTA
- Program is Offered Fall & Winter & Summer
- Study Options Part time/Full time
- OUAC Codes RSW - Peterborough ROJ - Durham GTA
- Apply Now Stay in Touch
The Trent Advantage
Prepare for a rewarding career as a registered social worker through a fully accredited Social Work degree featuring interdisciplinary learning and 700+ hours of field experience.
Gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Explore contemporary social work issues through an interdisciplinary lens while developing clinical, research and advocacy skills, then deepen your expertise in the professional years through focused social work study and supervised field placements in community and social service settings.
- Graduate from a fully accredited Social Work program, qualifying you for a career as a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
- Complete 700+ hours of supervised field placements with mental health associations, sexual assault centres, shelters, counselling groups and social service agencies.
- Learn to collaborate and advocate with people and communities experiencing marginalization, building critical-thinking and social action skills.
Career experience while you learn
Every Social Work student has a guaranteed route to paid, credited experience before they graduate.
Research Opportunities
- Build practical research skills by designing and conducting research that informs social work practice, policy, and communities.
- Put research into action through community-based projects, working with municipalities, social service agencies, and community organizations through the Trent Community Research Centre.
- Meet leading thinkers and social activists in the field through a variety of on-campus lectures and workshops
Field Schools and Hands-On Courses
- Build practical social work skills through courses focused on communication, working with families, community social work, trauma-informed practice, and social work theory and practice.
Study Abroad
- Take your Trent education global. Spend a semester or year studying at one of Trent’s 50+ international partner universities, participate in a summer field course, or gain international experience through a placement or internship.
- With opportunities in more than 35 countries, you can broaden your academic perspective, experience new cultures, and build skills that prepare you for a global career.
Placements
- Gain substantial hands-on experience through a minimum 700 hours of supervised field placements with mental health associations, sexual assault centres, counselling groups, shelters and social service organizations.
Internships
- Gain professional workplace experience by working within a business or organization on a paid internship, building career-ready skills, making industry connections, and exploring potential career paths.
Career Paths
- Social Worker
- Mental Health Counsellor
- Career Consultant
- Crisis Intervention Worker
- Addictions Counsellor
In Their Own Words
Knowing my professors and peers personally has significantly enhanced my learning experience, making it more engaging and supportive. Trent Durham is where I’ve found success and made friends for life.
Mathu Vijayakumar
Admissions
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 70-75% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
Tuition Estimate
Estimate your tuition, ancillary fees, and potential entrance scholarships based on your program, residency status, and academic average.
Tuition
Base Tuition Fee
$6,240.85
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary Fees (non-tuition costs supporting student services, such as athletics, campus safety, college fees, etc.)
$2,122.22
Total:
$ 8,363.07
* The tuition details and scholarships listed are for domestic students only. International applicants should contact the financial aid office directly for equivalent guidance.
Scholarships
If you’re a top scholar with an average of 80% or higher, you qualify to automatically receive an entrance scholarship to Trent. Scholars with 95% or higher? You earn free first-year tuition – no application required.
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $18,241 | $6,241 first year Full Tuition + $4,000 x 3 years |
| 90-94.9% | $12,000 | $3,000 x 4 years |
| 85-89.9% | $8,000 | $2,000 x 4 years |
| 80-84.9% | $6,000 | $1,500 x 4 years |
* Available to Domestic students only. Based on 2026/27 tuition for a general arts and science program
Explore additional funding for domestic and international students