The BSW program is designed to be both flexible and progressive, following a pathway from exploration to professional practice.
Students enter from high school or prior post-secondary studies into the General Years (Years 1 & 2), completing introductory SWRK courses and exploring other Trent degree options. During the Spring of their second year, students apply to enter the Professional Years stream.
Those admitted move into the Professional Years (Years 3 & 4), where they study all Social Work courses in a small cohort and complete extensive supervised field education - a four-month placement in third year and an eight-month placement in fourth year. This structured pathway completes the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), while also recognizing that some students may pursue alternative paths.
Program Structure & Degree Requirements
To graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), students progress through two distinct stages of the program: The General Years and the Professional Years.
General Years (Years 1 & 2)
Social Work courses at the 1000- and 2000-level are open to any Trent student, and any student may declare a Social Work major during the General Years. These years provide an opportunity to explore Social Work alongside other disciplines and to build the academic foundation required for professional study.
Please note that declaring a Social Work major does not guarantee admission to the Professional Years.
Professional Years (Year 3 & Onward)
All students must apply for admission to the Professional Years. Admission is competitive and limited, with a maximum of 40 spaces per campus per year (30 full-time and 10 part-time students at each of the Peterborough and Durham campuses).
Students admitted to the Professional Years focus on advanced Social Work coursework and field education that prepares them for professional practice.
For detailed information about admission requirements and the application process, please consult the Professional Years Admissions Package.
We do not offer Advanced Standing or direct admission to the Professional Years.