BSW Practicum

What is practicum?

Practicum placements are an opportunity for the student 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. Students need to apply for practicum approximately a semester in advance.

September Practicum Placements – Deadline to apply is May 15th

January Practicum Placements- Deadline to apply is September 15th

May Practicum Placements - Deadline to apply is January 15th

* Please note that International Placements require at least 2 semesters for planning purposes.

Students are required to complete two placements totalling 700 hours over the course of their program. An 18 hour concurrent seminar is also required. Students can choose the semester that they wish to complete their practica in; however, students are responsible for ensuring that they have finished their prerequisite courses prior to beginning their placements. (e.g. 311 and 312 must be done before starting SOCW 304 or 304A) Prerequisites, for your year of entry to the program, are listed in the UVic Academic Calendar.

All BSW students are required to complete either a 3rd year practicum placement (SOCW 304) or a 3rd year Prior Learning Assessment (SOCW 304A). The Prior Learning Assessment (SOCW 304A) is an option for students who already have at least 2 years of social work employment or volunteer experience.

Information and Application for the Prior Learning Assessment

Students are also required to complete a 4th year practicum placement (SOCW 402, 404 or 404A).

Placements can be completed in the following configurations:

September to December - 3 to 5 days per week

September to April - 2-3 days a week (14 hour minimum per week)

January to April - 3- 5 days per week

May to August - 3-5 days per week

Steps for applying for Practicum:

1. Read the School of Social Work information page regarding Criminal Record Checks.
2. Review the Field Education Manual and/or attend an information session.
3. Complete an Application for Practicum.
4. Submit an updated resume to swfield@uvic.ca
5. Upon Submission of your application, you will be assigned a practicum coordinator who will guide you through the practicum process and assist you to find a placement.
6. As soon as registration is open, register for the appropriate section of practicum. You will be blocked from registering for practicum if you have not submitted your Application for Practicum.

Practicum Coordinators

Cheryl Aro , fnpracti@uvic.ca

Maxine Gibson, mjgibson@uvic.ca

Betty Taylor, btaylor@uvic.ca

Nancy Pike, npike@uvic.ca

For general enquiries about practicum, please contact swfield@uvic.ca.

Have a look at the practicum resources and manuals.