BACHELOR of SOCIAL WORK
Field Education
We believe that gaining experience in the field is an important part of the MacEwan University Bachelor of Social Work. Your practicum placement provides that experience.
Practicum experiences provide you with real-world opportunities to learn the competencies associated with the social work profession. A wide range of practicum positions are available and are supervised by social work practitioners who provide a strong mentorship role. During your field education, you integrate theory into practice and develop a professional social work identity. You are evaluated regularly on your potential as a reliable and effective social work practitioner.
BSW 3rd-year practicum
Students who are admitted to the BSW program through the university transfer route are required to complete a junior practicum placement in year three, SOWK 350 (300 hours).
BSW 4th-year practicum
In the fourth year, both university transfer and social work diploma route students complete a senior placement, SOWK 450 (400 hours).
International students must have a co-op work permit before starting field placement, clinical practice or practicum. A co-op work permit is different from your study permit; it is an additional permit that authorizes international students to participate in work that is integral to their program of study. If you will be working with vulnerable populations in a health, community or medical field, you will need an up-to-date medical exam by an IRCC-approved panel physician before applying for a co-op work permit.
Ask MacEwan International about the documents you need to have to apply. You should apply for a co-op work permit 4-6 months before the start of your field placement, clinical practice or practicum as current IRCC processing times are lengthy.