Social Work is a profession that strives to enhance the wellbeing of all people while attending specifically to the needs and empowerment of those in vulnerable life conditions. The UCU Social Work programme recognizes the inter-dependent needs of both the individual and Society. It pays particular attention to the social context that creates, contributes to and addresses challenges and resources for individual growth and community development. Social Workers seek to help people address their own needs and influence the responsiveness of Organizations, Communities and other Social Institutions thus promoting social justice and social change. Towards these ends, Multi-level social work activities include social case work, group work, community work, social work administration, advocacy, social action, policy development and implementation, research and evaluation.
In practice, social workers are sensitive to cultural diversity, and work to combat discrimination, oppression, poverty and other forms of social injustice. The Bachelor of Social Work degree programme principle is to educate beginning professional practitioners as generalists.
(i) Direct Entry
At least have two principle passes in relevant subjects obtained at the same seating at UACE and five (5) passes at UCE.
For social work, there is no strict requirement for principle subjects although it is considered necessary that the student should have prior basic knowledge of economics, social studies and other subjects that are relevant to understanding human behaviour and the socio-economic and cultural environment in which individuals survive.
(ii) Foundation /Bridging Course Entry International applicants must have qualifications equivalent to i OR ii OR iii above and would be subjected to a foundational/ bridging course approved by NCHE.
(iii)The Diploma Holders Entry
Candidate must be holders of a relevant diploma, in the desired field of study, from a recognized institution of higher learning.
Advent/September, Easter/January, Trinity/May – Full-time Evening
Main/Mukono and Kampala Campus
The Bachelor of Social Work programme is a 3-year full-time day programme with six semesters of study.
Year 1 Semester 1: Introduction to Social Work, Introduction to Social Work administration, Contemporary Social Problems, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, Writing and Study Skills, Understanding the Old Testament.
Year 1 Semester 2: Human Behaviour: The Changing Life Course, Introduction to Social Policy, Introduction to Child Protection, Social Psychology, Fieldwork Orientation, Understanding the New Testament, Basic Computing, Recess Semester (Field Work).
Year 2 Semester 1:Welfare and Politics, Social Work Theory and Practice, Social Work Ethics and Values, Economics for Social Workers, Field Work Seminar 1, Elements of Mathematics, Understanding World Views.
Year 2 Semester 2: Social Case Work, Social Work Practice with Groups, Counselling in Social Work, Research Methods for Social Work, Statistics for Social Workers, Health And Wholeness, Electives, Organizational Psychology, Community Based Rehabilitation, Recess Semester (Field Work).
Year 3 Semester 1:Social Work with Communities, Social Work with Children and Families, Human Services in Public and Non-profit Organisations, Indigenous Practice Models in Social Work, Field Work Seminar 2, Dissertation, Electives (Social Work with the Elderly, Palliative Social Work, Social Work and the Law in Uganda).
Year 3 Semester 2:Developmental Social Work, Social Work and Correctional Services, Social Work and Mental Health, Social Policy Analysis, Project Planning and Management, Dissertation (Report).
To equip social work students with generalist knowledge, values, skills and to prepare competent professionals for entry level social work practice with diverse systems within a global context.
To prepare social workers to understand a Christian worldview which values social and economic justice while respecting and appreciating diversity.
To prepare students with strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice.
To foster the student’s social work identity including professional use of supervision, self-awareness, and an appreciation for the profession’s history.
To prepare students with critical thinking skills in areas of practice, research, and ethics.