The Northern Social Work wall of fame lined with rows of graduate student photos.
  • icon house

    Faculty

    • Faculty of Social Work

  • icon award

    Degree

    • Bachelor of Social Work

  • icon graduate

    Expected duration

    • 3+ years

  • icon pathway

    Program options

    • Access program
    • External student option

  • 1943

    Year the Faculty of Social Work was founded

  • 2

    Extension campuses

  • $55,000

    Value of entrance scholarships, bursaries and financial aid

  • 100

    Agencies that provide fieldwork experience

BSW program changes

The new BSW program curriculum commences in Fall 2024. Please refer to the new curriculum page for the latest updates on program revisions.

Program details

The Bachelor of Social Work Program in Thompson is an extension of the Faculty of Social Work on the Fort Garry campus.

Expected duration: 3 to 9 years

  • Full time: 3 years (plus qualifying year)
  • Part time: up to 9 years

Students are required to complete 123 credit hours of study.

The Bachelor of Social Work program gives students the tools to help families, individuals and communities with social issues such as poverty, unemployment, domestic violence and mental health. Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work program go on to work in a number of areas including community development, disability services, corrections and child welfare.

There are two ways to study in the Northern Social Work Program:

Access students are accepted directly into a four-year Bachelor of Social Work program and do not require prior university study.

External students are students who live in Thompson, MB or surrounding communities and have already completed some university study.

Sample course offerings

  • SWRK 1200 Introduction to Canadian Social Welfare
  • SWRK 1220 Social Justice, Diversity and Human Rights
  • SWRK 1240 Social Work and Professional Identity
  • SWRK 1250 Human Behaviour, Family and Community WellBeing: Theory and Practice
  • SWRK 2000 Anti-Racist Social Work Practice
  • SWRK 2010 Indigenization and Decolonization in Social Work
  • SWRK 2020 Community Development and Social Work
  • SWRK 2040 Social Welfare Policy: Analysis and Advocacy
  • SWRK 3160 Feminist Perspectives in Social Work practice and Social Welfare Policy
  • SWRK 3180 Social Work Practice with Immigrants and Refugees
  • SWRK 3200 Social Work Practice with 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities
  • SWRK 4254 Substance Use, Mental Health, and Social Work

For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.

A large room filled with students visiting various booths during Field Info Day.

Field placements in northern communities

The curriculum is designed to meet the specific needs of northern social work students. It includes field placements in northern communities.

Academic, social and financial support

We provide academic and social support for students admitted to the program, along with assisting students in arranging funding for their studies.

About field education

Admission Requirements

There are two pathways into the Northern Social Work program: as an Access student or as an external student.

Access student admission requirements

You may be eligible to apply to the Northern Social Work program if you:

  • Applicants are at least 21 years old by the application deadline  
  • Applicants may or may not have a High School diploma    
  • Applicants are a resident of Northern Manitoba (North of the 53rd parallel)  
  • Applicants have 27 credit hours or less of university-level coursework.  
  • Applicants demonstrate suitability for the social work profession based on the assessment of an autobiography and a face-to-face interview that indicates:   
    • Northern experience   
    • Interest in the profession   
    • Volunteer or lived experience related to the practice of social work.   
    • Being active in community  
  • All applicants whose primary language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the options listed at the Admissions office.
    • Results for most language tests, including TOEFL, IELTS and CanTEST, expire two years from the test date. Test scores must be valid at the start of classes.  
  • Participate in a reading and writing comprehension test. (This assessment consists of vocabulary and reading comprehension sections of CAAT-C through the Assessment Centre at the YWCA).   

For more detailed information, please read through the applicant information bulletin linked below: 

External student admission requirements

If you have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours of university-level courses and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 you may be able to apply to the Northern Social Work program as an external student. Of those 30 credit hours, students must take the following required courses and required course subjects:

  • WOMN 1600 (3) 

  • FMLY 1010 (3) or **PSYC 1200 (6) 

  • INDG 1220(3) and INDG 1240 (3) or INDG 1200 (6) 

  • 6 credit hours from any Sociology, Political Studies, Economics, Labour Studies, or Global Political Economy courses 

  • 9-12** credit hours of non-social work electives 

**Applicants who have completed PSYC 1200 (6) will only require 9 credit hours of non-social work elective courses. 

The Northern Social Work program requires at least six months of residency in Northern Manitoba before the date of application.

Transfer students

Transfer students who are applying with non-University of Manitoba credit can review our Transfer Credit Resource database to see if their courses have transferred as the outlined required courses for admission. Please note, transfer credit courses must have been completed at most, 10 years prior to admission to be eligible for transfer credit. 

Don't have 30 credit hours?

For Fall 2023 admission term up until and including Fall 2025 admission term, students with 30 credit hours of university-level experiences who are lacking as much as 9 credit hours of the outlined course admission requirements are still eligible for admission. This is to aid in the transition for students who were not aware of the new specified requirements. Fall 2026 and forward, students will be required to complete all of the outlined admission requirements to be admissible into the Faculty of Social Work, Fort Garry campus.  

For more detailed information, please read through the applicant information bulletin linked below: 

How to apply

Follow these instructions to begin your application for the Northern Social Work program.

How to apply as an Access student

To apply as an Access student, you must submit:

  • A complete application form, including autobiography, in your own handwriting
  • Attend a scheduled interview
  • Official school transcripts (including high school, Adult Basic Ed., G.E.D.)
  • Two letters of reference
  • Proof of age (a photocopy of your driver’s license, birth certificate, baptismal certificate)

Return the complete application to:

University of Manitoba Northern Social Work Program
Attention: Student Records
3 Station Road
Thompson, Manitoba R8N 0N3
204-677-1450

    How to apply as an external student

    To apply, please complete the online application to the Admissions Office. The online application includes several parts, and you may be required to submit transcripts, proof of English Language proficiency, and other documents.

    Domestic student application fee: $100
    International student application fee: $120

    All applicants need approval from the Northern Social Work Program before applying. To request approval to apply, contact:

    University of Manitoba Northern Social Work Program
    3 Station Road
    Thompson, MB R8N 0N3
    204-677-1450

    Information Session:
    For more information regarding the program and application process, please attend a virtual information session or review the online presentation.

    Apply now

    Includes the Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geological Sciences and Physical Geography programs.

    Includes Bachelor of Health Sciences and Bachelor of Health Studies programs.

    Includes Bachelor of Science degrees in Agribusiness, Agriculture, Agroecology, Food Science and Human Nutritional Sciences.

    Direct entry students are current high school students or people who have already graduated from high school but who have completed fewer than 24 credit hours of post-secondary level study.

    Advanced entry students are those who have already completed 24 or more credit hours of post-secondary level study.

    Annual application deadlines - Canadian citizens & permanent residents

    Term Type of entry Application opens Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October August 1
    Winter (January) Direct entry Early May December 1
    Summer (May) Direct entry Early September April 1

    Annual application deadlines - International applicants

    Term Type of entry Application opens Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October May 1
    Winter (January) Direct entry Early May October 1
    Summer (May) Direct entry Early September February 1

    Start or continue your application 

    Bachelor of Fine Art application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1
    Advanced entry Early November March 1

    Diploma in Fine Art application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1
    Advanced entry Early November March 1

    Start or continue your application for the BFA and diploma programs

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November May 1
    Winter (January) Advanced entry Early May October 1

    Admission to the winter term is on a space available basis only.

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadline

    Term Type of entry Application opens Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November March 1

    Start or continue your application

    To apply to the Inner City Social Work program, attend an information session at the William Norrie Centre. You will receive an application form at the information session. All information sessions are held in Room 126, William Norrie Centre.

    Room 126 William Norrie Centre
    485 Selkirk Ave.
    Winnipeg, MB R2W 2M6 Canada
    204-668-8160
    Fax: 204-663-8857

    All applicants need approval from the Faculty of Social Work – Inner City Selection Coordinator, Carla Kirkpatrick who can be reached at carla.kirkpatrick@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7364.

    Admission requirements (PDF)

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Application deadline
    Summer (May, part-time) February 1, 2024
    Fall (September) March 1, 2024 

    Annual application deadline

    Term Type of entry Application opens Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November March 1

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October

    January 15

    Advanced entry Early November January 15

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November February 15

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1
    Advanced entry Early November May 1
    Winter (January) Advanced entry Early May October 1

    Admission to the winter term is on a space available basis only.

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1 (International)
    May 1 (Domestic)
    Advanced entry Early November March 1 (International)
    May 1 (Domestic)

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Program Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvD) Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November April 1
    Environmental Design Architecture Master Preparation Option (ED AMP) Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November January 15

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1
    Advanced entry Early November March 15

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November February 1

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    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November August 1
    Winter (January) Advanced entry Early May December 1
    Summer (May/July) Advanced entry Early November June 1

    Students who wish to enrol in Summer courses that start in May should apply by April 1.

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1
    Advanced entry Early November March 1

    Start or continue your application

    The Internationally-Educated Engineers Qualifications (IEEQ) program has been temporarily suspended until 2025
    For further information or questions, please contact Engineering at eng.info@umanitoba.ca.

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry *Suspended *Suspended

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Early November August 1
    Winter (January) Early May November 1
    Summer (May) Early November April 1

    Start or continue your application

    Annual direct entry application deadlines

    Term Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Early October March 1
    Winter (January) Early May October 1
    Summer (May) Early September February 1

    Annual advanced entry application deadlines

    Term Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September)

    Domestic: Early November

    International: Early November

    Domestic: July 1

    International: March 1

    Winter (January)

    Domestic: Early May

    International: Early March

    Domestic: October 1

    International: July 1

    Summer (May)*

    Domestic: Early November

    International: Early July

    Domestic: March 1

    International: November 1

    *Summer 2024 application deadline for domestic and international applicants: March 1, 2024

     

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1
    Advanced entry Early November March 1

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November June 1
    Winter (January) Advanced entry Early May October 15

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November January 15

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    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Summer (May) Advanced entry – Track A Early November April 1
    Advanced entry – Track B Early April August 1

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadline

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Late August October 1

    Start or continue your application 

    Annual application deadline

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November April 1

    Start or continue your application

    Winnipeg annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry

    Domestic: Early November

    International: Early November

    Domestic: April 1

    International: February 1

    Winter (January)

    Advanced entry

    Domestic: Early May

    International: Early February

    Domestic: August 1

    International: June 1

    Summer (May) Advanced entry

    Domestic: Early September

    International: Early July 

    Domestic: December 1 Extended to December 15

    International: October 1 Extended to December 15

     

    The Pas and Thompson (UM/University College of the North) annual application deadline

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November

    Domestic: April 1

    International: February 1

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadline

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November April 1

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadline

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November March 1

    Start or continue your application

    Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy annual application deadline

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November April 1

    Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy: Degree Completion Program annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November May 1
    Winter (January) Advanced entry Early May September 1
    Summer (May) Advanced entry Early November January 15

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1
    Advanced entry Early November May 1
    Winter (January) Advanced entry Early May October 1

    Admission to the Winter term is on a space available basis only.

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1
    Advanced entry Early November April 1

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadline

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November April 1

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1
    Advanced entry Early November April 1

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Direct entry Early October March 1
    Advanced entry Early November May 1
    Winter (January) Advanced entry Early May October 1

    Admission to the Winter term is available on a space available basis only.

    Start or continue your application

    Annual direct entry application deadlines

    Term Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Early October March 1
    Winter (January) Early May October 1
    Summer (May) Early September February 1

    Annual advanced entry application deadlines

    Term Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September)

    Domestic: Early November

    International: Early November

    Domestic: June 1

    International: March 1

    Winter (January)

    Domestic: Early May

    International: Early March

    Domestic: October 1

    International: July 1

    Summer (May)*

    Domestic: Early November

    International: Early July

    Domestic: February 1

    International: November 1

    *Summer 2024 application deadline for domestic and international applicants: February 1, 2024

     

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Type of applicant Type of entry Term Applications open Application deadline
    First year applicants Advanced entry Fall (September) Early September December 1
    Upper year applicants Advanced entry Fall (September) Early November June 30

    Start or continue your application 

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November August 1
    Winter (January) Advanced entry Early May December 1
    Summer (May) Advanced entry Early November June 15

    Applicants are encouraged to apply early and check their course availability prior to applying.

    Applicants applying to the Summer term are recommended to apply a minimum of one month prior to the start of their classes. Summer session offers a number of different start dates based on course offerings.

    Start or continue your application

     Annual direct entry application deadlines 

    Term Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Early October March 1
    Winter (January) Early May October 1
    Summer (May) Early September February 1

    Annual advanced entry application deadlines 

     

    Term Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September)

    Domestic: Early November

    International: Early November 

    Domestic: June 1

    International: March 1

    Winter (January)

    Domestic: Early May

    International: Early March

    Domestic: October 1

    International: July 1

    Summer (May)*

    Domestic: Early September

    International: Early July

    Domestic: February 1

    International: November 1

    *Summer 2024 application deadline for domestic and international applicants: February 1, 2024

     

    Start or continue your application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Early November June 1
    Winter (January) Early May October 1
    Summer (May) Early November February 1

    Start or continue your application

    The BPRN program has been placed on a temporary suspension starting for the Fall 2019 intake.

    Access students

    Annual application deadline
    Term Application deadline
    Fall (September) March 1

    Application form for Access students (PDF)

    External students

    Annual application deadline
    Term Type of entry Application opens Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November March 1

    Start or continue your external student application

    Annual application deadlines

    Term Type of entry Applications open Application deadline
    Fall (September) Advanced entry Early November March 15

    Start or continue your application

    Learn more

    Three social work students look at books in the library.

    Explore other BSW delivery options

    The Bachelor of Social Work program is offered at multiple locations and through multiple delivery methods to address the need for social workers from diverse backgrounds and educations.

    Whether you are just graduating high school, live outside of Winnipeg or are having difficulty accessing post-secondary education, we have a delivery option that will help you achieve a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

    Contact us

    Admission and application inquiries

    Mailing address
    Undergraduate Admissions
    424 UMSU University Centre
    University of Manitoba
    66 Chancellors Circle
    Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

    Office location
    Room 424 UMSU University Centre
    65 Chancellors Circle
    University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)

    Submit a question
    Phone: 204-474-8808
    Toll-free: 1-800-224-7713 ext 8808

    Program inquiries

    Northern Social Work Program
    3 Station Rd.
    Thompson, MB R8N 0N3 Canada

    Phone: 204-677-1450
    Toll-free: 1-866-237-5509
    Fax: 204-677-4110