Field Education

The BSW program will be implementing a new curriculum starting Fall 2023. In this new curriculum, four practice-focused electives will replace field-focus SWRK 4200 and SWRK 4300, giving students greater flexibility to choose courses in line with their areas of interest, academic or career goals. There will still be two Field Instruction courses but with an alteration to the credit hour value. The new Field Instruction courses I and 2 (6 credit hours each) will each have an Integrative Practice Seminar  (1.5 credit hours each) as co-requisites.  These new field courses will be available starting in the Fall of 2024 for students admitted as of Fall 2023. 

The option of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is still available for incoming students who have fulfilled field requirements in prior programs. This is considered a new course, SWRK 3250 Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), with new credit hours (7.5 credit hours) as the corresponding courses for which students are seeking a recognition of credit, Field Instruction 1 and Integrative Seminar for Field Instruction 1, have a different number of credit hours than in the past. 

Students will still complete two field placements including two new Integrative Practice Seminar courses. An approximate breakdown of the hours is outlined below for those interested in taking their field through accelerated/concentrated versus through the general stream.

Changes to BSW curriculum

Applying to field

Prior to applying for field placement, students are expected to participate in the “Everything you wanted to know about field” workshop and “The Resumé and Interview Preparation” workshop prior to Field Information Day.

Application forms are due on or before February 1st and are to be submitted by email, along with a copy of your resume, to the Field Program Assistant. Upon receipt, you will receive a password to the Intern Placement Tracking (IPT) program. In IPT, you will be able to identify up to 8 field agency preferences, due on or before March 1st.

Fall/Winter Field Application Form
Summer Field Application Form

A list of current agencies that have partnered with the field program are included in IPT.

Students in Field

Once in the program, all students are required to complete reflective journaling, intended to foster and strengthen their understanding and development of critical thinking skills. It is recommended that journaling be used, along with the learning outcome tasks, as outlined in the Practice Guide.

• Professional Reflective Journaling Form

For students interested in an international Field placement, please fill out the following forms and submit them to the Field Program Assistant:

• International Field Placement Application form
• International Placement Criteria
• International Field Placement Statement

Contact us

Fort Garry & Inner City Field team:

Distance delivery students are expected to locate their own field practicums. Students may choose a practicum in any community agency/institution which offers social work services. Students, when eligible, can be granted permission to complete a practicum at their place of employment.

A field instructor possessing a BSW, MSW, or RSW designation must be available to directly supervise the practicum.

All students registered in Distance Delivery Field Instruction courses (SWRK 3150 and SWRK 4120) are required to complete several Field Instruction Modules and participate in a one-hour web conference prior to entering field placement. Completion of the Field Instruction Modules and attendance at Field Instruction Web Conference is mandatory. 

Application deadlines: 

Summer 2023 - Field - December 1
Fall/Winter 2023/24 - Field - February 1

Students requiring information may contact:

Joan Churley
Distance Delivery Field Coordinator
joan.churley@umanitoba.ca

Students in the BSW program at the Northern site work closely with the Field Coordinator in preparing for and securing an appropriate field placement.

Please note a student placement in a field setting is not guaranteed based on the completion of pre-requisite courses. 

3rd Year students complete SWRK 3150 - Field Instruction 1: 

Students are required to complete 460 hours including 420 hours in field placement (3 days per week September – April) and 40 hours of integrated seminar. Students approved as eligible for field require a minimum Degree Grade Point Average (D.G.P.A.) of 2.5. 

4th Year students complete SWRK 4120 - Field Instruction 2: 

Students are required to complete 460 hours including 420 hours in field placement (4 days per week January – April) and 40 hours of integrated seminar. Students approved as eligible for field require a minimum Degree Grade Point Average (D.G.P.A.) of 2.5. 

Students requiring additional information may contact:

Katie Thompson
Northern Field Education Coordinator
204-677-1456
katie.thompson@umanitoba.ca