The Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Limpopo is a professional degree accredited by the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), preparing graduates for registration and practice as social workers. Students develop competencies in individual and family casework, group work, community development, social policy analysis, and social research, with structured fieldwork placements providing hands-on professional experience in Limpopo's communities. With South Africa's Department of Social Development consistently facing a shortage of registered social workers — particularly in rural provinces — UL graduates play an essential role in the country's social welfare system.
English Home Language or English First Additional Language: 50%
Mathematics: 40% or Mathematical Literacy: 60%
Selection test required
APS: 23 (with Maths) / 25 (with MathLit)
Social Worker (SACSSP Registered) – Provides statutory and developmental social work services to individuals, families, and communities in crisis through the Department of Social Development, NPOs, and private practice.
Child Protection Social Worker – Investigates child abuse and neglect cases, facilitates children’s court proceedings, and manages statutory interventions including foster care and child removal on behalf of the state.
Community Development Worker – Facilitates participatory community development processes, social cohesion initiatives, and poverty alleviation programmes for municipalities and civil society organisations.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Practitioner – Provides counselling, crisis support, and wellness services to employees in corporate, mining, and public sector workplaces through accredited EAP providers.
School Social Worker – Addresses learner wellbeing, family dysfunction, substance abuse, and psychosocial barriers to learning in collaboration with school-based support teams and the DBE.