The Bachelor of Social Work at NWU is a four-year professional degree offered across three campuses — Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, and Vanderbijlpark — that trains students to provide professional social welfare services to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Students study social work theory, community development, welfare law, research, and fieldwork practice, developing the competencies to address South Africa's complex social challenges including poverty, gender-based violence, child abuse, and substance dependency. Social workers are registered professionals under the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), with significant demand in government departments, NGOs, and the private sector. The programme embodies NWU's commitment to social justice and inclusive human development.
Language of tuition: Level 4 (50-59%)
APS: 28
Social Worker – Provide case management, counselling, and community development services within South African government departments of Social Development, health, or justice.
Child Protection Officer – Investigate abuse and neglect cases, facilitate family reunification, and support statutory processes under the Children’s Act in South Africa.
Community Development Practitioner – Facilitate participatory development projects in South African townships, rural areas, and informal settlements for NGOs or municipalities.
Substance Abuse Counsellor – Support individuals in recovery from addiction through counselling and rehabilitation programmes at South African treatment centres or community-based organisations.
Policy and Advocacy Officer – Analyse social welfare policy and advocate for vulnerable populations’ rights at South African NGOs, think tanks, or international organisations such as UNICEF or the UNHCR.
