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Study load:

Full time

Duration:

4 Year

Medium

English | Sinhala | Tamil

Credits:

120

Intakes:

June

Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) degree programme conducted by the NISD aims to produce professional social workers with a good grasp of social work values, capable of managing social welfare services, competent to engage in good quality teaching and research and promote peace and harmony in a multi-ethnic Sri Lanka. The Bachelor’s degree course in Social Work is a full-time four-year programme. The BSW programme is conducted in eight semesters, through class room lessons, on-site-teaching-learning methods and guided field practice exercises.

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of social work values, ethics, and critical thinking.
  • Apply social work theories, philosophies, and methodologies to various social issues
  • Practice effective communication and interpersonal skills in diverse settings.
  • Utilize social case work, group work, and community work practices effectively.
  • Assess social needs and develop effective interventions for individuals, families, and communities.
  • Manage social welfare services and programs.
  • Engage in social policy and planning processes.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of social work interventions.

Career Pathways

Career information

The Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) program at NISD equips you for a rewarding career helping others and making a positive impact on society. Graduates gain a strong foundation in social work values, ethics, and practices. You'll develop the skills to assess social needs, intervene effectively with individuals, families, and communities, and advocate for social justice. The program also fosters critical thinking and research abilities to inform your practice and contribute to positive change. With this versatile degree, you can pursue diverse career paths including direct practice social work, social work research, community organizing, social policy analysis, and program management. You could find yourself working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or even starting your own social enterprise. This program opens doors to a fulfilling career where you can use your skills and compassion to make a real difference.

Professions

  • Social Worker
  • Case Manager
  • Community Organizer
  • Social Policy Analyst
  • Social Work Researcher
  • Social Work Educator
  • Legal officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Child Protection Officer

Program

Year 1 - Semester 1

Subject
Code
SubjectStatusCreditsDTCHSLHFHTNL
BSW1111Introduction to Social WorkHCU345105150
BSW1123Social Welfare and DevelopmentHCU33070100200
PSY1113Introduction to PsychologyCCU345105150
SOC1113Introduction to SociologyCCU345105150
ICT1112Information Communication Technology ICCU23070100
ENG1112EnglishCCU23070100

Year 1 - Semester 2

Subject
Code
SubjectStatusCreditsDTCHSLHFHTNL
BSW1213Methods and Techniques in Social WorkHCU345105150
PSY1213Human Growth and DevelopmentCCU345105150
PSY1213Introduction to Political Science & International RelationsCCU23070100
ECN1212Introduction to Applied EconomicsCCU23070100
ICT1212Information Communication Technology IICCU23070100
ENG1212EnglishCCU23070100

Year 2 - Semester 1

Subject
Code
SubjectStatusCreditsDTCHSLHFHTNL
BSW2113Practice LabHCU345105150
SOC2113Contemporary Social Problems in Sri LankaCCU345105150
BSW2123Basic Research Methods in Social WorkHCU345105150
BSW2133Leadership and Personality DevelopmentHOCU345105150
BSW2143Social Sexuality and Reproductive HealthHOCU345105150
BSW2153Introduction to AnthropologyHOCU345105150
SST2112Social StatisticsHCU23070100
ENG2112EnglishHCU33070100

Year 2 - Semester 2

Subject
Code
SubjectStatusCreditsDTCHSLHFHTNL
BSW2213Social Work, Philosophy, Values and EthicsHCU345105150
BSW2223Social Work TheoriesHCU345105150
BSW2233Law and Human RightsHCU345105150
BSW2243Youth and DevelopmentHOCU345105150
BSW2253Community HealthHOCU345105150
BSW2263Gender and DevelopmentHOCU345105150
ENG2212EnglishHCU345105150

Year 3 - Semester 1

Subject
Code
SubjectStatusCreditsDTCHSLHFHTNL
BSW3113Social Case Work and Case ManagementHCU345105150
BSW3123Advanced Research Methods in Social WorkHCU345105150
BSW3133Medical and Mental Health in Social WorkHCU345105150
BSW3143Social Group WorkHCU345105150
BSW3153Environmental ManagementHOCU345105150
BSW3163Social EntrepreneurshipHOCU345105150
BSW3173Introduction to CounsellingHOCU345105150
ENG 3112EnglishHCU23070100

Year 3 - Semester 2

Subject
Code
SubjectStatusCreditsDTCHSLHFHTNL
BSW3213Diversities and reflective practiceHCU345105150
HRM3213Human Recourse ManagementHCU345105150
BSW3222Field Placement I
(Social Casework)
HCU2Supervision 1 hour per week200200
BSW3232Field Placement II
(Social Group Work)
HCU2Supervision 1 hour per week200200
BSW3243Gerontological Social WorkHOCU345105150
BSW3253Disability studies HOCU345105150
BSW3263School Social workHOCU345105150
BSW3273Cultural AnthropologyHOCU345105150
BSW3283Criminology and Criminal JusticeHOCU345105150

Year 4 - Semester 1

Subject
Code
SubjectStatusCreditsDTCHSLHFHTNL
BSW4113Social Work with Community HCU345105150
BSW4123Social Policy and PlanningHCU345105150
BSW4133Industrial Social WorkHCU345105150
BSW4143Social Work ManagementHCU345105150
BSW4154Dissertation IHCU43070200300
BSW4163Service Delivery in Human SettlementHCU33070100200

Year 4 - Semester 2

Subject
Code
SubjectStatusCreditsDTCHSLHFHTNL
BSW4217Field Placement III (Community Organizing)HCU7Supervision 1 hour per week700700
BSW4224Dissertation IIHCU43070200300
DTCH – Direct teaching contact hoursSLH – No of hours self-learningFH – Field Hours TNL – Total Notional hours

entry requirements

Admission requirements

Admission of candidates to the Bachelor of Social Work Honours Degree is considered on the basis of the minimum requirements for University admission prescribed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and a good working knowledge of English. Short listed candidates should appear for an entrance examination. Those who qualify at this

Shortlisted candidates should appear for an entrance exam. Those who passed the exam will be called for an interview for selection on the basis of merit.

English requirements

A minimum of a credit pass in the English Language at the G.C.E (O/L) examination is compulsory to follow the course in English medium.

How to apply

The advertisements calling for applications are published in the newspapers in the Government Gazette and in this website. The eligible applicants have to prepare an application on the prescribed form and submit it to the NISD.

Calling Applications: Usually the applications are called in the month of February each year.

For more information contact the course coordinator/s:

Mr. V. Jeyaruban
Director (Acting)
Department of Social Work

+94 777 683 675
jeyaruban@nisd.ac.lk

Mrs. Manjula Wijesekara
Senior Lecturer
Department of Social Work

+94 714 452 783
manjula@nisd.ac.lk