Bachelor of Social Work
Department of Social Work
Prepares competent, compassionate, and ethically grounded social workers to provide evidence-based services to individuals, families, groups, organisations, and communities while advancing social justice and human rights.
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Total Credit Hours
191 Credit Hours
Total Courses
63 Courses
Duration
5 Years (10 Semesters)
Semester Length
16 weeks, inclusive of examinations
Programme Start
September intake
Language of Instruction
English
Campus Location
Mogadishu, Somalia
Modes of Study
Full-Time and Part-Time on-campus learning
Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work programme is designed to prepare competent, compassionate, and ethically grounded professionals capable of addressing the complex social challenges of contemporary society. It provides a strong foundation in social work theory, human behaviour, social policy, community engagement, and professional practice, combining rigorous academic instruction with practical experience for effective intervention at individual, family, group, and community levels — situated throughout within the particular social and institutional realities of Somalia. The curriculum is organised into University Requirement courses, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses, Department Requirement courses supported by four sequential supervised field placements, and a capstone research project.
Background and Rationale
The Bachelor of Social Work is an undergraduate degree programme offered by Somali International University. Decades of civil war and political instability in Somalia caused the collapse of central government and most of its institutions; systems for human services and protection remain weak, which increases the risk of neglect, exploitation, and abuse faced by vulnerable individuals. The programme closely examines issues such as poverty, unemployment, child protection, and community violence, and explores ways to address them through advocacy, organising, and programme development. Housed within the Department of Social Work, part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, it brings together instructors with backgrounds in social work, psychology, law, and sociology. Students first build a shared foundation in the social sciences before progressing into specialised social work coursework, supported by four sequential, supervised field placements from the second year through to the final internship. Where relevant, courses draw on Somali case material — including customary and faith-based institutions, clan and minority dynamics, and the humanitarian context.
Vision & Mission
Through our Social Work programme, we envision a better tomorrow where our graduates will serve as ethical social work leaders and promote social, economic, and environmental justice, human rights, and health and well-being for individuals, families, groups, organisations, and communities.
To prepare graduates who are equipped with the right knowledge and skills in order to provide ethical, evidence-based services to individuals, families, groups, organisations, and communities.
Our Values
Integrity
Upholding honesty and ethical conduct in service to individuals and communities.
Credibility
Delivering trusted, evidence-based social work services.
Innovation
Applying creative approaches to social and community challenges.
Transparency
Practising openly and accountably with clients and communities.
Excellence
Pursuing the highest standards of professional social work practice.
Professionalism
Preparing graduates to serve competently and ethically in social services.
Objectives & Learning Outcomes
- 1Equip students with knowledge, skills, and an enabling mind-set in the social work service.
- 2Enable students to apply basic approaches to mental health and psychosocial support with children and families.
- 3Prepare students to collaborate with other professionals to secure the protection of the rights of the community.
- 4Develop students' ability to evaluate children's wellbeing and safety in diverse contexts.
- 5Produce graduates who have the required skills and knowledge for the social services more broadly.
- 1Demonstrate Foundational Knowledge — understand core concepts, theories, and principles of social work, human behavior, social policy, and community development.
- 2Apply Social Work Practice Skills — effectively engage with individuals, families, groups, and communities using appropriate intervention methods and evidence-based practices.
- 3Conduct Ethical and Professional Practice — uphold professional ethics, values, and standards, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and cultural sensitivity.
- 4Analyze Social Problems and Needs — assess, interpret, and respond to complex social issues at local, national, and international levels using critical thinking and analytical skills.
- 5Advocate for Social Justice and Human Rights — promote equity, inclusion, and human rights through community engagement, policy advocacy, and social action initiatives.
- 6Engage in Research and Policy Analysis — design and conduct research to evaluate social programs, inform policy decisions, and contribute to knowledge development in social work.
- 7Communicate Effectively — convey ideas, interventions, and findings clearly and professionally in written, oral, and digital formats to diverse audiences.
- 8Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration — work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- 9Commit to Lifelong Learning — engage in continuous professional development to adapt to evolving social challenges, policies, and best practices.
Programme Duration
- Total duration: five (5) academic years.
- Structure: ten (10) semesters, at a rate of two semesters per academic year.
- Semester length: sixteen (16) weeks, comprising the instructional period and the final-examination period that concludes it.
- Annual intake: one (1) intake per year, commencing in September.
- Academic load: 63 courses and 191 credit hours in total, distributed across the ten semesters as prescribed in the Study Plan.
- Credit-hour equivalence: one (1) credit hour equals 45 contact hours.
Admission & Graduation Requirements
- Possess a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
- Have a minimum proficiency in English.
- Pass an entrance examination and/or interview.
- Provide valid medical clearance and vaccination records.
- Submit four passport-sized photos (white background).
- Pay a non-refundable $30 registration fee.
- Complete the university enrolment form.
- Complete all required coursework and components.
- Pass all courses with no grades of F/Fail, NG/No Grade, or I/Incomplete.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
- Pass a final comprehensive examination.
- Complete all four sequential field placements (Field Practicum I and II, Field Internship I, and Work Internship II).
- Fulfil all academic, ethical, and attendance policies of the faculty.
Career Opportunities
Government Social Services
Roles in child welfare, family services, social assistance programs, and community development agencies.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Humanitarian aid, human rights advocacy, community outreach, and development projects.
Healthcare and Mental Health Services
Positions in hospitals, clinics, counseling centers, and rehabilitation facilities.
Educational Institutions
Serving as school social workers, student support coordinators, or program facilitators.
Community and Youth Development
Working with youth programs, community centers, and local initiatives to empower marginalized groups.
International Organizations
Programs of the United Nations, Red Cross, and other international development and humanitarian agencies.
Research and Policy Analysis
Conducting social research, evaluating social programs, and contributing to policy formulation and advocacy.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Social Enterprises
Managing social impact initiatives and community engagement programs in private sector organizations.
Delivery & Assessment
- Classroom-based lectures.
- Practical laboratory sessions, including simulated counselling and casework practice.
- Field practicals and study visits to social service agencies and community organisations.
- Case studies, role plays, and group projects.
- Four sequential, supervised field placements in government social services, healthcare facilities, or non-governmental organisations.
- The graduation research project, undertaken under academic supervision.
| Assessment Component | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Written Examinations | 80% |
| Practical / Skills Demonstrations | 10% |
| Coursework, Assignments, and Reports | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Practical Training
The Bachelor of Social Work programme emphasises experiential learning as an essential component of professional preparation. Practical training equips students with hands-on skills, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world social service settings and to develop professional competence and ethical judgement. Key components include:
- Fieldwork and Internships — structured placements in government social service agencies, NGOs, healthcare facilities, schools, and community-based organisations, providing exposure to case management, programme delivery, and community engagement.
- Community-Based Projects — active participation in initiatives addressing social issues such as poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, public health, and social inclusion.
- Supervised Practice — guidance and mentorship from experienced social workers to ensure students develop practical skills while adhering to professional standards and ethical principles.
- Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions — training in counselling techniques, advocacy, conflict resolution, leadership, and programme planning.
- Research and Programme Evaluation — opportunities to engage in evaluating social programmes, assessing community needs, and contributing to evidence-based social interventions.
- Reflection and Professional Development — structured reflection sessions to integrate field experiences with academic learning and personal growth.
Duration and Structure
- Four sequential placements — Field Practicum I and II, Field Internship I, and Work Internship II — distributed across Years 2 to 5.
- Six to twelve (6–12) weeks of field attachment per placement, in government social service agencies, healthcare facilities, or NGOs.
- Supervised by both faculty instructors and host-institution supervisors.
Faculty and Learning Facilities
- Simulation and counselling-skills laboratories for casework, interviewing, and group-facilitation practice.
- Computer laboratory for research and Computer Applications coursework.
- University Library: a physical and digital collection of social work, psychology, sociology, and policy texts, journals, and reference materials, together with access to subscribed electronic databases.
- University learning-management platform for course materials and continuous assessment.
- Placement agreements with government social service agencies, healthcare facilities, and non-governmental organisations for field practicals and the four sequential field placements.
Contact Information
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Somali International University (SIU)