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Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) is a four-year undergraduate degree offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Tribhuvan University (TU) in Nepal.

BASW is designed to provide students with fulfilling knowledge and skills necessary for individuals who intend to enter the field of social work.

It focuses on identifying social issues and promoting well-being in individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Objectives

• The main objective is to provide general skilled human resources for social work in Nepal.
• The primary goal of this level is to cultivate skilled professionals by equipping students in this field with competencies that align with international standards.
   

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BASW aims to develop the following:

1. Providing a deep understanding of social work theories, principles, methods, and applications.
2. Enhancing professional requirements such as communication, advocacy, problem-solving, and intervention strategies.
3. Promoting necessary field-related values, including social justice, human rights, and respect for diversity.
4. Preparing students to recognize and handle significant social issues within the Nepali context.
5. Carrying out research to understand problems faced by community people and finding possible solutions.
6. Developing self-awareness concerning one’s capability of responding to problem situations.

Core Courses

To achieve these objectives, BASW under TU offers altogether 8 papers or subjects throughout its duration, which are spread across different semesters/years, including compulsory field work, academic writing, and report writing courses in different semesters.

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Distribution of Courses by Year

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

(Note: Students are required to take Compulsory English in the first and third years and Compulsory Nepali in the second year. The university offers Alternative English in the second year for international students as an alternative to Compulsory Nepali.)

Duration of the Course and Examinations

• The duration of the course is four academic years.
• There will be a final examination, in each year, at the end of each year.
• Regular attendance of the students will be mandatory to be eligible to appear in the internal as well as the final examination.

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Admission Criteria

 1. Eligibility Requirements

Completion of higher secondary education (+2, PCL, or equivalent) in any subjects recognized by Tribhuvan University.

 2. Entrance Examination

Conducted by the Dean’s Office (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences) or the Department of Social Work.

Duration: 1 hour

 3. Admission Process

• Candidates must pass the entrance exam with a minimum qualifying score.
• Admission is based on a merit list and enrollment quota as per the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, TU rules
• Successful candidates may choose their preferred campus/college (subject to availability)

 4. Disqualification

• No admission for candidates who:
• Fail to appear for the entrance exam
• Do not meet the minimum qualifying score

(Note: Admission of the students will be based strictly on the merit list and the enrollment quota, as per the rule of FOHSS, TU, based on approval provided to the Campus/College through the Dean's Office. However, the Dean's Office, in coordination with the Department of Social Work, may apply any relevant and feasible policy for enrollment in BASW.)

Internship Components

The internship is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and the practical application of social work skills in real-world settings.

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Key Components of BASW Internship/Fieldwork 

 1. Program Fundamentals

• Fieldwork is not an optional add-on, but rather a compulsory and integral part of the BASW curriculum that spans multiple semesters. 
• Graded as a core course with credit weighting equal to theoretical subjects

 2. Placement structure

• Students are typically placed in various human service organizations for a set number of hours per week (e.g., 10 hours per week) for several semesters.
• In later semesters, students often engage in “block placements”, which involve a more intensive, continuous period of full-time work (e.g., 200-250 hours)
• This stimulates a full-time experience.
• Camps and Study Labs
  • Neighborhood Camp: Local community dynamics
  • Rural Camp: Rural social problems and interventions
  • Urban Camp: Urban social problems and interventions
• These camps provide immersive, short-term experiences focused on specific community contexts
• Students are taken on exposure visits (NGOs, INGOs, government organizations, and community projects) to give students a broader understanding of different social work settings.

3. Supervision and Guidance

• Academic Supervisor/ Faculty member helps with theoretical integration
• Students will also be supervised by an on-site professional providing task oversight and feedback.
• Regular individual ( one-on-one with supervisors) and group conferences to share insights and reflections.
• Role-playing and mock interviews may be some additional support and training run by some colleges, within practical work and social skills.

4. Learning Objectives and Skills

• The main objective of these practicals is learning to apply theoretical knowledge learnt in the classroom to real-life situations.
• Students will learn valuable social work skills, including:
  • Assessment and Intake
  • Problem-solving and intervention
  • Rapport Building and Communication
  • Observation and Listening
  • Interviewing
  • Advocacy
  • Program Planning and Implementation
  • Learning ethical issues
  • Understanding the practice system
  • Exposure to diverse issues and problems

5. Reporting and Evaluation

• Students are required to maintain fieldwork reports that document cases, group activities, community interventions, and reflections on their learning.
• Both academic and agency supervisors conduct evaluations of the students’ performance based on their attendance, application of skills, professionalism, and outcomes. 
• These evaluations contribute significantly to the students’ overall grade for the fieldwork component.
• Fieldwork often culminates in research projects or seminars based on their field experiences, further integrating practice with research.

With a strong foundation of human society, community, and behavior, BASW prepares students for meaningful careers in NGOs, INGOs, and social organizations. 

However, its limited scope, lack of technical components, and fewer interdisciplinary and international opportunities can be a challenge for students looking to broaden their horizons in today’s fast-paced, competitive world.