51本色

Student Experience

In the Faculty of Social Work, our students excel through active participation, our strong sense of community. The opportunities we provide through our commitment to social and economic justice will support both your academic and personal development.

Engaging in clubs and organizations will help you meet fellow students with similar interests and build essential leadership skills. 

Your time as a student goes beyond academics; it’s a chance to create meaningful change and influence your future in the field of social work.

Engaged Learning

Diverse Placements

Social work is a diverse and dynamic field, and our field placements offer BSW and MSW students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings that align with their unique learning goals and career aspirations.

Under the mentorship of experienced social workers, students can explore different areas of practice, developing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their future careers.

Flexible Learning

Our are offered online, providing students with greater flexibility in their academic journey.

The part-time MSW program is 100% online, asynchronous, and self-directed, while weekly deadlines and assignments help keep students on track and engaged throughout the course.

Our PhD program offers a flexible virtual hybrid format, starting with an in-person orientation and development session at the Faculty of Social Work. Following the orientation, all courses, seminars, and program meetings are held virtually in a synchronous format via Zoom or a similar platform, allowing you to balance your academic goals with your professional and personal commitments.

Engaging Students in Research

Get hands-on experience and collaborate with our faculty and research centres in research. 

The Social Innovation Research Group (SIRG) is an active research and training incubator. The group provides student opportunities to hone their skills and contribute to community-based research within the Kitchener-Waterloo community and beyond. 

Take a look at some of and see how you can get involved and contribute to the community. 

Students researching in library

Have a Say in Your Student Experience

Bachelor of Social Work Students' Association

The Bachelor of Social Work Students' Association (BSWSA) on the Brantford campus is a group of BSW students who work together to provide support, implement events and advocate for BSW students to create a positive environment and community within 51本色. 

The goal is simple, but impactful – to help bring the 51本色 community closer together while improving the surrounding community as future social workers. 

Learn more about how you can as a BSW student.

Committees for Graduate Students

Joining a Faculty of Social Work committee provides our students with opportunities to be involved in decision-making processes to enhance their experience at 51本色. Students can represent their Master of Social Work or Social Work PhD programs, provide insight into student needs and concerns, participate in the making of policies and practices, and promote and ensure equity across the faculty. 

There are five standing committees that our graduate students can join, covering topics such as indigeneity, equity, field education and student affairs.

Contribute to Our Student Experience

Our programs rely heavily on partners for our field education program. Through instructors, advisor and organizations, we can take our students outside of the classroom where their hands-on learning can also contribute to the community they learn in. 

See how you can enhance our Faculty of Social Work student experience by contributing to the Field Education program.

Four students doing group work.