Bachelor of Arts (Major in Social Work)
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts majoring in Social Work prepares graduates for careers working with people and their social wellbeing — one of the most challenging and rewarding fields in Papua New Guinea. At UPNG, the Social Work program produces graduates who work with people in both rural and urban communities, helping them through appropriate intervention practices to enhance the quality of their lives.
The program equips students with skills in community development, case management, advocacy, family support services, and social welfare programme delivery. Graduates work with government departments, NGOs, churches, community organisations, hospitals, schools, and development agencies across PNG's diverse communities.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed Grade 12 from a recognised institution. The following minimum grades are required for school leaver selection:
- A grade of C or better in Language & Literature or Applied English (one subject).
- A grade of B or better in General Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics (one subject).
- A grade of B or better in three (3) subjects chosen from Economics, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry or Biology.
Minimum GPA: 2.75, calculated across the subjects listed above (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0; subjects not taken are excluded from the calculation). Note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission — places are limited and competition is strong.
NOSS selection formula (2025): (COUNT_C[LL,AE]=1)&(COUNT_B[GM,AM]=1)&(COUNT_B[Ec,Hi,Gr,Ph,Ch,Bi]=3)&(GPA[LL,AE,AM,GM,Ec,Hi,Gr,Bi,Ch,Ph]>=2.75)
Course Structure
Year 1
Semester 1
- 4.21002Social Development
Semester 2
- 4.11001Community Empowerment
Year 2
Semester 1
- 4.31006Social Policy Analysis
- 4.31017Social Work Practice A
- 4.31023Social Development Seminar
Semester 2
- 4.21025Community Planning
Year 3
Semester 1
- 4.41003Social Administration
- 4.41014Family & Social Welfare Laws
- 4.41036Social Planning
Semester 2
- 4.31039Social Work Practice B
- 4.31041Crime & Criminal Justice System
- 4.31058NGOs & Community Work
- 4.31062Community Social Work Methods
Year 4
- 4.41025Advanced Fieldwork
Course codes shown are indicative. Please contact the School directly for official course codes and credit information.