Choosing the right university programme is one of the most important steps in building a meaningful, people-centred career. If you’re passionate about community development, mental health, behavioural science, policy research, counselling, or social justice, South Africa offers some of the best Social Work and Sociology/Social Sciences qualifications on the continent.
This guide groups together the universities that offer these programmes, helping you compare your options quickly and easily.
1. Social Work – Universities Offering BSW Degrees in South Africa
Social Work is a regulated profession requiring a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Below are the universities where you can study it:
Universities Offering Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Offers a full BSW degree within the Faculty of Health Sciences—ideal for community-oriented students.
• North-West University (NWU)
Provides a strong BSW programme supported by behavioural sciences and practical fieldwork.
• Stellenbosch University (SU)
Home to a well-established Social Work Department offering a four-year BSW degree.
• University of Cape Town (UCT)
One of the top Social Work schools in the country, combining research, field practice, and social policy studies.
• University of Fort Hare (UFH)
Offers BSW and postgraduate pathways including MSW and DSW.
• University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Provides a comprehensive Social Work programme within the Faculty of Humanities.
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Offers a B Social Work degree focused on community engagement and welfare systems.
• University of Limpopo (UL)
Provides a BSW designed to address rural and urban community development needs.
• University of South Africa (UNISA)
Ideal for distance learners. Offers Social Work within the BA and BSocSci structure.
• University of Venda (UNIVEN)
Home to a professional Bachelor of Social Work programme rooted in community transformation.
• University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Highly regarded for Social Work with a focus on social justice and transformation.
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Offers Social Work under the School of Human and Community Development.
• Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
Included under Social Sciences and community-related programmes.
2. Sociology & Social Sciences – Offered at ALL South African Universities
If you’re more interested in understanding society, research, human behaviour, social change, or global development, Sociology/Social Sciences programmes are available at every major South African university.
Universities Offering Sociology / Social Sciences
All universities from NMU to Wits offer Sociology under:
- BA (Bachelor of Arts)
- BSocSci (Bachelor of Social Science)
- Humanities & Social Sciences degrees
- Extended or structured social sciences pathways
These programmes commonly include subjects like:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Development Studies
- Gender Studies
- Industrial Sociology
- Public Governance
- Philosophy & Social Theory
This makes Social Sciences one of the most flexible and widely accessible fields in South Africa.
🎓 Which Programme Should You Choose?
Choose Social Work if you want to:
✔ Become a registered social worker
✔ Work directly with families, children, communities, and social welfare systems
✔ Register with SACSSP
✔ Gain practical field experience from your first year
Choose Sociology/Social Sciences if you want to:
✔ Work in research, policy, NGOs, development, media, or academia
✔ Analyse society, behaviour, politics, or culture
✔ Build a foundation for honours and master’s specialisations
✔ Combine multiple disciplines for diverse career paths
Final Thoughts
Whether your passion lies in hands-on community support (Social Work) or understanding society and human behaviour (Sociology/Social Sciences), South African universities offer excellent programmes to guide your career forward.
Use this grouped list to compare institutions and choose the study path that aligns with your goals for 2026 and beyond.