Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Top-Up) in Social Work
Program Summary
Develop the professional knowledge, ethical values, and practical competencies required to promote social justice, human rights, community empowerment, and sustainable social development. This professionally oriented programme combines social work practice, counselling, community development, humanitarian action, public policy, research, and social welfare management to prepare graduates for leadership in government, civil society, humanitarian organisations, and international development.
Program Overview
Purpose
To contribute to sustainable social development by developing competent social work professionals committed to promoting human rights, social justice, community resilience, and the well-being of individuals, families, and vulnerable populations.
Goal
To strengthen learners' competencies in professional social work practice, counselling, community development, humanitarian action, social policy, advocacy, and evidence-based social interventions.
Communities flourish when individuals, families, and vulnerable populations have access to protection, social justice, quality social services, and equal opportunities for development. Across Africa, rapid social change, humanitarian crises, poverty, inequality, displacement, public health emergencies, and environmental challenges continue to place increasing pressure on governments, humanitarian agencies, and community institutions.
The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Top-Up) in Social Work at the Pan African Institute for Development – East and Southern Africa (PAID–ESA) prepares graduates to become compassionate, competent, and ethical social work professionals capable of improving the lives of individuals, strengthening communities, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
Building upon more than 60 years of Pan-African academic excellence, the programme integrates social work practice, counselling, psychology, community development, humanitarian response, public health, child protection, gender and family welfare, social policy, and applied research into a professionally oriented curriculum designed to address Africa's contemporary social challenges.
Students develop practical competencies through community case studies, psychosocial support exercises, field-based learning, humanitarian simulations, social assessments, research projects, collaborative learning, and professional mentoring. This experiential learning approach ensures graduates possess the practical skills, ethical values, and professional confidence required to deliver high-quality social services across diverse settings.
Graduates leave the programme prepared to contribute meaningfully to government institutions, humanitarian organisations, development agencies, healthcare institutions, educational organisations, and civil society while promoting human dignity, social justice, community resilience, and sustainable social transformation.
At PAID–ESA, students become part of a Pan-African academic community committed to producing social work professionals who champion inclusion, equity, empowerment, and sustainable human development.
Serve Humanity. Empower Communities. Transform Society.
Program Objectives
- 1Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to: Design and implement professional social work interventions that promote human rights, social inclusion, and community well-being.
- 2Apply counselling, community development, social policy, and humanitarian approaches to address complex social challenges affecting vulnerable populations.
- 3Conduct research and develop evidence-based programmes that strengthen social protection systems, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable social development.
Expected Outcomes
- Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to: Conduct professional social assessments.
- Provide counselling and psychosocial support.
- Design community development programmes.
- Promote child protection and family welfare.
- Lead humanitarian and social protection interventions.
- Advocate for human rights and social justice.
- Conduct professional social research.
- Manage social development projects.
- Strengthen community resilience.
- Apply ethical principles in professional social work practice.
Target Audience
- Ideal for holders of a recognised two-year university qualification seeking to complete a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, as well as social workers, community development practitioners, humanitarian workers, NGO professionals, public health practitioners, counsellors, child protection officers, local government officials, and professionals committed to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.
Program Details
Partners
Organized By
Pan African Institute for Development – East & Southern Africa (PAID-ESA)
Admission Requirements
Evaluation
Financial Information
Programme Duration: 12 Months Programme Fees Description Amount Tuition Fee (Full Programme) XAF 900,000 ( USD 1,800) Registration Fee (one-time payment) XAF 70,000 (USD 140) Scholarship (for eligible applicants) 50% of the tuition fee Important: The registration fee is payable once only for the entire 12-month programme. Programme Cost After Scholarship Description Amount Tuition Fee XAF 900,000 (USD 1,800) Scholarship (50%) – XAF 450,000 (– USD 900) Net Tuition Fee XAF 450,000 (USD 900) Registration Fee XAF 70,000 (USD 140) Total Amount Payable XAF 520,000 (USD 1,040) Payment Options Payments may be made through any of the following methods: Bank Transfer Western Union MoneyGram Mobile Money Our Admissions Team will be pleased to assist you in selecting the most convenient payment option and guide you through the payment process. Contact and Admission Support For further information regarding admissions, payment arrangements, or application support, please contact us via: WhatsApp: +237 652 283 721 | +237 673 278 664 We look forward to receiving your application documents and welcoming you to the Pan African Institute for Development – East and Southern Africa (PAID–ESA).
Available
Prerequisites
- •A basic understanding of social sciences, community development, psychology, public health, or humanitarian action is advantageous but not mandatory. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in social justice, human rights, community empowerment, humanitarian response, and sustainable social development.