Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) at Orchid International College, Kathmandu

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) at Orchid International College is a four-year undergraduate program affiliated with Tribhuvan University.

Conducted under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the program combines social work theory with fieldwork, practicum, research, academic writing, and report preparation. It develops an understanding of individuals, groups, families, communities, social institutions, and the social problems affecting them. Orchid International College is located behind Maiti Nepal at Bijay Chowk, Gaushala, Kathmandu.

Key highlights

What is BASW?

BASW is an undergraduate social science program designed to prepare students for generalist social work practice. It introduces the concepts, principles, methods, values, and ethics used in work with individuals, groups, organisations, and communities.

The curriculum examines how social, economic, cultural, family, health, and institutional conditions affect people’s lives. Students also learn to identify community problems, examine their causes, assess available services, and consider appropriate forms of intervention.

Human rights and social justice form part of the program’s academic purpose. Research and field-based learning allow students to connect social work concepts with situations encountered in communities and organisations.

Who may consider BASW?

The program may suit students interested in community work, social research, human services, group facilitation, social development, and the study of social problems.

Students should be prepared for reading, written assignments, group discussions, presentations, field visits, interviews, research activities, and report preparation. The course also requires reflection on professional values, confidentiality, communication, and responsible work with people in different social settings.

Eligibility and admission

Applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:

• Secure at least a D+ grade in every subject in Grades 11 and 12

• Complete +2, Intermediate, or PCL from Tribhuvan University or another institution recognised by TU with at least 45% marks

Students from any Grade 12 stream may apply when they meet the prescribed qualification. Applicants completing Grade 12 through the National Examinations Board are eligible under the same academic conditions.

Interested applicants submit an admission application and appear in an interview conducted by Orchid International College. Selected students are notified for admission.

Course structure

The BASW program runs for four academic years under an annual examination system. It includes eight social work papers together with compulsory language, academic writing, research, fieldwork, and report-writing components.

Compulsory subjects include Reading and Writing in English, Compulsory Nepali, and Reading and Writing Across the Disciplines. International students may take Alternative English in place of Compulsory Nepali.

Main areas of study

Students examine social work as a profession and its relationship with sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, history, and political science.

Major areas covered through the course include:

• Social work concepts, history, values, and ethics

• Casework, group work, and community organisation

• Social action and social welfare organisations

• Human behaviour, psychology, and sociology

• Communication, interviewing, home visits, and recording

• Families, culture, socialisation, health, and disability

• Poverty, unemployment, social inequality, and community problems

• Leadership and group processes

• Assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and follow-up

• Research, project preparation, fieldwork, and report writing

Students also study professional principles such as acceptance, confidentiality, individualisation, self-determination, non-judgemental practice, and controlled emotional involvement.

Fieldwork and practical learning at Orchid

Fieldwork is an integral part of the BASW curriculum. Students undertake assignments based on community observation, organisational exposure, interviews, field-based research, or the study of secondary and archival resources.

Project work is completed under faculty guidance. Students prepare an independent report and present their work during a viva voce organised by the department or college.

Orchid International College combines classroom instruction with practical and experiential learning. Its connections with community organisations, NGOs, and INGOs support exposure to workplace and community settings. Students may also participate in seminars, presentations, clubs, community service, and volunteer activities.

Assessment system

The program uses both internal and external evaluation:

• Internal evaluation: 30%

• External evaluation: 70%

Internal marks are distributed across attendance, classroom participation and presentations, assignments, and written class tests.

The external component is conducted through Tribhuvan University’s examination system. Fieldwork and practicum courses include practical external evaluation coordinated through the Social Work Department or concerned college.

A final examination is held at the end of each academic year. Regular attendance is an important condition for appearing in internal and final examinations.

Skills students may develop

Through classroom, field, and research activities, students may develop skills in:

• Community and social problem identification

• Casework and group facilitation

• Interviewing and active listening

• Observation and social assessment

• Project planning and intervention

• Research and academic writing

• Field reporting and documentation

• Presentations and professional communication

• Working with community and service organisations

Career and further study pathways

Graduates may explore entry-level opportunities in government and non-government organisations, NGOs and INGOs, community organisations, educational institutions, research organisations, social-service agencies, and media-related organisations.

Specific roles depend on the organisation, the graduate’s skills, field experience, academic performance, and recruitment requirements.

The degree can also provide a foundation for postgraduate study in social work and related social science disciplines.

Contact information

College: Orchid International College
Address: Behind Maiti Nepal, Bijay Chowk, Gaushala, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-1-4579744, +977-1-4579745
Website: www.oic.edu.np
Affiliation: Tribhuvan University

Frequently asked questions

How long is BASW at Orchid International College?

The BASW program runs for four academic years under the annual system of Tribhuvan University.

Can students from any Grade 12 stream apply?

Yes. Students from any stream may apply after completing Grade 12, +2, Intermediate, or PCL and meeting the prescribed grade or marks requirement.

What is the minimum academic requirement?

Applicants need at least a D+ grade in every Grade 11 and 12 subject or 45% marks in +2, Intermediate, PCL, or an equivalent qualification recognised by Tribhuvan University.

How are students selected for admission?

Eligible applicants submit an application and appear in an interview conducted by Orchid International College.

Does BASW include fieldwork?

Yes. Fieldwork, practicum, project preparation, research, report writing, and viva voce are included in the program.

How is the program assessed?

Assessment consists of 30% internal evaluation and 70% external evaluation. Final examinations are held at the end of each academic year.

What subjects are studied in BASW?

Students study social work, sociology, psychology, casework, group work, leadership, social problems, intervention methods, research, fieldwork, and academic writing.