MSW Qualifying Year Clinical Internships

This project establishes the MSW Qualifying Year (MSWQY) at McGill’s School of Social Work, providing a pathway for students with undergraduate degrees outside of social work. Previously, the MSW program was limited to BSW holders.

The MSWQY is a two-term, 30-credit program combining in-class courses and a clinical internship, preparing students for the full 45-credit, three-term MSW (Non-Thesis) and eligibility for a social work permit from the OTSTCFQ. The project will create 25 MSWQY internships and provide support for student learning during placements. 

Montreal’s English-speaking health and social service agencies face a pressing need for bilingual social workers. As the only English-language social work program in Quebec, McGill attracts bilingual students seeking English instruction alongside French-language clinical experience. The MSWQY expands access for students without a BSW, increasing the pool of MSW graduates and helping meet workforce and community needs. The program is expected to boost MSW graduates by 60%, strengthening the province’s capacity for bilingual social work services.