The Social Work Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic prepares students to become ethical, compassionate, and socially responsible practitioners committed to anti-oppressive practice and social justice. The program combines theoretical learning with hands-on field placements, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world social service environments.
Students build strong communication skills, client advocacy techniques, and an understanding of complex social challenges. Field placements in both years provide practical experience in community agencies, social service organizations, and support programs. Students must be prepared to work during evenings or weekends, depending on agency requirements.
Graduates may transfer into a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at the University of Calgary or Mount Royal University, or continue studies at RDP in the Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies.
- Academic Requirement: Students must have: • 50% in ELA 30-1 OR 65% in ELA 30-2 AND • 50% in Social Studies 30-1 OR 50% in Aboriginal Studies 30 OR 65% in Social Studies 30-2 OR Accuplacer Test: • Minimum 250 Reading • Minimum 250 Writing • Minimum 5 WritePlacer Essay Indian Equivalent (for system entry): 12th Pass with English and Social Studies (minimum required percentage as applicable)
- ELP Requirement: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 each band) PTE: 59 (minimum 56 each section) Duolingo: 115–125 TOEFL iBT: 83 CAEL: 60 (minimum 55 each band) Oxford ELLT: 7 Overall
- Special Requirement: • Field placements in both years • Must be 18 years old for field placement • Police Information Check (PIC) required • Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) required • Possible Child Intervention Record check • Field placements may require evening or weekend hours • Students may need to travel for placements • One-week on-campus orientation required in late August (Year 1) • Co-op Work Permit required • Program can be taken full-time or part-time • Available online or in-person (field placements in person only)
- Application Fee: $150
- LOA Deposit: $1,500
- Annual Tuition Fee: $0
- Total Tuition Fee: $0
- Course Duration: 2 years
- Credentials: Diploma
- Intake: Fall 2026 – Waitlisted
Eligibility
□ 12th Pass with English and Social Studies
□ Minimum required percentage as per program criteria
English Requirement
□ IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 each band)
OR accepted equivalent (PTE 59 / Duolingo 115–125 / TOEFL 83)
Documents
□ Passport
□ 10th and 12th marksheets
□ English test result
□ Statement of Purpose
Fees and Admission
□ Application Fee – CAD 150
□ Tuition Deposit – CAD 1500
□ PAL Required
Program Confirmation
□ Duration – 2 Years
□ Intake – Fall 2026 (Waitlisted)
□ Two Field Placements
□ Must be 18 years old for placement
□ Police & Vulnerable Sector Checks required
□ PGWP Eligible