South African social work education changed from norm-based to outcomes-based education soon after the first democratic government came into power in 1994 and a new Bachelor of Social Work has been in existence since 2007. The article argues in support of deep learning principles and presents narrative constructions from two differently advantaged departments of social work, illustrating how lecturers and students there have adapted to outcomes-based education. Conclusions indicate that statutory requirements and institutional pressures militate against the development of deep learning. The urgency to incorporate transformative learning in meeting professional standards is placed in the international context.