Program Overview

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Bachelor of Social Work – BSW

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a highly sought-after and recognised qualification that offers a life-long career in social work. It is a four-year full-time undergraduate degree that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and work alongside people and communities in the modern world.

Overview

The BSW is a parts-based qualification that consists of four parts: Tumu (Foundation), Taha (Framework), Tuanui (Roof), and Whare (House). Each part provides a comprehensive understanding of social work theories, practices, and policies, with a focus on decolonising theories and concepts in social and community work practice.

Entry Requirements

To enter the Bachelor of Social Work qualification, students must meet the requirements set down by the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 for registration as a social worker in Aotearoa New Zealand. This includes:

• Meeting the university entrance requirements
• Providing a curriculum vitae that includes academic and work history over the last 10 years
• Providing a personal statement explaining why they wish to enter the social work qualification and profession
• Providing details of 2 character referees
• Providing details of any convictions or charges pending in Aotearoa New Zealand and/or overseas
• Completing the vetting service request and consent form for an Aotearoa New Zealand Police check
• Providing a current police certificate from any overseas countries they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
• Undertaking an interview (if required)

English Language Requirements

To study this qualification, students must meet Massey University's English language standards. This includes:

• An IELTS test with an overall academic score of at least 6.5, with no band score less than 6.5, taken within the preceding 2 years
• A TOEFL internet-based test (IBT) score of 85 or higher with a writing score of 22
• At least 2 years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least 10 Level 2 NCEA credits in Literacy (5 reading and 5 writing)
• Equivalent

Structure of the Bachelor of Social Work

The BSW is a four-year full-time undergraduate degree that consists of four parts:

1. Part One – Tumu (Foundation): Provides an understanding of people and society, particularly in New Zealand. Tumu is the foundational year introducing core concepts and knowledge for social work as a profession.
2. Part Two – Taha (Framework): Brings a deeper understanding of social work theories and practice, social policy, and engagement with diverse communities.
3. Part Three – Tuanui (Roof): Concentrates on decolonising theories and concepts in social and community work practice. An exciting feature is participation at a Noho Marae.
4. Part Four – Whare (House): Consolidates learning and skills as an authentic and integrated beginning practitioner.

Courses and Specialisations

The BSW consists of a range of compulsory courses that provide a comprehensive understanding of social work theories, practices, and policies. Some of the courses include:

• The Sociological Imagination
• Creating a Foundation for Social and Community Work
• Identity Development in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Social Policy: An Introduction
• Nau mai e noho: Engaging with Māori
• Environmental Sustainability in Social and Community Work
• A Foundation of Interpersonal Skills for the Helping Professions
• Human Development

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for the BSW are estimates only and depend on the courses selected at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits) and include Goods and Services Tax (GST). The fees are:

• Domestic students: $7,415
• International students: Not applicable

There are also scholarships and awards available to students, including:

• He Oha Puiaki - Massey University Māori First Year Scholarship
• Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
• New Zealand Seniors Aged Care Futures Grant
• Te Pitomata Grants

Careers and Job Opportunities

A social work degree means students can work in many different areas, including:

• Child and family protection
• Disability and whānau haua
• Community work and community development
• Diversity-specific services
• Hospitals and primary health
• Youth
• Iwi and marae-based social services
• Justice
• Management and supervision
• Mental health and addictions
• National and international non-government organisations
• Older people
• Policy development
• Refugees and migrants
• Pacific

Accreditations and Rankings

The BSW is accredited by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board. Students who complete the BSW can immediately apply for provisional registration as a registered social worker.

Related Study Options

There are also related study options available, including:

• Master of Applied Social Work – MAppSW
• Master of Social Work – MSW
• Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision – PGDipClinSup
• Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work – PGDipSW

These options provide students with the opportunity to further their education and career in social work.