Program Overview

Bachelor of Social Work

Overview

Gain the skills needed to help and support people facing challenging situations and events. This four-year program will take you from the fundamentals of professionalism, research skills, critical thinking, and informed decision making in your first year through to advanced levels in subsequent years.

What Will I Study

• Develop the attributes for professional social work practice in New Zealand
• Engage in study integrating practice and community within the classroom
• Learn about bi-culturalism and anti-oppressive practice
• Develop professional values and attitudes for social work practice as identified by the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and the Social Workers Registration Board Code of Conduct

Pathway

• Year 1: Fundamentals of professionalism, research skills, critical thinking, and informed decision making
• Year 2-4: Advanced levels of the skills learned in Year 1, with significant time in social work agencies

Details

• Program length: 4 years
• Credits: 480
• Level: 7
• Type: Degree
• Code: CH4051
• Next starts: February 2026
• Application close date: 30 November
• May be available for Study Visa: Yes
• International application close date: NULL
• Additional Equipment/Fees: $1,000 text books per year, expenses associated with work placements (Years 3-4)
• May be eligible for Studylink: Yes
• Available Part-time: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free: Yes

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $7,170 - $8,090 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher)
• Literacy: 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing
• Numeracy: 10 credits at Level 1 or above
• OR NZ2860 New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) BSW Pathway or equivalent
• OR NZ2992 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) or equivalent

Additional Requirements

• Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee reports and a 500-word personal statement
• Demonstrate formal or informal experience in a social work, social services, or a related helping role
• Hold a current Class 1 Drivers Licence unless medical verification is provided in relation to a disability or impairment that prohibits you from being able to drive
• Consent to Disclosure of Information
• May need to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria

English Requirements

• Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic
• 6.5 Listening
• 6.5 Reading
• 6.5 Writing
• 6.5 Speaking

Selection Criteria

• A selection process will be used when making decisions about offering places on the BSW
• The selection process will include an assessment of the information provided in the application process
• All applicants will be considered and weighted on their academic achievement, character, and suitability for social work practice

Career Opportunities

• As a graduate of this program, you will be ready for social work practice in statutory organisations, faith-based services, community organisations, and health and hospital services

Study Pathways

• On completion of this program, you can advance your studies with a Master in Social Work at a variety of New Zealand universities

Recommended School Subjects

• English
• Mathematics

Core Courses

Level 5

• Cultural Contexts 1a (BSWC501) - 15 credits
• Cultural Contexts 1b (BSWC502) - 15 credits
• Integrated Practice 1 (BSWI501) - 30 credits
• Research For Practice 1 (BSWR501) - 15 credits
• Social Policy 1 (BSWS501) - 15 credits
• Theory For Practice 1 (BSWT501) - 30 credits

Level 6

• Cultural Contexts 2a (BSWC601) - 15 credits
• Cultural Contexts 2b (BSWC602) - 15 credits
• Integrated Practice 2 (BSWI601) - 30 credits
• Research For Practice 2 (BSWR601) - 15 credits
• Social Policy 2 (BSWS601) - 15 credits
• Theory For Practice 2 (BSWT601) - 30 credits

Level 7

• Cultural Contexts 3 (BSWC701) - 15 credits
• Cultural Contexts 4 (BSWC702) - 15 credits
• Integrated Practice 3 (BSWI701) - 45 credits
• Integrated Practice 4 (BSWI702) - 45 credits
• Research For Practice 3 (BSWR701) - 15 credits
• Research For Practice 4 (BSWR702) - 15 credits
• Social Policy 3 (BSWS701) - 15 credits
• Social Policy 4 (BSWS702) - 15 credits
• Theory For Practice 3 (BSWT701) - 30 credits
• Theory For Practice 4 (BSWT702) - 30 credits

Funding Assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for
• We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance

Credit Recognition

• If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification

Documents

• Admission & Enrolment Form
• International Application Form
• Social Work Additional Requirements Form
• Referee report 1
• Referee report 2

Area of Interest

• Social Work and Human Services

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

• You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid-19 vaccination status to apply for this program
• However, most placement providers will require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated before allowing you to complete a placement at their organisation

Alternative Requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.