University
University of OtagoBachelor of Social Work (BSW)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
4 years
Next start date
Expected Mar 2027
Campus
Dunedin Campus
Summary
Want to make a rewarding and positive contribution to society? Social workers engage with individuals, whānau and communities to promote human rights, help improve people's life outcomes and pursue social justice.
Social work ranges from direct work with individuals and working with organisations to become more responsive to people's needs, right through to the development of social policy and legislation. The various roles include counselling, clinical social work, family therapy, helping people obtain services and resources, agency administration, community work, social policy, and political organising.
If you have a strong interest in people, the makeup of New Zealand society, and contemporary social issues, then the Bachelor of Social Work could be for you.
Programme structureThe Bachelor of Social Work is applied for at the end of the second year of the BA (pre-professional Social Work). It covers years three and four of the degree.
You learn key elements of social work practice: theories and models of practice, working with families and children, key skills for practice, organisations and policy settings, and kaupapa Māori and Indigenous approaches to practice.
In the second year, you'll cover interpersonal practice and community development, as well as honing your applied research skills. You'll complete two fieldwork placements (totalling 120 days) with social service organisations, giving you the opportunity to learn within a professional setting supervised by a registered social worker.
Entry criteria
Entry to the Bachelor of Social Work First year – general entry requirementsIf you have done no prior tertiary study, you will initially enrol in the Social Work Pre-Professional programme for your first and second years of study. The Social Work Pre-Professional programme is subject to the same general entry requirements as general bachelors' degrees at Otago.
Third year – selection by committeeAdmission to the third year of the Bachelor of Social Work degree is based on your academic record (either in the Social Work Pre-professional programme or other prior tertiary study) and personal suitability. You will need to provide referees' reports and consent to a Children's Act safety check.
For detailed information, please refer to:
General entry requirementsA university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all types of programmes. You must also be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study and meet English language requirements.
Domestic studentsYou need to have met the New Zealand University Entrance standard, based on your achievement in secondary school or other prior study. Learn about the different categories for achieving University Entrance and what information you may need to provide with your application.
International studentsCheck recognised entry qualifications by country, and find out what documents you need to provide for a successful application.
English language requirements First yearAll students must be proficient in the use of English. If your first language is not English, there are several ways you may provide evidence of English proficiency, including through prior secondary or tertiary study, internationally recognised English language tests, and foundation language programmes.
The level of English proficiency required for undergraduate study is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5.
For details about what is accepted as evidence of English proficiency, please refer to:
Third yearStudents who do not have English, Māori or New Zealand sign language as their primary language must demonstrate either:
- an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 7.0 in the academic band (with no band score lower than 7.0), or
- a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet-based test (iBT) score of 95 or higher with a writing score of 22.
These tests must have been completed in one sitting within the previous two years, and evidence must be provided by way of certified results.
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