Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Bachelor of Social Work

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Bachelor's Degree

Duration

4 years

Next start date

Expected Feb 2027

Campus

Christchurch - City Campus

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Summary

Please note: we are planning to introduce a new programme, Te Ata Māhina Bachelor of Social Work, in 2027, pending NZQA approval. This would move the degree from the current four-year format to a three-year degree.

You will develop the attributes for professional social work practice in New Zealand as you engage in study integrating practice and community within the classroom. This programme is underpinned by a philosophy of bi-culturalism and anti-oppressive practice.

Our four year programme will take you from the fundamentals of professionalism, research skills, critical thinking and informed decision making, in your first year through to your second, third and fourth years when you will take these skills to an advanced level.

Each year has an integrated practice course where learning is linked to the practice environment. In the second, third and fourth years integrated practice includes significant time in social work agencies.

Please note that field education placements in Years 3 and 4 may be outside of Christchurch and a full driver’s license is required otherwise agency options are likely to be limited.

The programme includes two compulsory 24-hour marae visits (including overnight stays).

By the end of the degree, you will have developed the 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 and will be able to apply for provisional registration.

There is currently a shortage of social workers, including people identifying with the following groups: Maori, Pacific, migrant, refugee, male and disabled persons who are encouraged to apply.

Please note, if you are thinking about studying part time in Year 1 you need to be working in the social services either in paid or voluntary employment.

Entry criteria

Academic Requirements

New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include:

14 credits at Level 3 in each of:

English or an approved literacy* subject
two other subjects from the list of approved subjects* and
Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing, and
Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR NZ2992 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) or equivalent

OR If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your application for academic entry equivalency.

OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Open Pathway or equivalent.

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/

Additional Requirements

Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee reports and a 500-word personal statement.

In your application you need to demonstrate formal or informal experience in a social work, social services or a related helping role, and the ability to analyse and relate this experience to a social work context.
Your referee's reports, word processed personal statement, and interview should provide evidence of appropriateness to study for the social work profession:
commitment to social justice, openness to explore biculturalism, self-awareness and openness to change and being challenged, openness to participate in interactive group learning,
willingness to be honest and reflective about personal experiences, high level of skill in interpersonal communication and personal maturity
Please note that integrated practice in Years 2, 3 and 4 may be outside of Christchurch and a full driver's licence is required otherwise agency options are likely to be limited.
If you do not have a full driver's license at the time of application, you will need to have completed this requirement by the end of Year 2.

Two referee reports are required (in priority order):

One referee should be from a recent social services employer/manager for paid or voluntary work OR a recent employer OR a personal reference (not a family member) who can speak to issues of character
One referee should be from the programme leader of a tertiary level social services programme OR the Dean (or equivalent) of a school in the past 5 years OR a personal reference (not a family member) who can speak to issues of character
Please note you can only use ONE personal reference

You also need to 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. Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Vetting Service Request and Consent Form.

You may need to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria.

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.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic

6.5 Listening
6.5 Reading
6.5 Writing
6.5 Speaking

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
All students for whom English is not their first language will be informed of the SWRB requirement of IELTS 7.0 Academic for registration.
What if I have achieved New Zealand University Entrance?
You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Selection Requirements

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 provid...

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