University
University of CanterburyBachelor of Social Work with Honours
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
8 years
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Main Campus
Summary
The BSW(Hons) at UC is Aotearoa New Zealand’s most established Social Work programme. This highly regarded interdisciplinary degree will engage you in both theory and practice, preparing you for a wide range of people-related work.
The BSW(Hons) is ideal for those with a commitment to working with others in overcoming personal and institutional barriers to wellbeing, and promoting the full potential of people.
What will my study involve?- Follow your interests in topics such as mental health, child welfare, criminal justice, ageing, violence and abuse, and gender and sexuality.
- In fourth year, 75% of your study is made up of fieldwork placements in social service agencies.
- Small class sizes allow you to work closely with staff and other students.
- This degree sets you up to work in the social work field in Aotearoa or overseas, particularly in the UK and Australia where there is a Mutual Recognition Agreement between the NZSWRB and the Australian Association of Social Workers.
- SOWK102 Social Services in Aotearoa
- SOWK105 Communication for Practice
- HLTH106 Te Wero – Māori Health Issues and Opportunities
- PACS111 The Global Pacific
- MAOR108 Te Patu a Maui: The Treaty of Waitangi — facing and overcoming colonisation OR MAOR165 Tuakiri: Culture and Identity
- Three courses selected from these options AND/OR WRIT101 Writing for Academic Success
- SOWK202 Human Behaviour and Human Systems
- SOWK203 Social Policy, Social Justice and Activism
- SOWK205 Social Work and Community Engagement
- SOWK212 Family Violence
- MAOR212 Māori and Indigenous Development
- MAOR219 Te Tiriti: The Treaty of Waitangi
- Two courses selected from these options
- SOWK301 Theory, Methods and Integration
- SOWK303 Mental Health
- SOWK304 Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake in Practice
- SOWK308 Social Work Principles and Skills
- SOWK341 Introduction to Research in Social Work
- SOWK342 Social Work Research Practice
- SOWK490 Social Work Practice Integration Research Project
- SOWK491 Field Education 1
- SOWK492 Field Education 2
Entry criteria
To enrol in the degree, you will need:
- University Entrance (or equivalent). UC offers transition programmes for those who need help meeting these requirements.
- If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Undergraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours or use the admission requirements checker.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Recommended preparationEntry to the first year of the BSW(Hons) is open to everyone with entry to the University.
While no particular secondary school subjects are required, a background in subjects promoting communication skills such as English, history, geography, or te reo Māori is useful. Volunteer work in the community is also good preparation.
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