Bachelor of Social Work

Summary

The Bachelor of Social Work at BTI is the only faith-based social work programme in Aotearoa and students are challenged to develop a holistic approach to practice that incorporates their own sense of faith and spirituality.

Our social work programme also emphasises partnership with Maori and seeks to draw on the richness of indigenous knowledge about working with people. Students will be empowered to learn about their own history and social customs to support their learning and supported to grow their empathy and understanding of diverse cultures and practices.

Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline focused on empowering individuals, families, and communities to make changes that lead to greater wholeness and wellbeing. The profession is not only concerned with responding to the difficulties people face in society but also challenging the systems and structures that create inequality and oppression. This approach requires practitioners to be able to draw on a wide range of diverse knowledge but also be able to integrate the heart and values of passionate practice with a complex set of skills that enable positive outcomes. We believe that Jesus provides a model for social work because he lived a life of love and compassion for all people combined with a commitment to transformation, advocacy for the marginalised and justice for all.

Why study Social Work at BTI?

Flexible study – distance, full-time or part-time options, Small teaching groups and relational learning, Study onsite in Tauranga or from where you live , Commitment to bicultural practice and Te Tiriti o Waitangi relationships, Great learning support to help you succeed, A Christ-centred biblically-based curriculum, Very experienced staff who have worked in their field and share their passion and enthusiasm with students, Graduates get jobs – about 80% of students were already employed at the time that they graduated.

The Bachelor of Social Work leads to professional registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) and equips students for a wide range of social work roles both in Aotearoa New Zealand and in international aid and development.