Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Social Work is designed to prepare students to support individuals, families, wh?nau and communities experiencing challenging circumstances.

• The programme combines social work theory, cultural understanding, social policy, research and integrated practice.

• Students develop knowledge and skills relevant to professional social work in community, health, statutory and other social service settings.

• The programme includes practice-based learning and work placements, helping students connect classroom learning with real social work environments.

• Graduates may progress to postgraduate study, including a Master of Social Work at a New Zealand university.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

Ara’s published programme structure includes the following 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 – BSWT602, 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.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• The qualification is a general Bachelor of Social Work rather than a degree with separately named majors or specialisation streams.

• Its main subject areas are:

  • Social work theory and professional practice.

  • Cultural contexts and bicultural practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Social policy.

  • Research for social work practice.

  • Integrated practice and supervised field education.

• The programme emphasises biculturalism, cross-cultural practice, social justice and anti-oppressive approaches.

Programme Highlights

• Four-year, 480-credit professional degree.

• Bicultural and anti-oppressive practice is embedded in the programme.

• Integrated practice courses are included in each year.

• Agency-based learning is a significant part of Years 2, 3 and 4.

• The current programme requires 120 days (1,000 hours) of supervised placement, across at least two placements in different structured settings and at least two fields of practice.

• Two compulsory 24-hour marae visits, including overnight stays, are required.

• Ara states that successful graduates will have developed professional values and attitudes aligned with the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and the SWRB Code of Conduct, and will be able to apply for provisional registration.

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies potential employment in:

• Statutory organisations, including child and family services.

• Probation and prison services.

• Faith-based services.

• Community organisations.

• Health and hospital services.

Further study:

- Graduates may progress to a Master of Social Work at a range of New Zealand universities.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Ara’s current programme page states that it is planning to introduce a new programme called Te Ata M?hina Bachelor of Social Work in 2027, subject to NZQA approval. The proposed change would move the degree from its current four-year format to a three-year degree.

• The new programme is not confirmed as approved in the information currently published. Applicants should therefore confirm which programme structure and qualification they will be offered for the 2027 intake before accepting an offer.

• The current four-year programme includes two compulsory 24-hour marae visits, including overnight stays.

• Field education placements in Years 3 and 4 may be outside Christchurch. A full New Zealand driver licence is required, or placement choices may be limited. Ara says applicants who do not hold a full licence when applying must obtain one by the end of Year 2.

• Successful applicants must complete New Zealand Police vetting.

• Applicants whose first language is not English should be aware of the separate SWRB IELTS Academic 7.0 requirement for registration, even though Ara's programme admission requirement is IELTS 6.5 in every band.

• Ara's 2026 handbook specifies 120 days/1,000 hours of supervised placement. Applicants should ask Ara whether the placement structure will change under the proposed three-year programme.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this full-time degree in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to meeting Immigration New Zealand's requirements.

Current Immigration New Zealand information:

• Visa fee: from NZD 850.

• Processing time: 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks. This is an indicative processing statistic, not a guarantee.

• Visa duration: up to 4 years, depending on the period of study paid for and other visa conditions.

• Applicants should apply at least 3 months before their intended travel date.

• Applicants must have an offer of place from an approved education provider.

• Applicants must show that they can pay the required tuition fees or have an acceptable scholarship or funding arrangement.

• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses, or have an acceptable sponsor or guarantor.

• Applicants must meet health and character requirements, demonstrate genuine study intentions and provide evidence of onward travel or funds to purchase a ticket.

• Appropriate medical and travel insurance is required for the duration of the stay.

Living funds:

• For tertiary study lasting one year or more, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of NZD 20,000 for each year of study.

• For study lasting less than one year, the requirement is NZD 1,667 per month.

• Students undertaking a four-year degree should be prepared to demonstrate how they will fund living expenses beyond the first year as well.

Work rights:

• The visa may allow eligible students to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Eligible students may be able to work full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on their visa.

• Work rights are not automatic for every student; applicants must check the conditions of their individual visa.

Additional considerations for Indian applicants:

• Immigration New Zealand states that applicants from India applying in South Asia may use only immediate family members as sponsors or financial undertakers under the relevant student visa arrangements. Immediate family includes a partner, parents, siblings, grandparents and parents-in-law.

• Applicants should check the current Funds Transfer Scheme and financial evidence instructions applicable to Indian citizens before submitting an application.