Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Social Work with Honours (BSW(Hons)) is a professional, interdisciplinary programme combining social work theory, practical skills, research and supervised field education.
• UC describes it as Aotearoa New Zealand’s most established Social Work programme.
• Students can explore areas including mental health, child welfare, criminal justice, ageing, violence and abuse, and gender and sexuality.
• The programme uses small, interactive classes, allowing students to work closely with academic staff and other students.
• Practical experience is a major component. In fourth year, 75% of the study is made up of fieldwork placements in social service agencies around Aotearoa New Zealand.
• The qualification is recognised by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB), and UC states that it is recognised internationally, including through the professional recognition arrangements relevant to Australia and the UK.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme has a closely prescribed structure.

Year 1 includes:

• SOWK102 – Social Services in Aotearoa
• SOWK105 – Communication for Practice
• HLTH106 – Te Wero: Maori 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 approved options and/or WRIT101 – Writing for Academic Success.

Year 2 includes:

• SOWK202 – Human Behaviour and Human Systems
• SOWK203 – Social Policy, Social Justice and Activism
• SOWK205 – Social Work and Community Engagement
• SOWK212 – Family Violence
• MAOR212 – M?ori and Indigenous Development
• MAOR219 – Te Tiriti: The Treaty of Waitangi
• Two courses selected from approved options.

Year 3 includes:

• SOWK301 – Theory, Methods and Integration
• SOWK303 – Mental Health
• SOWK304 – Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake in Practice
• SOWK308 – Social Work Principles and Skills
• SOWK340 – Practice Research for Social Work.

Year 4 includes:

• SOWK490 – Social Work Practice Integration Research Project
• SOWK491 – Field Education 1
• SOWK492 – Field Education 2.

Disciplines / Specialisations

• The qualification has one formal subject: Social Work.
• It does not operate through separate majors or specialisations in the way a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science might.
• Students nevertheless encounter a broad range of specialist areas through compulsory and elective study, including:
  • Social policy
  • Social services
  • Human behaviour
  • Social justice and activism
  • Community engagement
  • Family violence
  • Mental health
  • M?ori and Indigenous development
  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi
  • Social work practice
  • Social work research
  • Field education.

Programme Highlights

• 480-point professional undergraduate qualification.
• Four years full-time.
• Strong integration of theory, professional skills, research and field practice.
• 75% of fourth-year study consists of fieldwork placements according to UC's programme information.
• Two fourth-year field education courses.
• Research project in the final year.
• Focus on Aotearoa New Zealand's social, cultural and community context.
• Strong inclusion of M?ori and Indigenous perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Small, interactive classes.
• Qualification accredited/recognised by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue careers including:

• Social worker
• Community development worker
• Youth worker
• Policy analyst
• Counsellor
• Educator
• Other roles across social services and community organisations.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current consideration is that entry is not equally open throughout all four years.

• First-year BSW(Hons) entry is open to students who meet UC's university admission requirements.
• Progression into second year and higher Social Work study is limited and competitive.
• Students must complete an additional application process.
• Police vetting is required.
• Applicants must satisfy the SWRB's fitness-to-practise requirements.
• An interview is part of the current limited-entry process for progression.
• One referee is required for the second-year application.
• International students who have lived overseas for 12 months or more after age 16 during the previous 10 years may also need to provide police checks from relevant countries.
• For progression to fourth year, students must have completed SOWK301 and SOWK308, provide attestations regarding character and suitability for practice, and agree to comply with the relevant professional codes.
• Applications for 200- and 300-level Social Work courses are normally due by 30 September in the preceding year.
• Fourth-year applications must also be made by 30 September of the preceding year. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for full-time tertiary study.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or evidence of a scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of study.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.
• Evidence of accommodation/living arrangements where required.
• Medical or police certificates where applicable.