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Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work

  • ID:AIC640027
  • Level:4-Year Bachelor's Degree
  • Duration:
  • Intake:

Fees (NZD)

* Textbooks, travel to work placements

Estimated Total/program:
Apply
60
Accept letter
100
Visa
20
Fly
1

Admission Requirements

Entry requirements

  • ​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)

Note: Students who have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (eg International Baccalaureate, Cambridge examination) should contact us for requirements.

English requirements

  • IELTS: Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.5
  • TOEFL Paper-based Test (pBT) where the test was carried out prior to 1 October 2017: Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE)
  • TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT): Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18)
  • Pearson Test of English: PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First, or B2 First for schools, or C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill
  • OET: Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests
  • NZCEL: a) Expiring: Level 4 (Academic);  b) Current: Level 4 (Academic)
  • LanguageCert: C1 Expert IESOL (LRWS) with PASS and no less than Pass in each skill
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with no less than distinction in any band

Other requirements

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.

Additional requirements

  • In addition you need to:

    • 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 referees 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.
    • hold a Current Class 1 Drivers Licence unless medical verification is provided in relation to a disability or impairment that prohibits the applicant 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. The form will be sent to the NZ Police Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of Department.
    • you may need to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria

Course Information

Gain the skills needed to help and support people facing challenging situations and events.

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 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.

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.

Word processing of assignments is required during this programme.

In our most recent graduate survey, 81% of 2016 Bachelor of Social Work graduates were in employment (Ara Graduate Outcome Survey, 2016).

More info: Click here

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Pre Courses

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Pathway Courses

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Career Opportunity

Career Opportunity

As a graduate of this programme you will be ready for social work practice in statutory organisations eg Child Youth and Family, Probation and Prison Service, faith based services, community organisations and health and hospital services.

Ability to settle

Overseas Student Health Cover

Medical insurance: NZD $600 per year

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