Bachelor of Social Work

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 field education placements in Years 3 and 4 may be outside of Christchurch and a full driver’s license 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). Part-time up to 10 years.

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.

On completion of this programme you can advance your studies with a Master in Social Work at a variety of New Zealand universities.

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