Bachelor of Social Work

How is the study year structured?

The study year is broken into two 17-week semesters. Each has a two week mid-semester break. Some courses are available at Summer School. Please check with Programme Area reception.

Is there an Orientation?

Yes. New students are expected to attend an Orientation at the start of their semester. This will cover course structure and requirements, introduce you to tutors and fellow students, and ensure you are ready to begin your study. You will be notified of Orientation dates.

Who should I see if I have a problem with my course?

You must see your course tutor in the first instance. If the issue is not resolved see the Programme Manager.

How much teaching, tuition and independent study is expected?

 36 Tuition Teaching Weeks + 7 Vacation/Recess Weeks = 43 Total Gross Weeks 

12 Tuition Hours per week
+ 25.33 Independent Study Hours per week
= 37.33 Total Learning Hours / week

Number of Years 4

This programme is suitable for those who wish to develop a career as professionally qualified and registered social worker.

Graduates will be qualified to work in a range of social work positions in statutory organisations (CYFS, Justice), Health (tertiary, primary and community) and Not for Profit Social Service agencies.

You could have a career in the area of student advocacy, elderly care, at the marae, working with refugee families, at the court, or in the community.

Academic 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 three approved* subjects
  as well as 
• 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) 
  
  OR

A qualification or examination recognised as being equivalent to the achievement of NCEA Level 3 (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination)

* See NZQA approved subjects(external link)

OR(external link)

A relevant qualification at Level 4 on the NZQF; or equivalent

Alternative entry:

Applicants who are unable to demonstrate that they meet academic entry requirements but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary student gained through study, work, and/or life experience, maybe approved for alternate entry by the Curriculum Manager (or delegate).

English language requirements

All students who do not have English, Māori or New Zealand sign language as their primary language demonstrate either:

• IELTS academic score of 6.5 academic no band score lower than 6.5,
  OR
• TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) score of 85 or higher with a writing score of 22. 

These tests must have been completed in one sitting within the previous 2 years.

• Social Workers Registration Board Policies(external link)

Other requirements

1) Candidates must meet the SWRB Fit and Proper criteria for entry. A candidate may be deemed unfit if:

a. That person is unable to perform adequately the functions required to practice social work satisfactorily;
b. That person is not of good character and reputation
c. That person has a conviction, in New Zealand or overseas, for an offence that is punishable by imprisonment for 3 months or more, and an offence where the nature and circumstances of the offence reflect adversely on a person’s ability to practice social work.

Candidates are required to indicate whether they have been convicted of, or are being prosecuted for, a criminal offence. Prior to commencing the programme all successful candidates will be required to complete a police vetting form. The Clean Slate Act does not apply and some types of criminal conviction may limit the ability to secure practicum placements and therefore complete the programme. Candidates should also be aware that, under the Social Workers Registration Act (2003) some types of criminal conviction may result in the Social Workers Registration Board refusing to allow a person to register as a Social Worker.

The board considers that conviction for offences of the following nature would lead to a reasonable person concluding that a person is not fit and proper to practice Social Work - section 47(1)-

a. Homicide or manslaughter
b. Sexual offending including pornography
c. Violence against a person or persons
d. Fraud or dishonesty
e. Offences towards children or other dependant persons
f. Serious alcohol and drug-related offences
g. Weapons or firearms offences.

2) In order to comply with the provisions of the Vulnerable Children’s Act, 2014 and Child Protection Policies for all ‘specified organisations’ providing a ‘regulated service’, all candidates/students will be subjected to safety checks. These will include but are not limited to;

a. A Formal Interview
b. Referee Checks
c. A Police Vet Check
d. A Risk Assessment

Any unsatisfactory result arising from the full safety checking process may result in the candidate/student being precluded/declined entry or withdrawn from the programme of study. Furthermore, students must declare any pending or new convictions arising during any stage throughout the entire enrolment period. A conviction or failure to declare a conviction may also result in the student being immediately withdrawn from the programme. Persons who are convicted of ‘specified offences’ will not be accepted onto any programme that requires that Person to work in an organisation providing a regulated service.

3) Candidates will be required to attend a selection interview/hui. Selection will be made on the basis of the candidate being able to demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success in the programme.

So we may best understand your personal application we ask you to complete a questionnaire to provide further details. 

Supporting document requirements(external link)

You will need to budget to contribute $120 towards Noho Marae costs in year two and year three of the programme.