Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at The University of Auckland is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a meaningful career in social services. This degree offers a rigorous academic curriculum combined with practical fieldwork opportunities to develop the skills necessary for effective social work practice across a variety of settings, including community organizations, healthcare facilities, and government agencies. Throughout the program, students are introduced to core concepts such as human development, social policy, social justice, and ethical practice, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the complex social issues faced by diverse populations.

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, cultural competence, and evidence-based approaches, equipping graduates to advocate for vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. Students will engage in a range of learning activities, including lectures, seminars, case studies, and supervised placements, which are integral to applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. These fieldwork experiences are facilitated through partnerships with local and national organizations, providing students with valuable networks within the social services sector and practical skills that meet industry standards.

The BSW programme at the University of Auckland is designed to foster reflective practice, professionalism, and social responsibility. It prepares graduates not only to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams but also to pursue postgraduate studies in social work, social policy, or related fields. The program is committed to promoting social equity and empowering students to contribute positively to society through compassionate and ethical intervention strategies.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work will be eligible for registration with the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board, allowing them to practice as qualified social workers throughout New Zealand. The program is suitable for individuals passionate about making a difference in people's lives and committed to fostering social change. With a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and a strong emphasis on ethical practice, the Bachelor of Social Work at The University of Auckland offers a pathway to a rewarding and impactful career dedicated to improving well-being and social justice for all members of society.

This programme consists of 480 points. Below is a sample of how the programme is structured. Depending on the semester you begin your study, the order in which you study these courses may differ. Each course is worth 15 points unless indicated.

Year One

The first year will give you a foundation in social science knowledge for social work practice, looking at society and responses to social problems and challenges. You will discover how sociology, psychology and understanding human communication can assist social workers to make sense of the complex social world we live in. You will think about the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi and our diverse cultural environment in social services in New Zealand. You will also study one course from the General Education schedules available for this degree.

In the first year of study faculty staff will bring in practitioners to talk about what it means to work in each area of social work. This will help you to decide where your interest lies and which major you want to study from your second year onwards. You can also choose to select courses of interest without majoring in one specific area.

You will complete the following compulsory courses:

• HUMSERV 101 - Psychology for Human Services
• HUMSERV 102 - Lifespan Development for Human Services
• SOCWORK 111 - Professional Communication Skills
• SOCWORK 112 - Sociology for Human Services
• SOCWORK 113 - Culture and Diversity
• SOCWORK 114 - Treaty of Waitangi in Human Services
• SOCWORK 115 - The Social Work Environment
• One 15 point course from the General Education schedules available for this degree.

Year Two

In Year Two, you start to build your knowledge and skills for social work practice, as well as explore the areas of society, law and social policy. You also select one course to begin your major. You can choose to major in one of three areas: child and family practice; youth services practice or health social work practice. If you choose not to major in a particular area, you will select a course that you are interested in from the schedule. You will also study one course from the General Education schedules available for this degree.

You will complete the following compulsory courses:

• SOCWORK 211 - Social Policy Development
• SOCWORK 212 - Bicultural Social Work Practice
• SOCWORK 213 - Social Work Practice Skills
• SOCWORK 214 - Social Work Practice Theories
• SOCWORK 216 - Law and the State in Social Work
• SOCCHFAM 215 - Whānau-Family-Aiga Practice
• Course from your chosen major (or elective)
• One 15 point course from the General Education schedules available for this degree

Year Three

Year Three provides you with theory and practice courses to build on the knowledge and skills for practice, and explore how research skills can help you to become an excellent reflective social work practitioner.

You will examine the importance of understanding issues in mental health and child protection. You will also do one course within your major. If you have chosen not to take a major, you can select a course of interest from the schedule. You will also get real experience in the field through a twelve-week supervised placement in a social services agency learning from experienced social workers.

You will complete the following compulsory courses:

• SOCWORK 311 - Social Work Process and Practice
• SOCWORK 312 - Applied Social Research
• SOCWORK 315 - Organisations and Management
• SOCWORK 317 - Supervised Field Practice and Professional Development 1 (30 points)
• SOCHLTH 313 - Mental Health in Social Practice
• SOCCHFAM 314 - Child Protection Practice
• Course from your chosen major (or elective)

Year Four

In your final year of study you will either do Year Four of the BSW or the BSW(Hons) programme.

Year Four provides you with advanced theory and practice courses to build on the knowledge, skills and the experience you have gained on your third-year placement. You will examine the social work profession in greater detail, look at issues for community development and learn how to utilise research skills and findings in your practice. You will take a Stage 4 course in your major and get to choose one elective. Again, if you have chosen not to take a major, you can select a course of interest from the range of elective courses. You will also get further field experience through an approximately three to four month supervised placement in a social services setting. If you are doing a major, it is most likely that this placement will be in a relevant agency context.

You will complete the following compulsory courses:

• SOCWORK 356 - Community Development
• SOCWORK 411 - Social Work Interventions for Best Practice
• SOCWORK 413 - The Social Work Discourse
• SOCWORK 414 - Research and Evaluation in Social Practice
• SOCWORK 415 - Supervised Field Practice and Professional Development 2 (30 points)
• Course from your chosen major (or elective)

You also will complete 15 points from any course within the Bachelor of Social Work schedule.

Note: programme structure differs in Year Four if you are selected into the BSW(Hons).

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Students will be selected in to the BSW(Hons) programme at the end of the third year of study. Selection is on the basis of successful study in the Bachelor of Social Work. To be eligible to enter the BSW(Hons) programme you will be required to have completed 360 points in required courses from the BSW schedule, with an average grade of B or higher in specified courses above Stage 2.

If you are selected into the Honours programme you will undertake a supervised field placement (30 points), two compulsory courses (30 points), one elective in your major, plus a 45 point dissertation based on a research project.

By completing the the BSW(Hons) programme in your final year you will still graduate with a degree qualification recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board, with the added benefit of a year of postgraduate study and preparation for further research.

• General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. A minimum of three A-Level subjects completed, with at least 'C' grade or higher attained. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma (minimum total score of 24).
• IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.0 and all bands 5.5 or better
• Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 80 plus a written score of 21
• Paper-based TOEFL: Overall score of 550 plus Essay (TWE) of 4.5
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) and Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 169 and all bands 162 or better
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Overall score of 50 and no PTE communicative skills score below 42. You must authorise the University to view and verify your PTE scores. 
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 80

The University of Auckland offers financial support options for students enrolled in its Social Work programmes, including scholarships, study grants, and loan schemes designed to assist students in covering tuition fees and related study expenses. Students are encouraged to explore various scholarships available specifically for social work students, which can be awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as community involvement or demonstrated commitment to social causes. The university participates in New Zealand's Student Loan Scheme, allowing eligible students to borrow funds to finance their tuition fees and living costs during their studies. International students may have access to different financial assistance options, including scholarships and part-time work opportunities, but should check specific eligibility criteria and application procedures. Additionally, the university provides information about part-time work opportunities both on and off-campus, enabling students to support themselves financially while balancing their academic commitments. There are also various external funding sources and private scholarships that students can apply for, often requiring separate applications and assessment criteria. To maximize financial aid opportunities, students should regularly consult the university’s financial aid office or the dedicated scholarships webpage for the latest information and deadlines. Some programmes might also have specific bursaries aimed at supporting students in the social services sector, recognizing the importance of cultivating well-supported future professionals. It is recommended that prospective and current students complete the necessary financial aid application forms well in advance of the academic year to ensure they access available funds. The university’s comprehensive approach to financial support aims to make social work education accessible to a diverse student population, fostering a skilled workforce dedicated to social betterment and community development.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at The University of Auckland is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a career in social services and community work. The program focuses on developing theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and a strong ethical foundation necessary for effective practice within diverse social contexts. It emphasizes understanding social issues, human development, cultural competence, and professional responsibilities, equipping graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

The curriculum includes core courses in social work practice, social policy, Māori and Pacific perspectives, mental health, child welfare, and research methods. Students gain hands-on experience through placements in various social service organizations, allowing them to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. These practical components are integral to the program, ensuring students develop the confidence and competence required for professional roles upon graduation.

The program is accredited by professional bodies such as the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB), ensuring that graduates meet national standards for social work practice. It also offers pathways for postgraduate studies, including Honours, Master's, and PhD options, enabling students to further specialize or pursue research careers in social work.

Students benefit from The University of Auckland’s strong links with local communities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, which support internship opportunities and collaborative projects. The faculty comprises experienced practitioners, researchers, and academics dedicated to social justice and human rights, fostering a learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, cultural responsiveness, and lifelong learning.

Career outcomes for graduates include roles in child and family services, mental health, community development, healthcare, education, and policy development. The program is suitable for individuals passionate about making a positive impact on society and committed to social equity. Overall, the Bachelor of Social Work at The University of Auckland provides a rigorous, well-rounded education that prepares students for meaningful and impactful careers in social services, emphasizing the importance of ethical practice, cultural understanding, and community engagement.