Social Work

This highly-regarded interdisciplinary degree will engage you in both theory and practice, equipping you for a wide range of people-related work.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at UC is New Zealand’s most established Social Work programme and its graduates are in high demand. The programme is ideal for those with a commitment to working with others in overcoming personal and institutional barriers to well-being and promoting the full potential of people.

Features of the Bachelor of Social Work at UC

• Recognised by the Social Workers' Registration Board
• Internationally recognised qualification
• The BSW has a strong practical component, leading up to 75% fieldwork in your fourth and final year
• Field placements see students working within social service agencies and the community
• May be awarded with honours.

The BSW requires a total of 480 points:

• 390 points comprising compulsory Social Work and Human Services courses
• one course (15 points) from 100-level Māori and Indigenous Studies or Te Reo Māori courses
• 75 points from one of the four elective streams. 

BSW elective streams

Social Work students choose an elective stream that suits their academic interests and career objectives. In addition to Social Work, this allows you to specialise in another subject area, selected from:

• Human Services
• Sociology 
• Psychology
• Māori and Indigenous Studies / Te Reo Māori.

See the degree diagram on this page and elective stream breakdown under 'Subjects and courses' below, for information on what this would look like in your first and second years.

Third year and beyond

Entry to Social Work courses at 300-level and above is competitive. Completed courses at 100 and 200-level can be credited to a Bachelor of Arts with a major in your elective stream subject if you are unable to or choose not to continue with a BSW.

In your fourth year, 75% of your work will be in the field, allowing you to put into practice the knowledge and skills you have gained. 

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Domestic applicants over 20 who do not hold University Entrance, or equivalent, may gain admission by providing evidence of their ability to complete tertiary study successfully. For information on gaining admission to UC please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.

You are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.

Recommended preparation

Entry to the first year of the BSW is open to all students with entry to the University. While no particular school subjects are required, a background in subjects promoting communication skills such as English, history, geography or te reo Māori is useful. Volunteer work in the community is also good preparation.

Statistics is useful for the further study of Social Work.