On completion of this programme, graduates will have developed a range of flexible skills and professional attributes which will position them well to be responsive to, and to work collaboratively within, the increasingly complex and interdisciplinary social service and health communities.

Graduate competence, which is embedded in social work programmes recognised by the SWRB, is valid for two years from the date of completing all the requirements of the programme. This entitles graduates to provisional (Section 10) registration as a social worker.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to work in a bi-cultural context and acknowledge the centrality of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to social work as a profession and in practice
- Apply anti oppressive social work values, knowledge and skills to complex situations to stimulate personal and social change in a range of work and social contexts
- Have the ability to work with individuals, families or whānau, communities and groups from diverse ethnic, cultural and indigenous backgrounds
- Demonstrate resilience and the ability to manage interpersonal conflict and challenges that arise in the context of social work practice
- Demonstrate knowledge of the origins, purpose and development of Aotearoa New Zealand social work within a global context
- Demonstrate professional literacy and numeracy, critically evaluate scholarship, critique and apply diverse knowledge and research to social work practice
- Demonstrate an ability to think critically, and effectively analyse, synthesise and apply information
- Demonstrate the ability to work autonomously and make independent judgments from a well-informed social work position
- Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams, organisations and communities
- Demonstrate a critical reflective approach to individual social work practice through supervision, peer review and self-evaluation
- Demonstrate an ability to recognise own learning needs and participates in continuing professional development

Further studies within the field.

Candidates are required to have gained: NCEA Level 3 comprised of 60 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher, including: 14 credits each at NCEA Level 3 in three approved subjects; and Literacy (10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above made up of 5 credits each in reading and writing); and Numeracy (10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above made up of specified achievement standards or a package of three specified unit standards); or A relevant qualification at Level 4 on the NZQF; or Equivalent. Candidates aged 20 or over who do not meet these entry requirements may be considered for special admission. In such cases entry will be dependent on whether candidates can demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success in the programme. Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 6.5 across all bands; or equivalent. 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. 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. 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.