The aim of this qualification is to provide students with the foundation knowledge and professional skills that enable them to demonstrate the competencies of a beginning social worker and meet the Social Workers Registration Boards qualification requirements for registration as a social worker.

This Waiariki Institute of Technology degree qualification in social work reflects:
the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (protection, partnership and participation);
the bicultural commitment of Waiariki Institute of Technology in the development and delivery of the qualification ;
the need for qualified and trained social workers who are competent to practice in Maori and other cultural contexts;
the needs of the Waiariki rohe; and
the requirements of the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Social Work) degree qualification will exhibit the knowledge, skill and disposition of a beginning social worker and be able to:
* work collaboratively with other professionals to support the needs of clients and families and whanau;
* demonstrate a sound understanding of the evolution of New Zealand society and the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi and Te Tiriti o Waitangi with regard to historical and contemporary social issues;
* have a social and political awareness, particularly of the structures, behaviours and processes which disadvantage and oppress people, and practices which promote social change and social justice;
* understand and apply skills required to work competently and safely in social work practice fields that reflect the multicultural nature of contemporary New Zealand Society;
* engage in self directed learning to inform practice, and identify further professional development directions;
* articulate a sound integrated philosophy of social work practice that reflects a commitment to ethical practice and client self determination;
* demonstrate application of practices that support Maori well being recognising the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Bicultural Code of Practice;
* demonstrate a sound understanding and ability to apply the skills required to perform accurate assessments and plan appropriate interventions;
* understand the importance and role of professional supervision to support safe practice, and participate in clinical, administrative and cultural supervision;
* demonstrate skills to research, analyse, understand and critically assess information to work with clients to access resources and services in a variety of settings;
* use research information resources to support social work decision making;
* record accurately social work documentation and written reports; and
* work effectively in organisational settings maintaining a clear understanding of the social work role; and
* pursue an area of interest.

Students may move onto further learning in the fields of postgraduate studies, specialist practice fields and social policy.

Applicants are required to pass a literacy and numeracy test or provide other evidence demonstrating ability to NCEA Level 2 or equivalent in literacy and numeracy. Additional Requirements Applicants must submit and pass a police check and declare any criminal convictions before enrolment; Applicants must provide two character references; and Applicants may be required to attend an interview. English Language Competency Applicants must have an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 6.5 with no band less than 6.5 (Academic).