This programme is suitable for those who wish to develop a career as a professionally qualified and registered social worker. Social work registration is dependent upon obtaining a Level 7 social work qualification which meets the standards of, and is recognised by, the SWRB. The Bachelor of Social Work is a 4-year, 480-credit bachelor level qualification. There are 16 compulsory modules comprising 450 credits and two 15-credit electives. Graduates will be able to enter the social work workforce at a beginning practitioner level. Field placement is a significant element in the programme. In Year 1 students will be introduced to service users in the classroom. In Year 2 they will undertake 40 hours of voluntary work/observation in a social service agency. In each of years 3 and 4 they will undertake a 60-day supervised placement.

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

- Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Supervision

- Candidates are required to have gained:
1) NCEA Level 3 comprised of 60 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher, including:
a) 14 credits each at NCEA Level 3 in three approved subjects; and
b) Literacy (10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above made up of 5 credits each in reading and writing); and
c) Numeracy (10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above made up of specified achievement standards or a package of three specified unit standards); or
2) A relevant qualification at Level 4 on the NZQF; or
3) Equivalent.

Candidates who have English as an additional language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) academic score of 6.5 across all components; or equivalent.
For details regarding equivalence and internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes, refer to the NZQA Table of Internationally Recognised English Proficiency Outcomes for International Students: The Table
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.