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Bachelor of Social Work

Close Date: 31 January

Gain the skills needed to help and support people facing challenging situations and events.

You will develop the attributes for professional social work practice in New Zealand as you engage in study integrating practice and community within the classroom. This programme is underpinned by a philosophy of bi-culturalism and anti-oppressive practice.

Our four year programme will take you from the fundamentals of professionalism, research skills, critical thinking and informed decision making, in your first year through to your second, third and fourth years when you will take these skills to an advanced level.

Each year has an integrated practice course where learning is linked to the practice environment. In the second, third and fourth years integrated practice includes significant time in social work agencies.

Please note that field education placements in Years 3 and 4 may be outside of Christchurch and a full driver’s license is required otherwise agency options are likely to be limited.

The programme includes two compulsory 24-hour marae visits (including overnight stays).

By the end of the degree, you will have developed the professional values and attitudes for social work practice as identified by the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and the Social Workers Registration Board Code of Conduct and will be able to apply for provisional registration.

There is currently a shortage of social workers, including people identifying with the following groups: Maori, Pacific, migrant, refugee, male and disabled persons who are encouraged to apply.

Please note, if you are thinking about studying part time in Year 1 you need to be working in the social services either in paid or voluntary employment.

Word processing of assignments is required during this programme.

In our most recent graduate survey, 81% of 2016 Bachelor of Social Work graduates were in employment (Ara Graduate Outcome Survey, 2016). Part-time up to 10 years.

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$6,768 - $7,627 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:

14 credits at Level 3 in each of:

  • English or an approved literacy* subject
  • two other subjects from the list of approved subjects* and
  • Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing, and
  • Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR NZ2860 New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) BSW Pathway or equivalent

OR NZ2992 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) or equivalent

OR If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your application for academic entry equivalency.

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/

Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee reports and a 500-word personal statement.

  • In your application you need to demonstrate formal or informal experience in a social work, social services or a related helping role, and the ability to analyse and relate this experience to a social work context.
  • Your referee's reports, word processed personal statement, and interview should provide evidence of appropriateness to study for the social work profession:
  • commitment to social justice, openness to explore biculturalism, self-awareness and openness to change and being challenged, openness to participate in interactive group learning,
  • willingness to be honest and reflective about personal experiences, high level of skill in interpersonal communication and personal maturity
  • Please note that integrated practice in Years 2, 3 and 4 may be outside of Christchurch and a full driver's licence is required otherwise agency options are likely to be limited.
  • If you do not have a full driver's license at the time of application, you will need to have completed this requirement by the end of Year 2.

Two referee reports are required (in priority order):

  • One referee should be from a recent social services employer/manager for paid or voluntary work OR a recent employer OR a personal reference (not a family member) who can speak to issues of character
  • One referee should be from the programme leader of a tertiary level social services programme OR the Dean (or equivalent) of a school in the past 5 years OR a personal reference (not a family member) who can speak to issues of character
  • Please note you can only use ONE personal reference

You also need to hold a current Class 1 Drivers Licence unless medical verification is provided in relation to a disability or impairment that prohibits you from being able to drive

Consent to Disclosure of Information. Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Vetting Service Request and Consent Form.

You may need to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria.

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • All students for whom English is not their first language will be informed of the SWRB requirement of IELTS 7.0 Academic for registration.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic

  • 6.5 Listening
  • 6.5 Reading
  • 6.5 Writing
  • 6.5 Speaking

A selection process will be used when making decisions about offering places on the BSW. The selection process will include an assessment of the information provided in the application process.

  • All applicants will be considered and weighted on their academic achievement, character and suitability for social work practice.
  • All applicants will be assessed against the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) Fit and Proper policy as a guide for determining whether to offer a place on the BSW.
  • Where an applicant does not meet the SWRB Fit and Proper guidelines, the applicant will be interviewed on an individual basis and given the opportunity to provide further background or explanatory information.
  • A final decision regarding entry to the BSW will be made on a case by case basis following this interview and having considered the additional information provided by the applicant.

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this programme you will be ready for social work practice in statutory organisations eg Child Youth and Family, Probation and Prison Service, faith based services, community organisations and health and hospital services.

Study pathways

On completion of this programme you can advance your studies with a Master in Social Work at a variety of New Zealand universities.

Recommended school subjects

  • English
  • Mathematics

Bachelor of Social Work

FULL-TIME - 4 Years (Part-time options available)

Gain the skills needed to help and support people facing challenging situations and events.

Information
Type Degree
Code CH4051
Application close date 31 January
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
International application close date NULL
Credits 480
Level 7
Additional Equipment/Fees $1,000 text books per year. Expenses associated with work placements (Years 3 - 4)
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
Available Part time Yes
May be eligible for Fees Free? Yes
Reference CH4051-STRU

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$6,768 - $7,627 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid-19 vaccination status to apply for this programme. However, most placement providers will require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated before allowing you to complete a placement at their organisation. Placements are an integral part of this programme and you’ll need to complete these to be able to successfully achieve your qualification.

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With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

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Additional Entry Requirements

Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee reports and a 500-word personal statement.

  • In your application you need to demonstrate formal or informal experience in a social work, social services or a related helping role, and the ability to analyse and relate this experience to a social work context.
  • Your referee's reports, word processed personal statement, and interview should provide evidence of appropriateness to study for the social work profession:
  • commitment to social justice, openness to explore biculturalism, self-awareness and openness to change and being challenged, openness to participate in interactive group learning,
  • willingness to be honest and reflective about personal experiences, high level of skill in interpersonal communication and personal maturity
  • Please note that integrated practice in Years 2, 3 and 4 may be outside of Christchurch and a full driver's licence is required otherwise agency options are likely to be limited.
  • If you do not have a full driver's license at the time of application, you will need to have completed this requirement by the end of Year 2.

Two referee reports are required (in priority order):

  • One referee should be from a recent social services employer/manager for paid or voluntary work OR a recent employer OR a personal reference (not a family member) who can speak to issues of character
  • One referee should be from the programme leader of a tertiary level social services programme OR the Dean (or equivalent) of a school in the past 5 years OR a personal reference (not a family member) who can speak to issues of character
  • Please note you can only use ONE personal reference

You also need to hold a current Class 1 Drivers Licence unless medical verification is provided in relation to a disability or impairment that prohibits you from being able to drive

Consent to Disclosure of Information. Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Vetting Service Request and Consent Form.

You may need to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria.

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

Key Information for Students

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