Bachelor of Social Work
There will be no new enrolments in the Bachelor of Social Work from 2022.
Throughout your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) studies, you'll be learning a range of skills from many different disciplines. The skills you develop and the knowledge you'll gain will give you the level of competence you'll need to thrive as a social worker.
Successful social workers are vital in our increasingly complex society, and you'll be part of a valued and important profession. The Waikato BSW is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board, and qualified social workers are sought after both within New Zealand and overseas.
You'll study for your BSW at our Tauranga campus. During your studies, you'll learn about a wide range of topics: social policy and social issues, social science research and social work approaches and decision making. You'll learn about family and children at risk. You'll also develop your knowledge and skills in the areas of community development and bicultural and multicultural social work practices.
When you've finished your studies, there are a range of different organisations you might like to work for including district health boards, family services, government agencies, non-profit organisations or iwi social services.
Key information
| Years: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Points: | 480 |
| Study Locations: | Tauranga |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
$6,415 - $7,404 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $27,210 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | Undergraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
Degree Planner
Degree planner — Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Overview
Year 1
Any 100 Level
SOCIO or SOCPY paper
Any 100 Level
SOCIO or SOCPY paper
Year 2
Any 200 level
15 point MĀORI paper
Any 200 Level
paper from the subjects listed below
Year 3
Any 300 level
paper from the subjects listed below
- Compulsory
- Elective
- Placement
Subject List
Human Development
Māori and Indigenous Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Social Policy
Social Work
Sociology
Te Reo Māori
Choose a major
Career opportunities
- Case Manager
- Community Development Worker
- Policy Analyst
- Social Researcher
- Social Worker
- Youth Worker
Entry requirements
Applications for admission to the Bachelor of Social Work Programme shall be made in the previous year by 31st October.
Applications for admission to the Bachelor of Social Work Programme shall be made in the previous year by 31st October. Applicants will go through a selection process in November/December for an A trimester start. Late applications may be considered.
All applicants are subject to an interview and selection process, including a criminal record check, provision of a personal statement and referee check. Selection of applicants is based on academic background, suitability for social work and meeting the requirements of the University and the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board in terms of being a fit and proper person to practice social work. Applicants will be interviewed by the Bachelor of Social Work selection panel. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Some first-year papers may have specific prerequisites, so please check the catalogue of papers carefully. If you do not meet the prerequisites, please contact [email protected] as there may be other pathways that you can take to study in this field.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Practical experience
Placement in a work environment is an essential component of the BSW. In the third and fourth year of study, you will develop practical experience through fieldwork placements in social service agencies.
Contacts
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Student Centre
Phone: 0800 WAIKATO (0800 924 528) or 07 838 4176
Email: [email protected]
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 8384610
Email: [email protected]