The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) supports people from the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay communities in becoming competent social work practitioners within their communities, Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. It enables registration as a social work practitioner in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The objective of this programme is to produce graduates that:

Are empathic, non-judgmental, respectful, resilient and self-aware.
Demonstrate integrity, authenticity and professionalism.
Take a critical, reflective approach to social work practice that includes the use of supervision, continuing professional development, on-going learning and personal wellbeing.
Are able to promote social justice and social change and to uphold the principles of human rights in both the Aotearoa New Zealand and global contexts.
Are able to work collaboratively and in partnership with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
Understand the significance and implications of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and integrate this understanding into social work practice.
Work in accordance with the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) Code of Ethics and the Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) Code of Conduct.
Have an extensive knowledge base, skills and professional attributes to work across a range of diverse social work contexts and communities.
Are proficient in professional literacies, including academic and research literacy, information literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.
Industry-based training

In your third and fourth years of the BSW you will be required to undertake placement in local social service agencies. Each placement is 60 consecutive full-time days. You will need to comply with any proof of vaccination requirements imposed by third party organisations that you interact with as an integral part of your study. The third party will be responsible for managing compliance with their policy. As an example, this may include organisations that provide student placements. The Head of School or Programme Coordinator will advise you of this requirement at the earliest opportunity and discuss any implications.

Please feel free to make an appointment to discuss your study options. You can meet with our staff in person at our Hawke’s Bay campus, or simply give us a call on 0800 22 55 348.

Social workers are an integral part of today’s society and you could find yourself assisting in a range of areas from setting up programmes and giving guidance to people and communities, to working with government agencies at a policy level.

This programme will provide you with the knowledge, skills and attributes required for social work practice in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, community groups or government agencies.

Possible agencies and\or fields of practice where you could find employment as a social worker include: Oranga Tamariki, Te Whatu Ora, DOVE, Birthright, Presbyterian Support Services, Family Works, schools, Community Mental Health Services, Disability Resource Centres, Age Concern, Iwi social services, Directions, prisons and a range of other social service agencies.

The following websites offer further information:

Social Work Registration Board: www.swrb.org.nz
ANZASW: www.anzasw.org.nz