Studying Social Work

Study to become a registered social worker or build on your existing qualification to advance in your career.

youth with support worker

Whether you are interested in beginning your first degree, are wanting to go into the field of research, or already hold a degree in a related field and are looking for a career change, we have a range of programmes on offer to help you enter and progress in the social work sector.

Our social work programmes offer an integrated approach, combining key knowledge from the social sciences, social work theory and the impact of policy and legal systems, along with specialised knowledge for practice in health, child and family and youth social work services.

The best way to learn is by doing and our Social Work programmes ensure you gain plenty of real-world experience by completing practical placements as a social worker where you will have the chance to put your theory skills into practice alongside some of the best in the field.

Become a social worker

Bachelor of Social Work

Find solutions to social challenges and equip yourself with the knowledge and experience to create positive change and build fairer, stronger communities with a Bachelor of Social Work. You’ll graduate from this degree ready to apply for registration with the New Zealand Social Workers Registration
Board. You’ll also be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker overseas.

Master of Social Work (Professional)

Interested in making a career change into Social Work? This programme can offer you a two-year pathway into a career as a registered social worker by building on your existing bachelors degree in a relevant discipline such as social science, sociology, psychology, health science or human services.

You will gain essential knowledge and understanding of the values, theories and interventions that underpin social work practice. You’ll graduate as a critical and reflective practitioner who is able to contribute to any field of social work practice.