Duration
Full-time: 4 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2024 Semester One – 26 February
2025 Semester One – 3 March
Available locations
City
Points
480
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

This programme will equip you with the knowledge and experience to make a difference in the community as a practising social worker.

Taught by registered social workers and internationally recognised academics, you will learn through an integrated approach that combines a variety of disciplines – including psychology, sociology and law. You will also spend approximately 24 weeks out on practicum, experiencing first-hand what it’s like to be a social worker.

This is a professional qualification, recognised by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board. This means you will be eligible to apply for registration here and overseas.  

Programme structure

This is a four-year degree programme in which you’ll have the opportunity to enter into the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) programme in Year 4. The sample programme structure outlined below is for the Bachelor of Social Work. For its unique programme structure in Year 4, please see the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    SOCWORK 100
    Name:
    Ko Wai Au, Ko Wai Koe, Ko Wai Tātou?
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 101
    Name:
    Social Work and Social Justice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 102
    Name:
    He Tāngata: People in Context
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 2 120 points

  • Code:
    SOCWORK 200
    Name:
    Ngā Pou for Mana-enhancing Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 201
    Name:
    Culturally Responsive Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 202
    Name:
    Law, Policy and Social Action
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 221
    Name:
    Social Work Theories and Skills
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Year 3 120 points

  • Code:
    SOCWORK 311
    Name:
    Social Work Process and Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 312
    Name:
    Applied Social Research
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 315
    Name:
    Organisations and Management
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 317
    Name:
    Supervised Field Practice and Professional Development 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCHLTH 313
    Name:
    Mental Health in Social Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCCHFAM 332
    Name:
    Working with Children and Families
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 4 120 points

  • Code:
    SOCWORK 426
    Name:
    Practice with Communities
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 411
    Name:
    Social Work Interventions for Best Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 413
    Name:
    The Social Work Discourse
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 414
    Name:
    Research and Evaluation in Social Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 415
    Name:
    Supervised Field Practice and Professional Development 2
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCHLTH 432
    Name:
    Working with Grief and Loss
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 401
    Name:
    Statutory Social Work
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

2024 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

  • Qualification
    NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    26

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.

Further requirements

Admission is subject to a police check/s, safety checks* and referees’ reports. You may be required to attend an interview.

You will be required to sit literacy tests if you have been out of the New Zealand school system for more than one year.

You will need to hold a full driver’s license by the end of Year 2 in order to go on your Year 3 practicum.

*Read the Compliance with the Vulnerable Children Act 2014.

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Minimum grade requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

Further requirements

You must have completed one semester of successful bachelor degree study from a New Zealand tertiary institution, or one year of successful study as part of an acceptable sub-degree qualification from a New Zealand tertiary institution.

Admission is subject to a police check/s, safety checks* and referees’ reports. You may be required to attend an interview. 

You will need to hold a full driver’s license by the end of the second year in order to go on your third year practicum.

*Read the Compliance with the Vulnerable Children Act 2014.

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information, see External transfer of credit.

If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

My highest qualification is from this country or region:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You need to have one of the following:

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects. 
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.

Minimum grade, subject and other requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    26
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education Advanced Level
    Score required
    CCC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

Further requirements

Admission is subject to a police check/s, safety checks and referees’ reports. You may be required to attend an interview.

You will need to hold a full driver’s license by the end of the second year in order to go on your third year practicum.

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.

You need to have the following:

One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas. 

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Minimum grade requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

Further requirements

Admission is subject to a police check/s, safety checks and referees’ reports. You may be required to attend an interview.

You will need to hold a full driver’s license by the end of the second year in order to go on your third year practicum. 

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

  • Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
  • If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
  • If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Social Work cost per year?

2023 fees

Domestic students
NZ$6,594*
International students
NZ$35,488*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

International applicants should submit their application as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2024
31 January 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

There is a high demand for social workers in New Zealand and overseas. With a Bachelor of Social Work you will be qualified as a social worker and able to work in a wide range of fields. This degree is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board, allowing you to apply for social work registration here and overseas.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Child protection officer; family/whānau worker
  • Community development coordinator
  • Disability support worker; elder abuse and support worker; refugee and migrant case manager
  • Manager or supervisor; researcher
  • Mental health and addiction support worker
  • Social worker, including in a hospital, school or aged care setting
  • Working in the justice system as a probation officer, youth justice worker or prison social worker
  • Youth worker

Further study options

See all study options
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Key Information for Students

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Experience the University

Bachelor of Social Work graduates video

Why social work is my career choice

Four BSW graduates tell us why social work is a rewarding career.

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923 5025
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0800 61 62 63
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+64 9 373 7513