Social Work

Lead change in your community. Become a registered social worker with a Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) or Master of Social Work (Professional) qualification.

Postgraduate student sitting

Subject overview

Study towards a profession where you can confront social inequality and work alongside people to help make improvements in their and others’ lives. As well as a theoretical base in the practice, policy and law defining social work, you will develop your skills in working with children and families in diverse cultural communities.

You will be taught by social work and related professionals, as well as research-active academic staff whose work is held in high esteem in New Zealand and internationally. You will learn through an integrated approach that combines a variety of disciplines, including psychology, sociology and law.

For the Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and Master of Social Work (Professional) programmes, supervised placements working alongside social work professionals will enable you to gain real experience of social work in practice.

Where can Social Work take you?

To become a registered social worker, you can take one of three study options, subject to entry requirements: Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) or Master of Social Work (Professional). 

Our qualifications will allow you to work as a social worker both in New Zealand and overseas – equipping you with the skills to make a positive difference in many people’s lives.

Social work graduates work in a wide range of fields, including: health, child and family services, child protection, justice, youth work, schools, mental health, addiction and disability services.

The Master of Social Work and Master of Social Work (Professional) can lead to further study at doctoral level.

Explore your study options in Social Work