Bachelor of Social Work

UCOL has partnered with Open Polytechnic to offer the Bachelor of Social Work which will prepare you for working with people and their environment.

Delivered by Open Polytechnic, the Bachelor of Social Work is a professional social work degree designed for people who want to become qualified with a professional social work degree. You'll learn about people through their life span, societies and helping traditions from both western and indigenous perspectives.

It will prepare you to become a confident, analytical and critically reflective practitioner. You will gain the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to be a competent social worker in social service settings in Aotearoa New Zealand.

UCOL in its many forms has been part of the community for more than a century. We are a proud example of a successful Institute of Technology and Polytechnic. We have a rich heritage and much to contribute to the future of vocational learning.

When you study with UCOL you’re much more than a number. We take the time to get to know you, to understand who you are. By sharing your strengths and what you want to achieve, we can truly help you get to where you want to be.

At UCOL, we’re here to support you all the way. Studying can be a challenge, we get that.

Study takes commitment, which, together with a learning style that suits you and the support you need, is a very powerful combination. At UCOL we encourage resilience and build self-confidence while you learn - providing our students with even greater opportunities.

As a student studying on or off campus, you can expect to learn skills and gain knowledge that sets you on your way. Gaining a qualification is a wonderful achievement that is earned, not given. We encourage you to stay in touch and make life-long learning a part of your journey. Ultimately, we want you to find your own place, whatever that may mean for you.

Our networks with local employers go beyond one-way exchanges, we value meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial. These relationships keep our education grounded, our programmes relevant, and job opportunities real. Our approach is truly collaborative.

UCOL graduates are well-rounded and possess the skills and values employers are looking for. They are valued members of their local community. With campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua, and various delivery locations, we’re well known throughout the central and lower North Island.

Being close to our communities is a vital part of who we are. We strive to deepen connections and help our communities to grow and prosper. We aspire to build positive, meaningful relationships that benefit our students and graduates. That is why we exist.