Bachelor of Social Work
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
*This course is pending approval Te Ata Māhina is a pathway into purposeful, values-led social work. Inspired by the early light of dawn, the course reflects the potential for new beginnings, growth, and transformation, for you, and for the communities you will serve. Guided by a Te Tiriti o Waitangi–based approach, Te Ata Māhina is founded in te ao Māori and shaped by principles that are mana-enhancing, holistic, and grounded in relationships. You’ll be supported to grow your sense of identity, build strong connections with others, and develop the confidence to advocate for social justice. Throughout the course, you’ll build the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes needed to work effectively across a range of social service settings. You’ll engage in real-world learning and field education placements, developing the ability to work alongside diverse individuals, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities in ways that uphold dignity, self-determination, and collective wellbeing. Aligned with the Social Workers Registration Board core competencies, this degree provides a clear pathway to professional registration. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration and practise as social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Te Ata Māhina welcomes ākonga from a wide range of backgrounds who share a commitment to making a difference. By the time you graduate, you’ll be a reflective, capable practitioner, ready to promote social change, uphold human rights, and contribute to meaningful, lasting impact.
Entry requirements
To gain entry to the Bachelor of Social Work you must be:
17 years of age or over A New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have the requisite visa for study purposes Able to demonstrate adequate literacy and/or numeracy skills to enable you to meet all academic and health and safety requirements of the course.
Academic Entry Criteria If you are a domestic applicants under 20 years old you must have:
University Entrance as per New Zealand Qualification Authority specifications, OR Evidence of recent study at Level 4 or higher on the NZQF.
If you are a domestic applicant 20 years old and over you must have demonstrated academic ability (at NZQA Level 4 or equivalent) to undertake the Bachelor of Social Work and have the ability to succeed through personal attributes, work and life experience. Other Requirements If you have had a criminal conviction at any time in the past you must declare the circumstances in confidence as part of the selection process; All applicants accepted will be required to provide a signed consent form which allows Toi Ohomai to check your record of convictions upon entry, during and prior to completing the degree; You will be accepted only after the police check is processed. All applicants with any convictions will be required to attend an individual interview with a relevant department staff member; and Two character references are required. These should be from persons in positions of trust such as an employer, teacher, pastor, kaumātua or kuia. References from family, friends or work colleagues will not be accepted.
About the provider
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is the largest tertiary provider in the Bay of Plenty and the third largest institute of technology in New Zealand. We are home to more than 14,000 students, more than 1,000 staff, and we offer more than 150 study options ranging from certificate to post-graduate level.