Bachelor of Social Work with Honours
Course details
About the course
The BSW(Hons) at UC is Aotearoa New Zealand’s most established Social Work programme. This highly regarded interdisciplinary degree will engage you in both theory and practice, preparing you for a wide range of people-related work.
The BSW(Hons) is ideal for those with a commitment to working with others in overcoming personal and institutional barriers to wellbeing, and promoting the full potential of people.
Course Subjects
- SOWK102 Social Services in Aotearoa
- SOWK105 Communication for Practice
- HLTH106 Te Wero – Māori Health Issues and Opportunities
- PACS111 The Global Pacific
- MAOR108 Te Patu a Maui: The Treaty of Waitangi — facing and overcoming colonisation OR MAOR165 Tuakiri: Culture and Identity
- Three courses selected from these options AND/OR WRIT101 Writing for Academic Success
- SOWK202 Human Behaviour and Human Systems
- SOWK203 Social Policy, Social Justice and Activism
- SOWK205 Social Work and Community Engagement
- SOWK212 Family Violence
- MAOR212 Māori and Indigenous Development
- MAOR219 Te Tiriti: The Treaty of Waitangi
- Two courses selected from these options
- SOWK301 Theory, Methods and Integration
- SOWK303 Mental Health
- SOWK304 Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake in Practice
- SOWK308 Social Work Principles and Skills
- SOWK340 Practice Research for Social Work
- SOWK490 Social Work Practice Integration Research Project
- SOWK491 Field Education 1
- SOWK492 Field Education 2
Entry requirements
To enrol in the degree, you will need:
- University Entrance (or equivalent). UC offers transition programmes for those who need help meeting these requirements.
- If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Undergraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours or use the admission requirements checker.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Recommended preparation
Entry to the first year of the BSW(Hons) is open to everyone with entry to the University.
While no particular secondary school subjects are required, a background in subjects promoting communication skills such as English, history, geography, or te reo Māori is useful. Volunteer work in the community is also good preparation.
About the provider
At the University of Canterbury you will get to enjoy the very best a university has to offer 'a world class learning environment, a vibrant campus and a great student lifestyle that's packed with opportunities.
You will gain hands-on experience in courses led by academics who are actively engaged in research and who are experts in their fields. The culture promotes active learning, where the vibrant community allows you to be who you are and do what you love. UC's picturesque campus with modern teaching and research facilities is set in the heart of a city that has become a magnet for growth and innovation. Further afield lies a region packed with outdoor adventure, from the mountains to the sea.