Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Want to make a rewarding and positive contribution to society? Social workers engage with individuals, whānau and communities to promote human rights, help improve people's life outcomes and pursue social justice.
Social work ranges from direct work with individuals and working with organisations to become more responsive to people's needs, right through to the development of social policy and legislation. The various roles include counselling, clinical social work, family therapy, helping people obtain services and resources, agency administration, community work, social policy, and political organising.
If you have a strong interest in people, the makeup of New Zealand society, and contemporary social issues, then the Bachelor of Social Work could be for you.
Programme structure
The Bachelor of Social Work is applied for at the end of the second year of the BA (pre-professional Social Work). It covers years three and four of the degree.
You learn key elements of social work practice: theories and models of practice, working with families and children, key skills for practice, organisations and policy settings, and kaupapa Māori and Indigenous approaches to practice.
In the second year, you'll cover interpersonal practice and community development, as well as honing your applied research skills. You'll complete two fieldwork placements (totalling 120 days) with social service organisations, giving you the opportunity to learn within a professional setting supervised by a registered social worker.
Entry requirements
Entry to the Bachelor of Social Work
First year – general entry requirements
If you have done no prior tertiary study, you will initially enrol in the Social Work Pre-Professional programme for your first and second years of study. The Social Work Pre-Professional programme is subject to the same general entry requirements as general bachelors' degrees at Otago.
Third year – selection by committee
Admission to the third year of the Bachelor of Social Work degree is based on your academic record (either in the Social Work Pre-professional programme or other prior tertiary study) and personal suitability. You will need to provide referees' reports and consent to a Children's Act safety check.
For detailed information, please refer to:
General entry requirements
A university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all types of programmes. You must also be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study and meet English language requirements.
Domestic students
You need to have met the New Zealand University Entrance standard, based on your achievement in secondary school or other prior study. Learn about the different categories for achieving University Entrance and what information you may need to provide with your application.
International students
Check recognised entry qualifications by country, and find out what documents you need to provide for a successful application.
English language requirements
First year
All students must be proficient in the use of English. If your first language is not English, there are several ways you may provide evidence of English proficiency, including through prior secondary or tertiary study, internationally recognised English language tests, and foundation language programmes.
The level of English proficiency required for undergraduate study is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5.
For details about what is accepted as evidence of English proficiency, please refer to:
Third year
Students who do not have English, Māori or New Zealand sign language as their primary language must demonstrate either:
- an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 7.0 in the academic band (with no band score lower than 7.0), or
- a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet-based test (iBT) score of 95 or higher with a writing score of 22.
These tests must have been completed in one sitting within the previous two years, and evidence must be provided by way of certified results.
About the provider
The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, was founded in 1869 and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and 2nd in New Zealand, it is also 214th worldwide according to QS rankings. Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for student academic performance by the Tertiary Education Commission, 96% of its graduates either enter the workforce or pursue further study shortly after graduation.
Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student city where students make up 20% of the population, the University benefits from a unique atmosphere. Dunedin, on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, featuring Victorian and Edwardian architecture, picturesque hills, and wildlife reserves.
The University’s campus is ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world by THE Student Voice, enhancing the educational experience. The Otago region offers diverse scenery and is close to popular destinations such as Queenstown. New Zealand is rated the 1st most beautiful country by Rough Guides 2024, is renowned for its natural beauty, Māori heritage, and multicultural society, providing a friendly, inclusive environment for students and residents.