Course details

Bachelor of Social Work
NZQF Level 7

About the course

This programme is for those passionate about social justice who want to support and empower individuals, families, whānau, and communities. Students will gain the skills to provide advice and support and learn how to advocate for individuals and groups. They will help their communities realise their full potential to function independently and positively in society.This four-year programme combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning. You will gain the knowledge base, skills, and attributes required to practice in a variety of social work fields and environments such as schools, hospitals, community groups, or government organisations.Students will develop the skills to:Promote the principles of human rights and social justice and promote social change.Work collaboratively with other professionals in multi-disciplinary teams, organisations, and communities.Work with individuals, families, or whānau, and communities from diverse ethnic, cultural, and indigenous backgrounds.Undertake practice according to the ethical, legislative, and professional boundaries.Work confidently in a bi-cultural context integrating the Treaty of Waitangi into their practice.Work autonomously and make independent judgments from a well–informed social work position based on knowledge of human behaviour and social systems theories.Critically reflect on their own social work practice through supervision, peer review, and self-evaluation.Establish and maintain working relationships with different user groups.Provide or facilitate social services in fields such as healthcare, schools, government, and non-government agencies.Undertake their practice according to the ethical and legislative boundaries.Incorporate the Treaty of Waitangi into their practice.Increase their social and political awareness, and think critically about the structures, behaviours, and processes that disadvantage and oppress people.The Bachelor of Social Work programme will prepare graduates to enter the social work workforce at a beginning practitioner level with provisional registration with the Social Workers Registration Board.Students take advantage of our flexible course delivery. Short on-campus learning blocks in Hamilton are combined with study that students can do online at home in their community. We provide a supportive study environment with qualified professionals who are here to guide students to success.Wintec offers a blended delivery approach to the Bachelor of Social Work programmes. Full-time study expectations are 30-35 hours per week. This is made up of a combination of face-to-face sessions, online classes, online directed activities, and video conferencing (Zoom).

About the provider

Based in Hamilton, the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), is one of the country’s largest institutes of technology. We deliver high-quality education across vocational (technical) and professional fields of study to approximately 13,000 students, across over 130 different courses.

At Wintec students are educated in a way that builds their confidence and gets them work-ready. We differ from other types of tertiary providers in the way students get the chance to put their theoretical learning into practice from the very start. You will get to work on real-life projects based on relevant topics and themes as if you were in the workplace. You will also get involved in work placements. This means that by the time you graduate, you will be confident in your skills and knowledge, and know-how to apply your learnings. Our academic staff have years of industry experience between them, which means they can guide you on your journey.

Wintec maintains collaborative relationships with local industry and iwi to identify the needs of the region and community. Fostering strong networks that our students and graduates benefit from is a high priority for us.  Understanding the needs of local industry, what type of graduates they need now, and what they will need in the future is critical to assisting industry and our graduates.