Bachelor of Social Work
Course details
NZQF Level | 7 |
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About the course
Gain the skills needed to help and support people facing challenging situations and events.
You will develop the attributes for professional social work practice in New Zealand as you engage in study integrating practice and community within the classroom. This programme is underpinned by a philosophy of bi-culturalism and anti-oppressive practice.
Our four year programme will take you from the fundamentals of professionalism, research skills, critical thinking and informed decision making, in your first year through to your second, third and fourth years when you will take these skills to an advanced level.
Each year has an integrated practice course where learning is linked to the practice environment. In the second, third and fourth years integrated practice includes significant time in social work agencies.
Please note that integrated practice in Years 2, 3 and 4 may be outside of Christchurch and a full driver's licence is required otherwise agency options are likely to be limited.
The programme includes two compulsory 24-hour marae visits (including overnight stays).
By the end of the degree, you will have developed the professional values and attitudes for social work practice as identified by the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and the Social Workers Registration Board Code of Conduct and will be able to apply for provisional registration.
There is currently a shortage of social workers, including people identifying with the following groups: Maori, Pacific, migrant, refugee, male and disabled persons who are encouraged to apply.
Please note, if you are thinking about studying part time in Year 1 you need to be working in the social services either in paid or voluntary employment.
Word processing of assignments is required during this programme.
In our most recent graduate survey, 81% of 2016 Bachelor of Social Work graduates were in employment (Ara Graduate Outcome Survey, 2016).
Entry requirements
University Entrance - NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher) which must include
Note: Students who have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (eg International Baccalaureate, Cambridge examination) should contact us for requirements.
* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
In addition you need to:
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart .
OR
IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (ie combining scores from more than one test is not permissible) and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
All students for whom English is not their first language will be informed of the SWRB requirement of IELTS 7.0 Academic for registration.
What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.