Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Social Services
A course by
Otago University
A four-year degree that qualifies students to apply for registration as Social Workers in New Zealand, combining theory, supervised fieldwork, and professional training.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 4 years
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Develop competence in professional social work practice
Graduates will acquire practical skills and theoretical knowledge to work effectively with individuals, whānau, and communities in diverse settings.
Apply social work theories and models
Understand and use a range of social work theories and models to address client needs and advocate for positive social change.
Understand indigenous and kaupapa Māori approaches
Gain insights and practical skills for culturally-responsive practice, particularly in Aotearoa New Zealand's Treaty partnership context.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at the University of Otago is a professionally recognised, four-year programme designed to prepare graduates for a rewarding career in social work. Students engage with individuals, families, and communities to promote human rights, social justice, and improved life outcomes. The program features a combination of coursework covering core social work theories, models, policy, and skills; kaupapa Māori and Indigenous approaches; along with 120 days of supervised fieldwork placements in social service organisations. The degree is available at Dunedin campus and by distance learning, with staff providing expertise in areas such as child protection, social justice, and Māori social work practice.
Course Content
- Social work theories and models of practice
- Working with individuals, families, and children
- Community development
- Organisations and policy settings
- Kaupapa Māori and Indigenous approaches
- Interpersonal practice
- Applied research skills
- Supervised fieldwork placements (120 days total)
- Counselling and clinical social work
- Family therapy
- Agency administration
- Service resource acquisition
- Social policy and legislation development
What you need to know first
Completion of two years of tertiary study (BA pre-professional Social Work or similar).
Passed 234 points from first and second-year specified papers OR completed a relevant bachelor's degree (e.g. BA, BTheol, BSc in Psychology, or BEdSt, or similar from another institution) plus an approved course in Māori language and tikanga.
Selection based on academic record, personal suitability, and experience in social services.
Satisfy requirements of the Social Work Registration Act 2003.
IELTS 7.0 overall (no band below 7.0) or TOEFL iBT 95 (writing 22), if primary language is not English, Māori or NZ Sign Language.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Social Work
Human Services
Community Work
Future employment opportunities might be
Government services social worker
Not-for-profit agency worker
Iwi-based organisation worker
Private practice social worker
Physical and mental health sectors
Disabilities services
Child protection
Policy development and service evaluation
Justice sector
Education settings
Community development
Kaupapa Māori services
Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details