Bachelor of Social Practice

Credits 480 (4.0 EFTS)

Campus Waitākere

Career opportunities

• Social worker

• Childcare and protection social worker

• Social worker in schools

• Health/mental health social worker

• Community developer

• Family/whānau worker

• Social practitioner

Highlights

• Leads to industry recognition: once you’ve completed this programme, you’re eligible to apply for registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).

• A professional qualification which prepares you for a career in a wide range of social, community, mental health and education services.

• A critical focus on inequality and social justice, and the development of your abilities to work ethically and professionally to support the wellbeing of people and communities.

• Emphasis on the practical application of theory: in Years Three and Four, you’ll apply what you’ve learnt during work placements in social work or community development organisations.

• Flexibility: elective courses enable you to plan a programme of study which builds on your interests and personal experience, or helps you move towards postgraduate study.

Start dates February or July

Duration Full-time for four years or part-time options available

Annual fees $6,300 (NZD) (Approximate domestic fees only. Includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)

This social work degree comprehensively trains you to apply your skills to the ever-changing demands of employers, clients and the community. We support you to tailor the programme to suit your career path in either social work or community development, allowing you to develop and practise the skills you need to be work-ready when you graduate.

Programme overview

Social workers and community developers support individuals, whānau/families, groups and communities to enhance their individual and collective wellbeing – and are passionate about empowering people around them by creating social change.

This undergraduate degree will prepare you for employment and registration in social work and community development - with basic skills in counselling. The programme lets you draw on your life and work experiences as the framework for reflective and collaborative learning.

You’ll develop the ability to work with culturally diverse groups in an appropriate and inclusive way. You’ll also develop a sound understanding of, and ability to promote, human rights, social justice and change, as well as the empowerment and liberation of different groups and communities by promoting civil and legal rights.

Admission requirements

For this programme, you’ll need:

Academic

1. 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including:

• 14 credits in two different approved subjects, and

• 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved)

2. 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (4 in reading, 4 in writing)

3. 14 credits in NCEA Level 1 or higher in mathematics or Pāngarau

4. Consent to a safety check as set out in the Children’s Regulations 2015 (formerly known as the Vulnerable Children's Act) including:

• Provide two forms of verified ID and evidence of any name changes

• Complete an NZ police vetting form

5. Complete a self-declaration of medical conditions form

Once you've applied online, you'll be invited to attend a Selection Day where we'll take you through the rest of the application process.

If you don’t meet the academic criteria above, the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4)Social Work will help you prepare for study

English

If English is not your first language, you’ll need one or more of the following:

• NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance

• Provide evidence that you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency such as IELTS

• Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available.

There are additional English requirements for international students – you can find more information on our website.

Other options

If you don’t meet these requirements, you could apply for special or discretionary admission.

For more information download the programme regulations: unitec.ac.nz/socialwork

International Students, please visit unitec.ac.nz/international