Duration
Full-time: 4 years
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
City
Points
480
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) programme provides an opportunity for high-achieving Bachelor of Social Work students to complete their study in social work at postgraduate level while still completing their degree in four years.

Students who have completed the third year of the four-year BSW programme with a high GPA are eligible for entry.

By completing your programme with honours, you will develop an advanced level of critical and analytical ability and gain a particular strength in developing evidence-led approaches and interventions in social work practice.

Note: If a GPA of 5 is not maintained during the year, honours will not be awarded.

Programme structure

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is an alternative pathway students can take in their fourth year of the Bachelor of Social Work programme.

The structure of this programme is identical to Year 1–3 of the standard Bachelor of Social Work programme. The structure only differs in the fourth year, where students in the honours programme take 700 level (postgraduate) courses instead of 400 level. Students will also complete a research project in an area of interest.

Most students need to take one General Education course.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Part 1 120 points

  • Code:
    SOCWORK 100
    Name:
    Ko Wai Au, Ko Wai Koe, Ko Wai Tātou
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 101
    Name:
    Social Work and Social Justice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 102
    Name:
    He Tāngata: People in Context
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Part 2 120 points

  • Code:
    SOCWORK 200
    Name:
    Ngā Pou for Mana-enhancing Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 201
    Name:
    Culturally Responsive Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 202
    Name:
    Law, Policy and Social Action
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 214
    Name:
    Social Work Theories and Skills
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Part 3 120 points

  • Code:
    SOCWORK 311
    Name:
    Social Work Process and Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 312
    Name:
    Applied Social Research
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 315
    Name:
    Organisations and Management
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 317
    Name:
    Supervised Field Practice and Professional Development 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCHLTH 313
    Name:
    Mental Health in Social Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCCHFAM 332
    Name:
    Working with Children and Families
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Part 4 120 points

  • Code:
    SOCWORK 711
    Name:
    Social Work Interventions for Best Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 713
    Name:
    The Social Work Discourse
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 780 A & B
    Name:
    Social Work Honours Research Project
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 715
    Name:
    Supervised Field Practice and Professional Development
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    SOCWORK 726
    Name:
    Practice with Communities
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

2024 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

In order to be admitted to the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), you will need to:

  • achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in your third year of study in the Bachelor of Social Work

and

  • have completed the following courses: Applied Social Research (SOCWORK 312), Mental Health in Social Practice (SOCHLTH 313), Child Protection Practice (SOCCHFAM 314) and Effective Social Work in Health and Disability Services (SOCHLTH 334) or Working with Children and Families (SOCCHFAM 332) or Working with Challenging Behaviours (SOCYOUTH 333).

This is not a standalone honours programme and you must have completed year three of the Bachelor of Social Work with the University of Auckland before you are eligible to apply. If you have previously completed a Bachelor of Social Work you will not be eligible for this programme.  

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

Programme requirements

In order to be admitted to the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), you will need to:

  • achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in your third year of study in the Bachelor of Social Work, 

and

  • have completed the following courses: Applied Social Research (SOCWORK 312), Mental Health in Social Practice (SOCHLTH 313), Child Protection Practice (SOCCHFAM 314) and Effective Social Work in Health and Disability Services (SOCHLTH 334) or Working with Children and Families (SOCCHFAM 332) or Working with Challenging Behaviours (SOCYOUTH 333).

This is not a standalone honours programme and you must have completed year three of the Bachelor of Social Work with the University of Auckland before you are eligible to apply. If you have previously completed a Bachelor of Social Work you will not be eligible for this programme.  

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,860.80*
International students
NZ$39,995*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

This programme will qualify you to work as a social worker and equip you with range of transferable skills for a variety of careers. By completing your Bachelor of Social Work with honours, you will hold a postgraduate qualification, which will increase your career opportunities and salary potential. It also counts towards the first year of a Master of Social Work, meaning you will only need to complete another year to obtain a masters degree.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Social worker
  • Mental health and addiction support worker
  • Child protection manager
  • Refugee and migrant case manager
  • Community development coordinator
  • Youth worker
  • Disability support worker
  • Probation officer

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Experience the University

Graduate story

Graduate Amiria Goodenough shares her experience of the BSW(Hons) programme.

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