Undergraduate study in Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work will equip you with the knowledge, experience and skills to create positive change and build up communities as a practising social worker.
Bring Manaakitanga to the heart of your work
The Māori concept of manaatikanga stands for a process of showing respect, generosity and care for others. Caring for a person’s mana is in the essence of it. Manaakitanga is fundamental to Social Work as a profession which is focused on equality and the empowerment of people and communities. See our students and graduates spread manaakitanga throughout their daily work lives.
What can you study in Social Work?
You can complete a Bachelor of Social Work with courses such as:
- Bicultural Social Work Practice
- Child Protection Practice
- Law and the State in Social Work
- Mental Health in Social Practice
- Psychology for Human Services
- Social Policy Development
- (Applied) Social Research
- Social Work Practice Theories
- Social Work Practice Skills
- Supervised Field Practice and Professional Development
- The Social Work Environment
- The Treaty of Waitangi in Human Services
The Bachelor of Social Work will equip you with the knowledge and experience to have a positive impact in the community as a practising social worker.
Taught by registered social workers and internationally recognised academics, you will learn through an integrated approach that combines a variety of disciplines – including psychology, sociology and law. You will also spend a portion of the programme out on practicum, experiencing first-hand what it’s like to be a social worker.
Where can undergraduate study in Social Work take you?
This degree is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board, allowing you to apply for social work registration in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. There is a high demand for social workers in this country and internationally. On graduating, you will be able to work in a wide range of fields, including:
- Child protection
- Community development
- Disability support
- Health
- Mental health and addiction support
- Probation
- Refugee and migrant case work
- Social change and advocacy
- Social work
- Youth work
Scholarships and awards
Each year we award scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships or begin an application by visiting Undergraduate scholarships in the Faculty of Education and Social Work.
Help and advice
The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City, Grafton and Tai Tonga campuses and six days a week at Tai Tokerau, with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University. Find out more.