- 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.
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
2025 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:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
- If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
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:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
How much does a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,860.80*
- International students
- NZ$41,594*
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.
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.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June |
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.
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.
Do you need help?
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Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513