Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)

Bachelor of Social Work

This programme is for those passionate about social justice who want to support and empower individuals, families, wh?nau, and communities. Students will gain the skills to provide advice and support, and will learn how to advocate for both individuals and groups.  They will help their communities realise their full potential with the goal of functioning independently and positively in society.

This four-year programme combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning. You will gain the knowledge base, skills, and attributes required to practice in a variety of Social Work fields and environments such as schools, hospitals, community groups, or government organisations.

Students will develop the skills to:

• Promote the principles of human rights and social justice and promote social change.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals in multi-disciplinary teams, organisations and communities.
• Work with individuals, families or wh?nau, and communities that are from diverse ethnic, cultural and indigenous backgrounds.
• Undertake practice according to the ethical, legislative and professional boundaries.
• Work confidently in a bi-cultural context integrating the Treaty of Waitangi into their practice.
• Work autonomously and make independent judgements from a well–informed social work position, based on knowledge of theories of human behaviour and social systems.
• Critically reflect on their own social work practice through supervision, peer review and self-evaluation.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with different user groups.
• Provide or facilitate the provision of social services, in fields such as healthcare, schools, government and non-government agencies.
• Undertake their practice according to the ethical and legislative boundaries.
• Incorporate the Treaty of Waitangi into their practice.
• Increase their social and political awareness, and to think critically about the structures, behaviours, and processes that disadvantage and oppress people.

The Bachelor of Social Work programme will prepare graduates to enter the Social Work workforce at a beginning practitioner level with provisional registration with the Social Workers Registration Board.

Take advantage of our flexible course delivery. Short on-campus learning blocks in Hamilton are combined with study that students can do online at home in their community. We provide a supportive study environment, with qualified professionals who are here to guide students to success.

Wintec offers a blended delivery approach to the Bachelor of Social Work programmes. Full-time study expectations are 30-35 hours per week. This is made up of a combination of face-to-face sessions, online classes, online directed activities and video conferencing (Zoom).