Bachelor of Social Work
Gain the skills needed to help and support people facing challenging situations and events.
You will develop the attributes for professional social work practice in New Zealand as you engage in study integrating practice and community within the classroom. This programme is underpinned by a philosophy of bi-culturalism and anti-oppressive practice.
Our four year programme will take you from the fundamentals of professionalism, research skills, critical thinking and informed decision making, in your first year through to your second, third and fourth years when you will take these skills to an advanced level.
Each year has an integrated practice course where learning is linked to the practice environment. In the second, third and fourth years integrated practice includes significant time in social work agencies.
Please note that integrated practice in Years 2, 3 and 4 may be outside of Christchurch and a full driver's licence is required otherwise agency options are likely to be limited.
The programme includes two compulsory 24-hour marae visits (including overnight stays).
By the end of the degree, you will have developed the professional values and attitudes for social work practice as identified by the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and the Social Workers Registration Board Code of Conduct and will be able to apply for provisional registration.
There is currently a shortage of social workers, including people identifying with the following groups: Maori, Pacific, migrant, refugee, male and disabled persons who are encouraged to apply.
Please note, if you are thinking about studying part time in Year 1 you need to be working in the social services either in paid or voluntary employment.
Word processing of assignments is required during this programme.
In our most recent graduate survey, 81% of 2016 Bachelor of Social Work graduates were in employment (Ara Graduate Outcome Survey, 2016). Part-time up to 10 years.
Campus Information
Christchurch City
The Madras street campus is on the fringe of Christchurch’s CBD and within easy walking distance of shops, cafes, supermarkets, entertainment venues, parks and other attractions. It’s well serviced by public transport, and is just five minutes from the city’s main bus exchange. The Madras street campus is Ara’s largest. In addition to modern, purpose designed facilities, it also has a recreation centre, gym, health centre, a bookshop and a number of on-site cafes.
Intakes
- Feb
Application Processing Time in Days: 20
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Our Careers & Employment team provides free advice to current and prospective students, as well as our graduates. We can help you with:
- Exploring your career options
- Developing your employ-ability
- Job search, CVs, interviews and more
PSW Opportunity
Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)
- Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
- Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ
Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:
- Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
- Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)
Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
- Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)
Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)
- Duration: 3 years
- Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand
- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.
- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.
- Not allowed for part time students.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Certificate at Level 3= General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5
Certificate at Level 4= General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
Certificate or Diploma at Level 5= General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
Certificate or Diploma at Level 6= General or Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
Diploma or degree at Level 7= General or Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
Graduate Certificate or IDiploma at Level 7= General or Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
Post-graduate Diploma or Post- graduate Certificate at Level 8= General or Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0
Bachelor Honours Degree at Level 8= General or Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0
Master's Degree at Level 9= General or Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0
Doctoral !,}egree at Level 10= General or Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0
- Course Code: CH4051
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Bachelors/UG Degree
- Duration: 04 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
100000 NZD
Average Cost of Living: 20000 NZD /year
Application Fee: 100 NZD