Bachelor of Social Work
Social Services
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Gain the skills needed to help and support people facing challenging situations and events. Develop professional social work practice attributes in a bicultural, integrated learning environment, and undertake practical placements.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Madras Street Campus, Christchurch
It will take a total of 4 years
Core skills this course teaches
Professional Practice Readiness
Develop the attributes required for professional social work practice, including critical thinking, decision-making, and ethical awareness.
Community and Field Integration
Undertake integrated practice courses each year, including significant time in social work agencies during years 2-4.
Bicultural and Anti-Oppressive Approach
Learn to work in Aotearoa New Zealand with a philosophy grounded in bi-culturalism and anti-oppressive practice.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Social Work at Ara is a four-year degree designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and professional values required for social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. The programme emphasizes bi-culturalism, anti-oppressive practice, critical thinking, and professionalism. Each year includes integrated practice courses linked to real-world agencies, with substantial field placements in later years. Graduates become eligible to apply for provisional registration as social workers.
Course Content
- Cultural Contexts 1a (Level 5)
- Cultural Contexts 1b (Level 5)
- Integrated Practice 1 (Level 5)
- Research For Practice 1 (Level 5)
- Social Policy 1 (Level 5)
- Theory For Practice 1 (Level 5)
- Cultural Contexts 2a (Level 6)
- Cultural Contexts 2b (Level 6)
- Integrated Practice 2 (Level 6)
- Research For Practice 2 (Level 6)
- Social Policy 2 (Level 6)
- Theory For Practice 2 (Level 6)
- Cultural Contexts 3 (Level 7)
- Cultural Contexts 4 (Level 7)
- Integrated Practice 3 (Level 7)
- Integrated Practice 4 (Level 7)
- Research For Practice 3 (Level 7)
- Research For Practice 4 (Level 7)
- Social Policy 3 (Level 7)
- Social Policy 4 (Level 7)
- Theory For Practice 3 (Level 7)
- Theory For Practice 4 (Level 7)
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Social Work
Human Services
Public Sector
Community Organisations
Health and Hospital Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Social worker in statutory organisations (e.g. Child Youth and Family, Probation Service, Prison Service)