Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Social Services
A course by
Otago University
A four-year degree that qualifies students to apply for registration as Social Workers in New Zealand, combining theory, supervised fieldwork, and professional training.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 4 years
Core skills this course teaches
Develop competence in professional social work practice
Graduates will acquire practical skills and theoretical knowledge to work effectively with individuals, whānau, and communities in diverse settings.
Apply social work theories and models
Understand and use a range of social work theories and models to address client needs and advocate for positive social change.
Understand indigenous and kaupapa Māori approaches
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at the University of Otago is a professionally recognised, four-year programme designed to prepare graduates for a rewarding career in social work. Students engage with individuals, families, and communities to promote human rights, social justice, and improved life outcomes. The program features a combination of coursework covering core social work theories, models, policy, and skills; kaupapa Māori and Indigenous approaches; along with 120 days of supervised fieldwork placements in social service organisations. The degree is available at Dunedin campus and by distance learning, with staff providing expertise in areas such as child protection, social justice, and Māori social work practice.
Course Content
- Social work theories and models of practice
- Working with individuals, families, and children
- Community development
- Organisations and policy settings
- Kaupapa Māori and Indigenous approaches
- Interpersonal practice
- Applied research skills
- Supervised fieldwork placements (120 days total)
- Counselling and clinical social work
- Family therapy
- Agency administration
- Service resource acquisition
- Social policy and legislation development
What you need to know first
Completion of two years of tertiary study (BA pre-professional Social Work or similar).
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Social Work
Human Services
Community Work
Future employment opportunities might be
Government services social worker
Not-for-profit agency worker
Iwi-based organisation worker