Bachelor of Social Work with Honours
Social Services
A course by
University of Canterbury
A four-year honours degree preparing students for a career in social work. The degree integrates theory, practical experience, and field placements, and is recognised across New Zealand and internationally.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Ilam Campus, Christchurch
It will take a total of 4 years
Core skills this course teaches
Develop foundational knowledge of social work theory and practice
Gain a strong understanding of concepts and frameworks underpinning social work in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.
Acquire practical experience through field placements
Complete extensive supervised placements in social service agencies, preparing for real-world social work roles.
Engage with diverse communities and issues
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Social Work with Honours (BSW(Hons)) at the University of Canterbury is New Zealand's most established social work programme. It offers an interdisciplinary education combining theory and extensive fieldwork, including placements in social service agencies. Students learn about mental health, child welfare, criminal justice, community engagement, and more, with a focus on enhancing wellbeing and addressing social issues. Graduates are equipped for various roles in social work and related fields domestically and overseas, especially due to international recognition agreements.
Course Content
- Introduction to Social Policy
- Social Services in Aotearoa
- Māori Health Issues and Opportunities
- The Treaty of Waitangi and Colonisation
- Human Behaviour and Human Systems
- Social Policy, Social Justice and Activism
- Social Work and Community Engagement
- Communication for Practice
- Family Violence
- Māori and Indigenous Development
- Theory, Methods and Integration
- Mental Health
- Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake in Practice
- Social Work Principles and Skills
- Practice Research for Social Work
- Social Work Practice Integration Research Project
- Field Education (placements in social service agencies)
- Elective courses in areas such as anthropology, criminology, education, health, Māori studies, politics, psychology, sociology
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Social Work
Health and Wellbeing
Community Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Community development worker
Counsellor
Social worker