Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Bachelor

The Social Work programme at the University of Otago offers two main qualifications designed for different career stages of professional social workers: Entry into the BSW programme via one of two pathways:

Key details

Degree Type

Bachelor

Course Code

BSW

About this course

The Social Work programme at the University of Otago offers two main qualifications designed for different career stages of professional social workers:

Entry into the BSW programme via one of two pathways:

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be determined by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) on the advice of the Social Work Admissions Committee.
To be admitted to the programme at the Third Stage, an applicant must have passed papers worth 234 points from the First and Second Stages as specified in the schedule of papers for the degree, or have completed the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Science (majoring in Psychology), or Bachelor of Education Studies, or have completed a degree at another tertiary education institution (in the same, or similar, subject areas) and have taken an approved course in Maori language and tikanga.
Candidates will be selected on the basis of their academic record, personal suitability and proven experience in the social services. The Social Work Admissions Committee must be satisfied that applicants meet the requirements of the Social Work Registration Act 2003.
All applicants whose primary language is not English, Maori or New Zealand Sign Language must demonstrate either:
1. an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 7.0 in the academic band (with no band score lower than 7.0), or
2. a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet-based test (iBT) score of 95 or higher with a writing score of 22.
These tests must have been completed in one sitting within the previous two years, and evidence must be provided by way of certified results.

Study locations

Dunedin

Credit for prior study or work

A candidate who is enrolled for the degree of Bachelor of Social Work concurrently with another degree, or who has completed one of the two degrees and is proceeding with the other, may cross credit 100- and 200-levels papers which are common to both degrees up to a maximum of 180 points.