Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga

Every day in the news we're reminded of the need for services that help us have a thriving society in Aotearoa. We need qualified practitioners who have what it takes to become fully registered social workers.

Do you want to learn how to make a difference in people's lives? Social work is challenging, rewarding and makes a vital contribution to the wellbeing of our society. Get the qualifications you need for a professional career in working with others to make a difference.

On successful completion of this degree you might be eligible to apply to register with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).

When you pass this degree, you'll get this qualification:

• Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga - Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work (Level 7)

• different world views
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi 
• takepū (principled positions) and their application
• applying a bicultural lens to your practice
• Māori and non-Māori theories, models and practice

This is a full-time programme that consists of 120 credits per year (total 4 years full-time study consisting of 480 credits).

Throughout the first year of the programme you will be required to attend:

Year 1*:

• 8 x noho marae (25 hours each)
• 1 x wānanga whāiti per week (4-6 hours)

Additional learning will also need to be completed outside of class time for approximately:

• 22 hours per week

Some learning activities will need to be completed online. You'll need to have access to an internet-connected device for this programme.

*Years 2, 3 and 4 commitment requirements will be discussed towards the completion of each year.

To enrol in this programme, a potential student must:

• be at least 18 years of age
• be a New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident 
• reside in New Zealand
• have completed:
  • Manaaki Tāngata - Certificate in Bicultural Social Services Level 4
  • or any Level 4 qualification of at least 120 credits
  • or have two years full-time work experience within the field of social services
• provide supportive references from two appropriate people within the field of social services 
• consent to undergo police vetting
• demonstrate personal suitability

Download factsheet

You can take this further by enrolling on our Postgraduate Diploma in Bicultural Professional Supervision or applying for our master's degree, He Waka Hiringa - Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge.

With skills at this level you can work in child protection, health, justice, welfare, or other social service providers.

The 2022 fees for this degree are:

Year 1: $4,238

Year 2: $3,795

Year 3: $3,795

Year 4: $3,795

GST inclusive

Are you eligible for fees-free study?

First-time tertiary students studying fee paying programmes may be able to study fee free in their first year. To find out whether you are eligible visit: feesfree.govt.nz.