Bachelor of Social Work with Honours
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Our Bachelor of Social Work with Honours, (BSW(Hons), is Aotearoa | New Zealand’s most established Social Work programme. This highly regarded interdisciplinary degree will engage you in theory and practice and prepare you for a wide range of work. Find out about studying a BSW(Hons) through Te Kaupeka Oranga | Faculty of Health at the University of Canterbury.
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The BSW(Hons) at UC is Aotearoa New Zealand’s most established Social Work programme. This highly regarded interdisciplinary degree will engage you in both theory and practice, preparing you for a wide range of people-related work.
The BSW(Hons) is ideal for those with a commitment to working with others in overcoming personal and institutional barriers to wellbeing, and promoting the full potential of people.
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Entry to the first year of the BSW(Hons) is open to everyone with entry to the University.
While no particular secondary school subjects are required, a background in subjects promoting communication skills such as English, history, geography, or te reo Māori is useful. Volunteer work in the community is also good preparation.
The BSW(Hons) requires a total of 480 points:
It is highly recommended that you begin your BSW(Hons) degree in February. Those wanting to begin in July will need to contact the Social Work Department to organise their programme schedule.
The degree takes 4 years full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 8 years.
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours.
Entry to Social Work courses at 200-level and above is competitive. To apply for entry into the second year of the BSW(Hons), you will need to meet criteria identified through an application process and satisfactory Police vetting. Students with English as a second language will also need to provide evidence of their English language ability.
For entry into the third year of the BSW(Hons), you must have completed 240 points from the 100 and 200-level requirements of the degree, and have approval from the programme to continue with the degree.
Applications into the fourth year of the BSW(Hons) must be made by 30 September during the third year. You will need to have completed SOWK301 and SOWK308, provide attestations of character and suitability for practice, and agree to observe the Code of Ethics of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (Inc.) and the Code of Conduct of the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board.
See how to apply for each year of the BSW(Hons).
Completed courses can be credited to a Bachelor of Arts if you are unable to, or choose not to, continue with a BSW(Hons).
The Bachelor of Social Work with Honours follows a closely prescribed structure, with courses on social services in Aotearoa New Zealand, social work internship placements, and a variety of optional courses.
Year 1
Year 2
You will need to complete an application for entry into 200-level SOWK courses.
Year 3
An application is required for entry to the third year of the BSW(Hons).
Year 4
Completion of SOWK301 and SOWK308, and an application for entry to the fourth year will need to be made by 30 September in the previous year of study.
2024 tuition fee estimate: $6,846 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $7,257 per 120 points
2024 tuition fee estimate: $32,310 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $33,570 per 120 points
UC offers postgraduate programmes in advanced Social Work practice and research:
Other students with any undergraduate degree can choose to study our Master of Social Work (Applied) to become qualified as a social worker.
Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours.