Regulations for The Bachelor of Social Work - BSW

Official rules and regulations for the Bachelor of Social Work. These regulations are for the 2025 intake to this qualification.

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Qualification Regulations

Part I

These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Graduate Certificates.

Part II

Admission

1. Admission to the Degree of Bachelor of Social Work requires that the candidate will:

(a) meet the University admission requirements as specified;

(b) meet the requirements for registration as set down by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board in terms of candidates being ‘fit and proper persons to practice social work’;

(c) provide satisfactory evidence of their proficiency in English, if English is not the applicant’s first language, in the form of: 

(i) overall academic score of at least 6.5 in an IELTS assessment with no band score less than 6.5 within the preceding two years; or

(ii) A TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) score of 85 or higher with a writing score of 22; or

(iii) at least two years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least ten Level 2 NCEA credits in Literacy (five reading and five writing) or equivalent; and

(d) be selected into the programme.

Qualification requirements

2. Candidates for the Bachelor of Social Work shall follow a parts-based programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 480 credits, comprising:

(a) Parts One, Two, Three, and Four;

(b) at least four years of study;

and including:

(c) any compulsory courses listed in the Schedule to the Degree;

(d) attending field trips, workshops, tutorials, and practice laboratories as required.

Specialisations

3. The Degree of Bachelor of Social Work is awarded without specialisation.

Academic requirements

4. Every candidate for the Bachelor of Social Work shall complete the required Field Education courses and at least 120 days of approved supervised field education and associated reports, in accordance with the requirements of the following courses:

(a) 179.255 Introduction to Field Education

(b) 179.355 Field Education I

(c) 179.455 Field Education II.

Student progression

5. Candidates may progress from Parts One to Two, Two to Three, and Three to Four, by passing all courses in the prior part.

6. The Academic Board may, under such conditions as it may determine and taking into account the recommendations of the examiners, admit any candidate to a supplementary privilege (normally an examination) where available in a course in which the candidate failed to gain a pass.

7. Notwithstanding Regulation 5:

(a) Candidates shall not enrol in Part II unless they have passed courses to at least 75 credits. The candidate may on the recommendation of Academic Board, be permitted to enrol in approved courses of Part II in the same year that the candidate is enrolled in the remaining courses of the previous part.

(b) Candidates shall not enrol for Part III unless they:

(i) have passed all the compulsory requirements of the previous parts except that a candidate who has passed all the prerequisites for entry to Part III of the degree, except one of the compulsory courses in Part I or Part II may, with the approval of the Academic Board, be permitted to enrol in Part III;

(ii) have been admitted to Part III by a selection process approved by the Head of School; and

(iii) hold a current full driver’s licence valid in New Zealand unless otherwise exempted.

(c) Candidates shall not enrol in Part IV unless they have been admitted to Part IV by a selection process approved by the Head of School.

8. Candidates must continue to meet the requirements for registration as set down by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board in terms of candidates being ‘fit and proper persons to practice social work’; Candidates must advise the Programme Coordinator of any change to their circumstances in this regard within 7 days, including any conviction or criminal charges pending. Annual confirmation of eligibility is required.

9. The Degree of Bachelor of Social Work may be awarded with or without a class of Honours.

Completion requirements

10. Any timeframes for completion as outlined in the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates will apply.

11. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Admission, Qualification and Academic requirements within the prescribed timeframes; candidates who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded the Diploma in Arts should they meet the relevant Qualification requirements.

Unsatisfactory academic progress

12. For candidates enrolled in the Degree of Bachelor of Social Work, the following will lead to exclusion from the qualification:

(a) Failure to continue to meet the requirements for registration as set down by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board in terms of candidates being ‘fit and proper persons to practice social work’;

(b) Failure to obtain a pass in either 179.355 or 179.455 on their second attempt;

(c) Persons excluded under clause 12(b) will only be re-admitted to the Degree of Bachelor of Social Work with approval of the Academic Board, which may be declined, or granted under such conditions as it may determine.

Transitional provisions

13. Subject to any Maximum Time to Completion regulations and the Abandonment of Studies provisions specified in the Part I qualification regulations, candidates enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work prior to 1 January 2022 will be granted the following substitutions:

(a) 30 credits of elective courses for 179.120 and 179.121

(b) 279.201 for 179.240

(c) 279.401 for 179.340

(d) 179.410 for 179.430 and 179.431

(e) 179.420 for 179.432 and 179.433

These transition arrangements expire 31 December 2025.

Schedule for the Bachelor of Social Work

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Key terms for course planning
Courses
Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
Course code
Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Part One (Choose 120 credits from)

Choose 120 credits from
Course code: 150103 Nau mai e noho: Engaging with Māori 15 credits

This course will equip students with a range of skills to engage with Māori communities including common expressions in te reo, an understanding of key traditional concepts, customary practices (tikanga), the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi and the nature and structure of Māori social and political organisations.

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Course code: 176101 The Sociological Imagination 15 credits

A foundation course in Sociology covering the key substantive aspects of contemporary society e.g. individual and social processes, globalisation and social inequalities.

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Course code: 179110 Creating a Foundation for Social and Community Work 15 credits

An introduction to social and community work in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. This introduction includes an examination of colonisation throughout the development of social and community work.

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Course code: 179120 Environmental Sustainability in Social and Community Work 15 credits

An introduction to issues of sustainability, climate change and the environment in social and community work.

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Course code: 179121 Identity Development in Aotearoa New Zealand 15 credits

An exploration of identity development and how our personal and social histories contribute to our personal, professional and social interactions within the context of social work practice.

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Course code: 179155 A Foundation of Interpersonal Skills for the Helping Professions 15 credits

An introduction to the role of self and the skills required to develop an effective helping relationship that can be applied in a variety of helping professions in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

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Course code: 275102 Human Development 15 credits

An introduction to the study of lifespan human development and learning within changing social and physical contexts.

Restrictions: 208102, 209102

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Course code: 279101 Social Policy: An Introduction 15 credits

A foundational knowledge of social policy, providing a broad introduction introducing students to the history of social policy in Aotearoa New Zealand and key theories and concepts informing the development of social policy.

Restrictions: 179101

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Part Two (No New Enrolments in 2023) (Choose 120 credits from)

Choose 120 credits from
Course code: 150201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society 15 credits

A study of the Treaty of Waitangi background, texts, principles, and application to contemporary New Zealand. There is a particular focus on land, legislation, court decisions, social policies, the environment, constitutional matters, claims to the Waitangi Tribunal and Treaty settlements. Differing perspectives of hapū/iwi/Māori and the Crown, as well as opportunities for resolution, are explored.

Restrictions: 269274

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Course code: 150205 Kura Mai Tawhiti: Māori Knowledge 15 credits

An examination of heritage and contemporary Māori knowledges exploring the origins and relevance of traditional belief systems and the contemporary cultural-political contexts of mātauranga paradigms in areas such as research, education, justice, science, business, social development and the environment.

Prerequisites: 15 credits at 100-level from the 150 or 300 course prefix series

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Course code: 179202 An Introduction to Social Research for Social Work and Social Policy 15 credits

An introduction to social research and an examination of application of evidence to inform social policy and social work practice.

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Course code: 179210 A Relational Framework for Social Work Theory and Practice 15 credits

Developing a relational-praxis framework for different theories of social work, models of practice and approaches to engagement, assessment and intervention.

Prerequisites: 179155 and (179110 or 147102)

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Course code: 179230 Tangata Moana Perspectives and Practices for Transformation 15 credits

Examining Tangata Moana (Pacific/Pasifika) perspectives and how they inform social practice and policy towards transforming individual, family and community outcomes.

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Course code: 179255 Preparation for Field Education 15 credits

An introduction to field education through workshops, field visits and voluntary work.

Prerequisites: 179155 Corequisites: 150201

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Course code: 279201 Social Policy: Concepts and Theories 15 credits

An exploration of the influence of different political theories and key concepts on the development of social policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Applications to contemporary social policy case studies are included.

Prerequisites: 279101 or 179101 or 200162; 279101 or 179101 for BSW

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Course code: 279203 Social Policy and Government 15 credits

An exploration of government systems, policy and legislative making processes with relevance to social policy.

Prerequisites: 279101 or 179101 or 200162 (179102 to 2009)

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Part Two (from 2023) (Choose 120 credits from)

Choose 120 credits from
Course code: 150201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society 15 credits

A study of the Treaty of Waitangi background, texts, principles, and application to contemporary New Zealand. There is a particular focus on land, legislation, court decisions, social policies, the environment, constitutional matters, claims to the Waitangi Tribunal and Treaty settlements. Differing perspectives of hapū/iwi/Māori and the Crown, as well as opportunities for resolution, are explored.

Restrictions: 269274

View full course details
Course code: 150205 Kura Mai Tawhiti: Māori Knowledge 15 credits

An examination of heritage and contemporary Māori knowledges exploring the origins and relevance of traditional belief systems and the contemporary cultural-political contexts of mātauranga paradigms in areas such as research, education, justice, science, business, social development and the environment.

Prerequisites: 15 credits at 100-level from the 150 or 300 course prefix series

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Course code: 179202 An Introduction to Social Research for Social Work and Social Policy 15 credits

An introduction to social research and an examination of application of evidence to inform social policy and social work practice.

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Course code: 179210 A Relational Framework for Social Work Theory and Practice 15 credits

Developing a relational-praxis framework for different theories of social work, models of practice and approaches to engagement, assessment and intervention.

Prerequisites: 179155 and (179110 or 147102)

View full course details
Course code: 179230 Tangata Moana Perspectives and Practices for Transformation 15 credits

Examining Tangata Moana (Pacific/Pasifika) perspectives and how they inform social practice and policy towards transforming individual, family and community outcomes.

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Course code: 179240 Ethics, Values and Law in Social Work and Social Policy 15 credits

An examination of the impact of values and ethics in professional practice while addressing issues of law, power, social justice and human rights with a particular focus on social work and social policy.

Restrictions: 279201

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Course code: 179255 Preparation for Field Education 15 credits

An introduction to field education through workshops, field visits and voluntary work.

Prerequisites: 179155 Corequisites: 150201

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Course code: 279203 Social Policy and Government 15 credits

An exploration of government systems, policy and legislative making processes with relevance to social policy.

Prerequisites: 279101 or 179101 or 200162 (179102 to 2009)

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Part Three (No New Enrolments in 2024) (Choose 105 credits from)

Choose 105 credits from
Course code: 179310 Integrated Social Work Practice - Decolonising Social Work 15 credits

Theories and skills of group dynamics, collaboration, conflict management and culturally appropriate communication. Students develop their facilitation skills for working with people from diverse and culturally different backgrounds.

Prerequisites: 179210

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Course code: 179320 Community Development 15 credits

An examination of the fundamental theories, principles and definitions of community development. Individual, group and community action is examined with emphasis on the relationship between individual and social change.

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Course code: 179330 Māua ko Te Tiriti o Waitangi 15 credits

An examination of self and cultural positioning within Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Students will be able to create meaning and make sense of their personal journey as Tangata Whenua or Tangata Tiriti, their social citizenship and active responsibility in advancing Māori aspirations in Aotearoa. Students will develop confidence in utilising Māori models of practice in whānau hui and social work practice from a te ao Māori perspective.

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Course code: 179355 Field Education I 45 credits

A 60-day supervised field education placement in a social service setting, negotiated and supervised, in accordance with the Social Workers Registration Board’s standards.

Prerequisites: 179255 Corequisites: 179310, 179320, 179330, 179340

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Course code: 279301 Social Policy: Political Theories and Approaches 15 credits

Exploring political theories and conceptual tools for analysing policy-making and the processes for engaging with the policy process in Aotearoa.

Prerequisites: 279201 or 179240

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Part Three (from 2024) (Choose 120 credits from)

Choose 120 credits from
Course code: 179310 Integrated Social Work Practice - Decolonising Social Work 15 credits

Theories and skills of group dynamics, collaboration, conflict management and culturally appropriate communication. Students develop their facilitation skills for working with people from diverse and culturally different backgrounds.

Prerequisites: 179210

View full course details
Course code: 179320 Community Development 15 credits

An examination of the fundamental theories, principles and definitions of community development. Individual, group and community action is examined with emphasis on the relationship between individual and social change.

View full course details
Course code: 179330 Māua ko Te Tiriti o Waitangi 15 credits

An examination of self and cultural positioning within Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Students will be able to create meaning and make sense of their personal journey as Tangata Whenua or Tangata Tiriti, their social citizenship and active responsibility in advancing Māori aspirations in Aotearoa. Students will develop confidence in utilising Māori models of practice in whānau hui and social work practice from a te ao Māori perspective.

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Course code: 179340 Developing Practice 15 credits

The development of a personal practice framework and clinical skills in diverse social, cultural and professional contexts.

Prerequisites: 179255 Corequisites: 179355 Restrictions: 279401

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Course code: 179355 Field Education I 45 credits

A 60-day supervised field education placement in a social service setting, negotiated and supervised, in accordance with the Social Workers Registration Board’s standards.

Prerequisites: 179255 Corequisites: 179310, 179320, 179330, 179340

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Course code: 279301 Social Policy: Political Theories and Approaches 15 credits

Exploring political theories and conceptual tools for analysing policy-making and the processes for engaging with the policy process in Aotearoa.

Prerequisites: 279201 or 179240

View full course details

Part Four (No New Enrolments in 2025) (Choose 135 credits from)

Choose 135 credits from
Course code: 179410 Social Work Fields of Practice 30 credits

An advanced study of selected fields of social and community work practice. Particular emphasis is placed on the knowledge base relevant to each field including theoretical explanations, research, practice principles, models of intervention and current issues.

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Course code: 179420 Advanced Social Work Practice 30 credits

An advanced study of selected theoretical models and clinical skills in professional practice with individuals, families, groups and communities.

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Course code: 179440 Leadership in the Social Services 15 credits

Exploration of leadership and management theories relevant to human services including administrative and professional supervision.

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Course code: 179455 Field Education II 45 credits

A 60-day supervised field education placement in a social service setting, negotiated and supervised, in accordance with the Social Workers Registration Board’s standards.

Prerequisites: 179355, 179340 Corequisites: 179431

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Course code: 279401 Social Policy Evaluation 15 credits

An examination of social policy programmes and/or legislation which provides students with an opportunity to explore areas of particular interest.

Prerequisites: 279301 or 179301 Restrictions: 179462

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Part Four (from 2025) (Choose 120 credits from)

Choose 120 credits from
Course code: 179430 Integrated Social Work Practice – Authentising Practice 15 credits

An advanced study of selected fields of practice, selected theoretical models, and clinical skills to develop integrated and authentic professional practice.

Prerequisites: 179310 Restrictions: 179410

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Course code: 179431 Consolidating Practice 15 credits

The consolidation of a social work practice framework and clinical skills in diverse social, cultural and professional contexts.

Prerequisites: 179340 and 179355 Restrictions: 179410

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Course code: 179432 Ahurea ki uta, Ahurea ki tai 15 credits

Students will critically reflect on and consolidate Tangata Whenua and Tagata Pasifika cultural learning and cultural humility inside of their own integrated practice framework as they prepare to enter the social work profession.

Restrictions: 179420

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Course code: 179433 Selected Study in Policy, Practice or Diverse Populations 15 credits

A study of the literature and research evidence in a selected area of policy, practice or diverse population group.

Restrictions: 179420

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Course code: 179440 Leadership in the Social Services 15 credits

Exploration of leadership and management theories relevant to human services including administrative and professional supervision.

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Course code: 179455 Field Education II 45 credits

A 60-day supervised field education placement in a social service setting, negotiated and supervised, in accordance with the Social Workers Registration Board’s standards.

Prerequisites: 179355, 179340 Corequisites: 179431

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