Type of qualification
Level of study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Bachelor of Social Work – BSW
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is highly sought-after and recognised by other English-speaking countries, subject to their registration regulations. It will offer you a life-long career that can take you across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
- More than 90% of Massey social work graduates find employment within 6 months of earning their degree.
- Massey University is committed to being Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led and this is reflected in the School of Social Work and in your learning.
- The degree is recognised by the Social Work Registration Board.
- Massey graduates make up the largest number of qualified social workers in the country.
- Social work is a growth industry, with more than 10.000 registered social workers.
- You will get vital hands-on experience in the workplace in your third and fourth year of study where you will be supported to undertake placements.
- You will be equipped with both theory and practice, and taught by highly qualified staff – all experts in their fields.
- The BSW is a distance qualification where you mainly study from the comfort of your home, however the practice-focussed courses are supported by compulsory in-person contact workshops. You can attend these on the Manawatū or Auckland campus.
Our degree equips you with knowledge and skills needed to understand and work alongside people and communities in the modern world.
Want to work towards a role that has a positive impact on individuals, families, whānau, groups and communities? Want to enjoy a fulfilling career that can give you great employment opportunities and further career development pathways? Open to personal and professional development and keen to work with diverse communities? Join us today on a journey of self-discovery and success.
Further study
You may wish to progress to the Master of Social Work when you successfully complete this qualification.
A BSW is a good fit if you:
- passionate about working with people
- want to advocate for meaningful change
- open to personal growth and professional development
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
The Bachelor of Social Work is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.
To enter the Bachelor of Social Work qualification you will:
- meet the requirements set down by the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 for registration as a social worker in Aotearoa New Zealand in terms of being “fit and proper persons to practise social work”.
- provide a curriculum vitae which includes your academic and work history over the last 10 years (including things like parental or caregiving leaves)
- provide a personal statement explaining why you wish to enter the social work qualification and profession
- provide details of 2 character referees - these must not be family or friends
- provide details of any convictions or charges pending in Aotearoa New Zealand and/or overseas, Please note that the Criminal Records 'Clean Slate' Act 2004 does not apply to all qualifications and disclosure of any previous convictions is required.
- complete the vetting service request and consent form for an Aotearoa New Zealand Police check
- provide a current police certificate from any overseas countries you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
- undertake an interview (if required).
Application closing date
Applications close on 31 January (Semester One) and 10 June (Semester Two).
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
If English, Māori or New Zealand sign language is not your first language, you will need to provide official evidence of your English language competency in the form of:
- an IELTS test with an overall academic score of at least 6.5, with no band score less than 6.5, taken within the preceding 2 years; or
- a TOEFL internet-based test (IBT) score of 85 or higher with a writing score of 22; or at least 2 years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least 10 Level 2 NCEA credits in Literacy (5 reading and 5 writing); or equivalent.
Massey University English language requirements
About referees
We require 2 people who can act as referees for you. A referee should be someone who has known you for 1 year or more in the capacity of employer, educator, work colleague or person of community standing, e.g. kaumātua, minister or similar. Your referee should not be a friend, flatmate, relative or someone who has not known you for at least a year. The information your referee supplies is confidential to those involved in the selection process.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
If you complete this qualification within the stated time limit, you will normally be able to graduate with a class of Honours.
Look for further information under ‘Student Progression’ in the regulations for this qualification.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
If you are returning to the Bachelor of Social Work at Massey after a break of 2 years or more, you must apply for re-entry to the qualification.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Bachelor of Social Work
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over 2 semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. Most courses are offered in a single semester each year. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
The Bachelor of Social Work is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second, etc.
Part One – Tumu (Foundation)
Part One provides an understanding of people and society, particularly in New Zealand. Tumu is the foundational year introducing core concepts and knowledge for social work as a profession.
Part Two – Taha (Framework)
Taha brings a deeper understanding of social work theories and practice, social policy and engagement with diverse communities.
Part Three – Tuanui (Roof)
Tuanui concentrates on decolonising theories and concepts in social and community work practice. An exciting feature is participation at a Noho Marae.
Part Four – Whare (House)
Whare consolidates learning and skills as an authentic and integrated beginning practitioner.
In Parts Three and Four, you will complete supervised placements in social service agencies.
Part-time study
If you work for more than 12-15 hours a week, we recommend you enrol for part-time study. This could be 1 to 3 courses per semester. Please contact us to plan out your part-time study.
Second semester start
If you are applying to begin the Bachelor of Social Work in the second semester (mid-year), please note that you may have a gap semester due to the parts-based nature of the qualification. Please contact us to help you plan your degree.
Distance students
You'll study the BSW via distance learning. Some courses include compulsory in-person contact workshops (from Year One). Dates for contact workshops are on each course page. Students can choose to attend these workshops at either the Auckland or Manawatū campus.
Withdrawing from courses
Withdrawing from a course may impact on you being able to progress to the next part of your Bachelor of Social Work. Prior to withdrawing from a course we recommend you make contact with 1 of the Bachelor of Social Work Coordinators located within the School of Social Work.
Requirements while you are studying
- You will complete supervised placements in social service agencies in your third year (field education). By this time you are expected to have a full New Zealand driver’s licence.
- During the course of your study, you will continue to meet our requirements under the Children Act 2014, and under the Social Workers Registration Board ‘Fit and Proper Person policy and Code of Conduct.
Supervised placements – field education
A critical part of the degree are 2 field education courses. These consist of 120 days (in total) of approved work placements supervised by a registered social worker. You must pass these courses to progress to the next part of the degree. Field education is assessed through both academic and practice requirements.
Re-applying after a break
If you are returning to the Bachelor of Social Work at Massey after a break of 2 years or more, you must apply for re-entry to the qualification.
Typical pattern for the Bachelor of Social Work
Core courses These courses are a compulsory part of your qualification.
All courses are compulsory - 480 credits: 120 credits each year
Year One |
---|
176101 The Sociological Imagination |
179110 Creating a Foundation for Social and Community Work |
179121 Identity Development in Aotearoa New Zealand |
279101 Social Policy: An Introduction |
150103 Nau mai e noho: Engaging with Māori |
179120 Environmental Sustainability in Social and Community Work |
179155 A Foundation of Interpersonal Skills for the Helping Professions |
275102 Human Development |
Year Two |
---|
150201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society |
179210 A Relational Framework for Social Work Theory and Practice |
179230 Tangata Moana Perspectives and Practices for Transformation |
179255 Preparation for Field Education |
150205 Kura Mai Tawhiti: Māori Knowledge |
179202 An Introduction to Social Research for Social Work and Social Policy |
179240 Ethics, Values and Law in Social Work and Social Policy |
279203 Social Policy and Government |
Year Three |
---|
179310 Integrated Social Work Practice – Decolonising Social Work |
179320 Community Development |
179330 Māua ko Te Tiriti o Waitangi |
279301 Social Policy: Political Theories and Approaches |
179355 Field Education I (45 credits) |
179340 Developing Practice |
Year Four |
---|
179430 Integrated Social Work Practice – Authentising Practice |
179432 Ahurea ki uta, Ahurea ki tai |
179433 Selected Study in Policy, Practice or Diverse Populations |
179440 Management in the Social Services |
179431 Consolidating Practice |
179455 Field Education II (45 credits) |
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- 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.
Credit summary
480 credits
- Part One compulsory courses – 120 credits
- Part Two compulsory courses – 120 credits
- Part Three compulsory courses – 120 credits
- Part Four compulsory courses – 120 credits
- 120 days of approved supervised field education and associated reports
This is a parts-based qualification. This means that there are regulations around completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two etc.
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.
Part One (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 150103 Nau mai e noho: Engaging with Māori credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 176101 The Sociological Imagination credits 15
A foundation course in Sociology covering the key substantive aspects of contemporary society e.g. individual and social processes, globalisation and social inequalities.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179110 Creating a Foundation for Social and Community Work credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179120 Environmental Sustainability in Social and Community Work credits 15
An introduction to issues of sustainability, climate change and the environment in social and community work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179121 Identity Development in Aotearoa New Zealand credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179155 A Foundation of Interpersonal Skills for the Helping Professions credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 275102 Human Development credits 15
An introduction to the study of lifespan human development and learning within changing social and physical contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 279101 Social Policy: An Introduction credits 15
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.
View full course detailsPart Two (No New Enrolments in 2023) (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 150201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 150205 Kura Mai Tawhiti: Māori Knowledge credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179202 An Introduction to Social Research for Social Work and Social Policy credits 15
An introduction to social research and an examination of application of evidence to inform social policy and social work practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179210 A Relational Framework for Social Work Theory and Practice credits 15
Developing a relational-praxis framework for different theories of social work, models of practice and approaches to engagement, assessment and intervention.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179230 Tangata Moana Perspectives and Practices for Transformation credits 15
Examining Tangata Moana (Pacific/Pasifika) perspectives and how they inform social practice and policy towards transforming individual, family and community outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179255 Preparation for Field Education credits 15
An introduction to field education through workshops, field visits and voluntary work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 279201 Social Policy: Concepts and Theories credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 279203 Social Policy and Government credits 15
An exploration of government systems, policy and legislative making processes with relevance to social policy.
View full course detailsPart Two (from 2023) (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 150201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 150205 Kura Mai Tawhiti: Māori Knowledge credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179202 An Introduction to Social Research for Social Work and Social Policy credits 15
An introduction to social research and an examination of application of evidence to inform social policy and social work practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179210 A Relational Framework for Social Work Theory and Practice credits 15
Developing a relational-praxis framework for different theories of social work, models of practice and approaches to engagement, assessment and intervention.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179230 Tangata Moana Perspectives and Practices for Transformation credits 15
Examining Tangata Moana (Pacific/Pasifika) perspectives and how they inform social practice and policy towards transforming individual, family and community outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179240 Ethics, Values and Law in Social Work and Social Policy credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179255 Preparation for Field Education credits 15
An introduction to field education through workshops, field visits and voluntary work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 279203 Social Policy and Government credits 15
An exploration of government systems, policy and legislative making processes with relevance to social policy.
View full course detailsPart Three (No New Enrolments in 2024) (Choose 105 credits from)
Course code: 179310 Integrated Social Work Practice - Decolonising Social Work credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179320 Community Development credits 15
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 detailsCourse code: 179330 Māua ko Te Tiriti o Waitangi credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179355 Field Education I credits 45
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 279301 Social Policy: Political Theories and Approaches credits 15
Exploring political theories and conceptual tools for analysing policy-making and the processes for engaging with the policy process in Aotearoa.
View full course detailsPart Three (from 2024) (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 179310 Integrated Social Work Practice - Decolonising Social Work credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179320 Community Development credits 15
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 detailsCourse code: 179330 Māua ko Te Tiriti o Waitangi credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179340 Developing Practice credits 15
The development of a personal practice framework and clinical skills in diverse social, cultural and professional contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179355 Field Education I credits 45
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 279301 Social Policy: Political Theories and Approaches credits 15
Exploring political theories and conceptual tools for analysing policy-making and the processes for engaging with the policy process in Aotearoa.
View full course detailsPart Four (No New Enrolments in 2025) (Choose 135 credits from)
Course code: 179410 Social Work Fields of Practice credits 30
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179420 Advanced Social Work Practice credits 30
An advanced study of selected theoretical models and clinical skills in professional practice with individuals, families, groups and communities.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179440 Leadership in the Social Services credits 15
Exploration of leadership and management theories relevant to human services including administrative and professional supervision.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179455 Field Education II credits 45
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 279401 Social Policy Evaluation credits 15
An examination of social policy programmes and/or legislation which provides students with an opportunity to explore areas of particular interest.
View full course detailsPart Four (from 2025) (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 179430 Integrated Social Work Practice – Authentising Practice credits 15
An advanced study of selected fields of practice, selected theoretical models, and clinical skills to develop integrated and authentic professional practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179431 Consolidating Practice credits 15
The consolidation of a social work practice framework and clinical skills in diverse social, cultural and professional contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179432 Ahurea ki uta, Ahurea ki tai credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179433 Selected Study in Policy, Practice or Diverse Populations credits 15
A study of the literature and research evidence in a selected area of policy, practice or diverse population group.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179440 Leadership in the Social Services credits 15
Exploration of leadership and management theories relevant to human services including administrative and professional supervision.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179455 Field Education II credits 45
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.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
- New Zealand Seniors Aged Care Futures Grant
- Te Pitomata Grants
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
A social work degree means you can work in many different areas. Social workers work across all age groups and you will have opportunities to work in many different areas, in non-government or statutory organisations, for example:
- child and family protection
- disability and whānau haua
- community work and community development
- diversity specific services (eg Chinese, Korean, Sāmoan, gender and sexually diverse populations, spiritually-based)
- hospitals and primary health
- youth
- iwi and marae-based social services
- justice
- management and supervision
- mental health and addictions
- national and international non-government organisations
- older people
- policy development
- refugees and migrants
- Pacific.
What our students say
“Social work is such a dynamic degree, and we are all here for different reasons. The ability to be yourself and acknowledge others’ viewpoints while upholding your own is vital. Learn who you are, what you are about and what values guide you, then follow through.”

Accreditations and rankings
Related study options
Master of Applied Social Work – MAppSW
Develop your passion for helping others. Massey’s Master of Applied Social Work will prepare you for practice and registration as a social worker in Aotearoa New Zealand and other English-speaking countries, subject to their registration regulations.
Master of Social Work – MSW
Take the next step in your social work career. Improve your practice and gain new knowledge to become an excellent social worker who makes a difference.
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision – PGDipClinSup
The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision offers an advanced qualification for professionally qualified workers in the health and human services to develop their clinical supervision practice.
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work – PGDipSW
Take your social work career to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work.
Useful planning information

Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz