Bachelor of Social Work

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:

14 credits at Level 3 in each of:

• English or an approved literacy* subject
• two other subjects from the list of approved subjects* and
• Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing, and
• Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR NZ2860 New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) BSW Pathway or equivalent

OR NZ2992 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) or equivalent

OR If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your application for academic entry equivalency.

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/

Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee reports and a 500-word personal statement.

• In your application you need to demonstrate formal or informal experience in a social work, social services or a related helping role, and the ability to analyse and relate this experience to a social work context.
• Your referee's reports, word processed personal statement, and interview should provide evidence of appropriateness to study for the social work profession:
• commitment to social justice, openness to explore biculturalism, self-awareness and openness to change and being challenged, openness to participate in interactive group learning,
• willingness to be honest and reflective about personal experiences, high level of skill in interpersonal communication and personal maturity
• Please note that integrated practice in Years 2, 3 and 4 may be outside of Christchurch and a full driver's licence is required otherwise agency options are likely to be limited.
• If you do not have a full driver's license at the time of application, you will need to have completed this requirement by the end of Year 2.

Two referee reports are required (in priority order):

• One referee should be from a recent social services employer/manager for paid or voluntary work OR a recent employer OR a personal reference (not a family member) who can speak to issues of character
• One referee should be from the programme leader of a tertiary level social services programme OR the Dean (or equivalent) of a school in the past 5 years OR a personal reference (not a family member) who can speak to issues of character
• Please note you can only use ONE personal reference

You also need to hold a current Class 1 Drivers Licence unless medical verification is provided in relation to a disability or impairment that prohibits you from being able to drive

Consent to Disclosure of Information. Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Vetting Service Request and Consent Form.

You may need to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria.

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• All students for whom English is not their first language will be informed of the SWRB requirement of IELTS 7.0 Academic for registration.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
• The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic

• 6.5 Listening
• 6.5 Reading
• 6.5 Writing
• 6.5 Speaking

A selection process will be used when making decisions about offering places on the BSW. The selection process will include an assessment of the information provided in the application process.

• All applicants will be considered and weighted on their academic achievement, character and suitability for social work practice.
• All applicants will be assessed against the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) Fit and Proper policy as a guide for determining whether to offer a place on the BSW.
• Where an applicant does not meet the SWRB Fit and Proper guidelines, the applicant will be interviewed on an individual basis and given the opportunity to provide further background or explanatory information.
• A final decision regarding entry to the BSW will be made on a case by case basis following this interview and having considered the additional information provided by the applicant.