Overview
Social workers seek to promote well-being and develop potential by working with individuals, families and groups to create positive change in people's lives. The challenge of social work lies in its complexity and diversity.
The University of Otago offers qualifications in social work for those with a strong interest in people, the make-up of New Zealand's society, and contemporary social issues. The professional bachelor degree (BSW) is recognised by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) and the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW). This four year degree provides a widely recognised, high quality, qualification for people wishing to become registered social workers. This degree is also available as a two year option for students already possessing a bachelor degree in another field.
The Master of Social and Community Work (Applied) (MSCW(Applied)) is a taught masters programme designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree to attain a qualification that will allow them to become professional social workers. It is also suitable for mid-career social workers who are looking for a recognised professional qualification in social work. This degree is offered both on campus and by distance.
The two year Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is targeted towards professional practitioners seeking to undertake a research intensive qualification related to their professional practice. Postgraduate research is encouraged and opportunities are provided for students to undertake research in a range of associated areas.
Contact details
Social and Community Work Programme
Email sgsw@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/social-community-work
Qualifications
- Social Work Pre-professional (BA)
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Bachelor of Social Work with Honours (BSW(Hons))
- Master of Social and Community Work (Applied) (MSCW(Applied))
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare (PGDipSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Master of Social and Community Work (Applied) (MSCW(Applied))
Papers
See the full list of Social Work (SOWK) papers.
Programme requirements
Social Work Pre-professional (BA)
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st stage |
First Stage Compulsory Papers SOWK 111 Working with People: The New Zealand Context SOCI 101 Sociology of New Zealand Society MAOR 102 Māori Society MAOR 110 Introduction to Conversational Māori EDUC 102 Human Development or PSYC 112 Human Thought and Behaviour |
18 18 18 18 18 |
| 2nd stage |
Second Stage Compulsory Papers SOWK 201 Fields of Practice SOWK 236 The Treaty and Social Services SOCI 201 Sociological Research in Practice SOCI 205 Social Inequality SOCI 207 Families and Society and either SOCI203 Young People and Society or CRIM 201 Crime, Justice and Society |
18 18 18 18 18
18 |
|
First and Second Stage Elective Papers Additional approved papers from Arts and Music Schedule C to make a total of at least 234 points (normally 13 papers) |
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st and 2nd stages | First Stage Compulsory Papers SOWK 111 Working with People: The New Zealand Context SOCI 101 Sociology of New Zealand Society MAOR 102 Māori Society MAOR 110 Introduction to Conversational Māori and 18 points from either EDUC 102 Human Development Second Stage Compulsory Papers SOWK 201 Fields of Practice SOWK 236 The Treaty and Social Services SOCI 201 Sociological Research in Practice SOCI 205 Social Inequality SOCI 207 Families and Society First and Second Stage Elective Papers Additional approved papers from Arts and Music Schedule C to make a total of at least 234 points (normally 13 papers) |
18 18 18 18 18
18 18 18 18 18
234 |
| 3rd stage | Third Stage Compulsory Papers SOWK 301 Theories and Methods of Social Work SOWK 302 Social Work for Children and Families - Analysis and Theory SOWK 303 Communities and Organisations - Analysis and Theory SOWK 304 Kaupapa Māori, and Indigenous Approaches to Social Work SOWK 320 Introduction to Professional Practice SOWK 392 Fieldwork Practice 1 |
18 18 18 18 18 36 |
4th stage | Fourth Stage Compulsory Papers SOWK 402 Social Work for Children and Families: Advanced Practice SOWK 403 Communities and Organisations - Advanced Practice SOWK 480 Research Project SOWK 492 Fieldwork Practice 2 Plus one of SOWK 405 Social Work Issues Across the Lifespan, SOWK 406 Social Problems: Policies and Practice Models, or any other 400-level SOWK paper |
20 20 20 40 20 |
Note: (1) For information on prerequisites, corequisites and restrictions, refer to the Prescriptions in the Guide to Enrolment.
(2) Prospective BSW students should initially enrol for the Social Work Pre-professional (BA) programme.
Bachelor of Social Work with Honours (BSW(Hons))
| Papers |
|---|
|
A candidate admitted to an Honours programme shall complete the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Social Work except that the final year’s course must comprise: |
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare (PGDipSW)
| Papers |
|---|
|
The programme shall consist of approved papers from the schedule of papers available for the degree of Master of Social Work to the value of 120 points. With prior approval, one paper at 400-level or above in a related subject offered by the University or another tertiary institution up to the value of 30 points may be included in the programme. |
Master of Social and Community Work (Applied) (MSCW(Applied))
| Papers | Points |
|---|---|
Year 1 SOWK 551 Theories and Methods of Social WorkSOWK 552 Child and Family Social Work SOWK 553 Communities and Organisations – Analysis and Theory SOWK 554 Kaupapa Māori and Indigenous Approaches to Social Work SOWK 570 Introduction to Professional Practice SOWK 592 Fieldwork Practice 1 | 20 20 20 20 20 25 |
Year 2 SOWK 562 Micro Intervention: Theories and SkillsSOWK 563 Communities and Organisations – Advanced Practice SOWK 580 Research Project SOWK 593 Fieldwork Practice 2 | 20 20 20 25 |
Plus one of the following papers: | 30 |
Master of Social Work (MSW)
| Papers and Thesis | Points |
|---|---|
Three of: Research Component |
|
