Study for a degree to become a qualified social worker

General admission requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria for admission into the programme:

a) A New Zealand Police Check (using the NZ Police and Vetting Consent to Disclosure of Information form) that demonstrates applicant has no criminal record and thus meets the requirements to be registered with the SWRB and to work with at risk and vulnerable people as required by the Vulnerable Children Act (2014).

b) Be 18 years of age or over at the commencement of the programme; OR, applicants below the age of 18, will be considered for admission (by the Programme Committee) where the applicant is:

(i) employed, in a paid or voluntary capacity in a social service context and able to provide a current, written recommendation from their employer, or voluntary service provider demonstrating their suitability for the programme; or

(ii) Due to reach the minimum 18 age requirement within one month of the commencement date of the programme.

c) Complete all required admission administration documentation.

d) Provide two satisfactory references.

e) Demonstrate suitability to complete vocational social work degree level study at an interview.  The following interview criteria will apply:

(i) At the time of interview applicants will be required to undertake a comprehension and written exercise to help determine the level of academic support they would require prior to and during the programme, if they were offered a place.

(ii) Interviews may be conducted in person, by phone, Skype, or by electronic means as outlined in the Vulnerable Children Act (2014).

(iii) During the interview the panel will gather evidence of the applicant’s suitability to complete vocational social work degree level study based on criteria that include the following:

1. The applicant provides appropriate and well considered reasons for making their application to study this social work programme that are deemed to be acceptable by the interview panel
2. The applicant’s personal experience (including wellness) will enhance rather than inhibit their ability to complete the programme
3. The applicant demonstrates readiness and understanding of the demands of vocational social work study at degree level study
4. The applicant demonstrates openness and readiness to accept change
5. The applicant demonstrates willingness and ability to align with social work ethics and values
6. The applicant understands the support, both personal and academic, which may be required to undertake a vocational degree level programme and that this support may be provided in flexible learning mode.

f) Once the applicant has completed an interview, the final decision on whether a place is offered to an applicant is based on achievement demonstrated in: 

(i) Evidence gathered during the interview of the applicant’s suitability to complete vocational social work degree level study

(ii) Evidence contained in the admission administration documentation

Academic admission requirements

Applicants must successfully meet one of the following criteria to gain admission into the programme:

(a) University Entrance (UE) OR at least 42 NCEA credits at level 3, including a minimum of 14 credits in each of two approved subjects, plus a minimum of 14 credits taken from no more than two additional domains or approved subjects; AND, a minimum of 8 credits at level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori of which 4 credits must be in reading and 4 credits in writing. NOTE: Where standards count for either reading or writing, an individual applicant may not count credits in both places

OR 

(b) Have successfully completed NZC in Study and Career Preparation (Education & Social Sciences) Level 3 or equivalent

OR

(c) The BASW Programme Committee may consider a candidate for entry onto the programme where the candidate has failed to meet the academic requirements listed above.  For such consideration to occur the candidate must have been through the interview and selection process demonstrating a level of maturity or life experience deemed to provide the applicant with reasonable prospects of success at degree level.  All such applications will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and on the applicants own merit.

English language entry requirements

International students must meet NZQA’s current English language entry requirements for degree level study AND the specified requirements for this degree where they exceed NZQA’s requirements.  Programme specific rules for this degree also require:

(a) Applicants to the programme who do not have English, Māori or New Zealand sign as their first language; OR who did not undertake their secondary schooling in English must be able to demonstrate they have achieved an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.5; or TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) score of 85 or higher with a writing score of 22; or equivalent.  Students may enter the programme with an IELTS score of 6.5 in all bands but will be required to meet SWRB requirements when applying for registration on completion of the programme.

(b) Applicants who do not meet the IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent requirement are able to re-apply for future intakes to the programme once this English language requirement has been met.