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Bachelor of Social Practice

  • Bachelor

Want to work with your community and make a difference in people's lives? Our undergraduate social work qualification lets you draw on your life and work experiences, and provides you with the skills and knowledge to work in the social work and community development sectors.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Domestic Fees
$6,500 per year
International Fees
$25,377 per year

About this course

Are you after a career where you can help individuals, whanau, groups, and communities enhance their individual and collective wellbeing? Are you passionate about empowering people around you and creating social change? Our Bachelor of Social Practice will prepare you for employment and registration in social work and community development with basic skills in counselling.

This programme comprehensively trains students to be social practitioners who are able to apply their skills to the ever-changing demands of employers, clients, and the community. Tailor the Bachelor of Social Practice to suit your career path in either social work or community development. This will allow you to develop and practice the skills you need to be work-ready when you graduate.

You'll develop the ability to practice social work and community development with culturally diverse groups in an appropriate and inclusive manner. You'll also develop a sound understanding of, and ability to promote, human rights, social justice and change, as well as empowerment and liberation of different groups and communities by promoting civil and legal rights.

Highlights
  • Leads to industry recognition: once you've completed this programme you are eligible to apply for registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB)
  • A professional qualification which prepares you for a career in a wide range of social, community, mental health, and education services
  • A critical focus on inequality and social justice, and the development of your abilities to work ethically and professionally, supporting the wellbeing of people and communities
  • Emphasis on the practical application of theory: in years three and four, you will apply what you've learnt during work placements in social work or community development organisations
  • Flexibility: elective courses enable you to plan a programme of study which builds on your interests and personal experience, or help you move towards postgraduate study
Postgraduate study

At Unitec, we value your experience and are interested in helping you develop your practice and profession. If you are a practitioner who is interested in undertaking a work-based project and/or research, our Master of Applied Practice (Social Practice) may be just what you're looking for.

Please note: This programme is designed for practitioners in work as we do not provide work placements. If you choose to study full-time, your study will likely relate to your current practice. You will have an opportunity to discuss this during the application process.

Scholarship

We have up to 3 Bachelor of Social Practice scholarships available, worth $2,000 each. Find out more information below!

Bachelor of Social Practice scholarships

Contact us

If you feel the Master of Applied Practice could suit you and/or if you have further questions about this programme, please contact:

Geoff Bridgman
gbridgman@unitec.ac.nz
(09) 815 4321 ext. 7464

Currently enrolled in our three-year Bachelor of Social Practice programme? Don't worry, you can still view your course details here.

Entry requirements

What you will need to study this programme.

Domestic students
Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

  • NCEA entry requirements;

A minimum of 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, with

  • 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of two subjects from an approved subject list,
  • 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the National Qualifications Framework,
  • 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau on the National Qualifications Framework,

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

  • University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
  • Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
  • Successful completion of the Unitec Certificate in Foundation Studies: Whitinga Level 3 with a relevant pathway, where appropriate;Or
  • Certificate of University Preparation (Level 4) Or
  • Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 4)

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

  • If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Apply online, and we'll be in touch about your next steps.
  • If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

Non-academic requirements

The following Programme requirements must be met prior to admission;

  • Consent to a Safety Check that meets the requirements of the Children Act 2014 (formerly known as the Vulnerable Children's Act), including:
    • Provide two forms of verified ID and evidence of any name changes;
    • Consent to a Police vetting check;
    • Complete a self-declaration of medical conditions form.
  • Provide a curriculum vitae and a personal statement indicating their motives for applying for admission to the degree
  • Provide evidence of computer literacy through the achievement of a level 3 computer course or equivalent;
  • A current full driver's license (NZ license or acceptable international equivalent, subject to exemption on the grounds of disability) before commencing CSTU7922 Social Practice Practicum 1 in Year Three

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 544 KB)

International students Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

  • Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement Or
  • Successful completion of the Unitec Certificate in Foundation Studies: Whitinga Level 3 with a relevant pathway, where appropriate; Or
  • Certificate of University Preparation (Level 4) Or
  • Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 4)

And English entry requirements;

If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

  • An equivalent of IELTS (Academic) with minimum band scores of 6.5 with no individual band lower than 6.5 from one test taken in the preceding two years,
  • TOEFL score of no less than 575
  • Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
  • University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or

If you do not meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

  • If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we'll discuss your next steps.
  • If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
Non-academic requirements

The following Programme Specific requirements must be met before admission;

  • Consent to a Safety Check that meets the requirements of the Children Act 2014 (formerly known as the Vulnerable Children's Act), including:
    • Provide two forms of verified ID and evidence of any name changes;
    • Consent to a Police vetting check;
    • Complete a self-declaration of medical conditions form.
  • Provide a curriculum vitae and a personal statement indicating their motives for applying for admission to the degree
  • Provide evidence of computer literacy through the achievement of a level 3 computer course or equivalent;
  • A current full driver's license (NZ license or acceptable international equivalent, subject to exemption on the grounds of disability) before commencing CSTU7922 Social Practice Practicum 1 in Year Three

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 544 KB)

Study locations

Waitakere

Career pathways

- Social worker - Childcare and protection social worker - Social worker in schools - Health/mental health social worker - Community developer - Family/Whanau worker - Social practitioner