Become a registered social worker to support the well-being of individuals, families, whānau, and diverse communities by helping them through challenging situations, and advocating for environmental sustainability, social justice, and social change.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is highly sought-after and internationally recognized. 

It will offer you a lifelong career that can take you across New Zealand and around the world.

• More than 90% of Massey social work graduates find employment within six months of earning their degree.
• Massey University is committed to being Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led; this is reflected in the School of Social Work and your learning.
• The degree is recognized by the NZ 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 about 7000 registered social workers in NZ.
• Massey offers flexible study modes: the BSW is offered from both Auckland and Manawatū campuses. Students can choose to study internally, block, and/or by distance.
• 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 university degree equips you with all the skills needed to understand and work alongside people and communities in the modern world.

Note: this program cannot be commenced via remote learning. Students need to be onshore in NZ to study.

• Officially verified copies of Birth certificate/ Current passport, including any residency visa/ Citizenship certificate
• Proof of the name change
• High School graduation certificate
• Academic transcripts
• English Language proficiency
• A statement of any disability or health condition (If Applicable)
• Evidence of any scholarships (If Applicable)
• CV
• Personal statement
• Details of two character referees
• Details of any convictions or charges
• Vetting service request and consent form for a New Zealand Police check
• Current police certificate from any overseas countries you have lived

To be admitted to an undergraduate qualification, applicants will need a minimum level of academic achievement from school, or another university or tertiary institution. 

The specific level depends on which country or region of the world they are from.

China:

• Senior High School graduation plus successful completion of one year of bachelor's-level study from a recognized institution; or
• Successful completion of a two-year diploma, or a minimum of two years out of a three-year diploma from a recognized institution; or
• Completed Gaokao with a tier-one score from the related province

India: 

• All India Senior School Certificate (AISSC) Year 12 or Indian School Certificate (ISC) Year 12, with an overall average of 75% and a minimum of 60% in English; or
• Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) – State Board Examination in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujurat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, with:
  • an overall average of 85% or higher (with no less than four academic subjects), with
  • a minimum of 70% or above in English.

Specific requirements

The Bachelor of Social Work is a selected entry program. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

To enter the Bachelor of Social Work program you will:

• meet the requirements set down by the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 for registration as a social worker in New Zealand in terms of being “fit and proper persons to practise social work”
• provide a curriculum vitae that includes your academic and work history
• provide a personal statement explaining why you wish to enter the social work program and profession
• provide details of two character referees - these must not be family or friends
• provide details of any convictions or charges pending in New Zealand and/or overseas
• complete the vetting service request and consent form for a New Zealand Police check
• provide a current police certificate from any overseas country you have lived in for twelve months or more in the last ten years.
• undertake an interview (if required).

Foundation qualifications to meet entry requirements

If you don't have the skills or qualifications you need to be accepted into your chosen study, you can do foundation qualifications.

• Foundation Certificate (International)
• Foundation Certificate (International Accelerated)