In Aotearoa New Zealand, social work is regulated by the Social Workers' Registration Board, and an approved professional qualification in social work is required to become a registered social worker.
The University of Otago offers two degrees that meet these standards: The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and the Master of Social and Community Work (Applied) (MSCW(Applied)).
In addition to these qualifying professional degrees, we also offer postgraduate research degrees in Social and Community Work.
Qualifying professional degrees
Bachelor of Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification. It is approved and accredited by the Social Workers' Registration Board of New Zealand (SWRB). This is a four-year full time degree, with part-time study pathways possible. This degree is taught on the Dunedin campus, however students can complete the final two years of the degree by distance learning (300 and 400 level papers) with some in-person workshops throughout the semesters. All students will complete two placements, totaling 120 days of fieldwork education, in the final two years of the programme.
Bachelor of Social Work degrees
Master of Social and Community Work (Applied)
This programme is designed for students who already hold a bachelors degree in another field and wish to become a registered social worker. This masters is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification. It is approved and accredited by the Social Workers' Registration Board of New Zealand (SWRB). This is a two-year full time degree, with part-time study pathways possible. Students can complete the programme on the Dunedin campus or by distance with some in-person workshops throughout the semesters. All students will complete two placements, totaling 120 days of fieldwork education across the two years.
Master of Social and Community Work (Applied)
Postgraduate degrees
The University of Otago offers several pathways for qualified social workers and social service practitioners to extend their knowledge and build their research skills. This includes
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Arts in Human Services (thesis only)
- PhD programme