Course Overview
*This course is pending approval
Are you ready to step into a purposeful, values led career in the social sector? The Bachelor of Social Work (Te Ata Māhina) is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and shaped by te ao Māori. Inspired by the first light of dawn, this degree reflects the promise of new beginnings, growth, and transformation—for you and the communities you will serve.
The course will help you develop the knowledge, practical skills, and professional attributes needed to work effectively across a wide range of social service settings. You’ll learn relationship centred practice that strengthens your sense of identity, builds meaningful connections, and grows your confidence to advocate for social justice and equity.
Learning is also real world focused, with field placements providing hands on experience in diverse settings. You’ll be supported to work alongside individuals, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities in ways that uphold dignity, self determination, and collective wellbeing.
Aligned with the Social Workers Registration Board core competencies, this degree offers a clear pathway to professional registration in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. You’ll graduate as a reflective, capable practitioner—ready to promote social change, uphold human rights, and create meaningful, lasting impact.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- Bachelor of Social Work: Te Ata Māhina
| Locations | To be confirmed |
|---|---|
| Next intake | To be confirmed View more details |
| Study options |
3 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable) Part-time study available |
| Total credits | 360 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | To be confirmed for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
This qualification prepares students for the following careers and/or employment opportunities:
- Aotearoa New Zealand Registered Social Worker (subject to SWRB approval)
- Social and community development worker/or advisor
- Policy analyst
- Researcher
Topics you'll cover
Year 1
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Te Ao Māori
- Ko Au Tēnei
- Aotearoa New Zealand Society
- Introduction to Social Work
- Whānau and Families
- Wellbeing Across the Lifespan
- Equity and Diversity in Aotearoa
- Introduction to Social Work
Year 2
- Developing Professional Practice: Field Education 2
- Integrating Social Work Theory into Practice
- Social Work Inquiry
- Social Justice in Action: Hāpori and Community Development Practices
- Social Policy and Law
- Working in Partnership with Whānau and Families
Year 3
- Special Topic
- Risk, Safety and Recovery in Social Work Practice
- Working in Complex Social Work Practice Situations
- Advancing Social Justice
- Integrating Professional Practice: Field Education 3
- Consolidating Te Tiriti o Waitangi-Based Social Work Practice
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | To be confirmed for domestic students |
|---|
*Please note, fees for our 2027 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2027 fee amount.
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
To gain entry to the Bachelor of Social Work you must be:
- 17 years of age or over
- A New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have the requisite visa for study purposes
- Able to demonstrate adequate literacy and/or numeracy skills to enable you to meet all academic and health and safety requirements of the course.
Academic Entry Criteria
If you are a domestic applicants under 20 years old you must have:
- University Entrance as per New Zealand Qualification Authority specifications, OR
- Evidence of recent study at Level 4 or higher on the NZQF.
If you are a domestic applicant 20 years old and over you must have demonstrated academic ability (at NZQA Level 4 or equivalent) to undertake the Bachelor of Social Work and have the ability to succeed through personal attributes, work and life experience.
Other Requirements
If you have had a criminal conviction at any time in the past you must declare the circumstances in confidence as part of the selection process;
All applicants accepted will be required to provide a signed consent form which allows Toi Ohomai to check your record of convictions upon entry, during and prior to completing the degree;
You will be accepted only after the police check is processed. All applicants with any convictions will be required to attend an individual interview with a relevant department staff member; and
Two character references are required. These should be from persons in positions of trust such as an employer, teacher, pastor, kaumātua or kuia. References from family, friends or work colleagues will not be accepted.
Information Session
You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic score of 6.5 in each academic category (reading, listening, writing and speaking).
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
We’re launching a new Bachelor of Social Work course, Te Ata Māhina, in 2026.
There will not be an intake into a social work degree in 2025, however we are offering our New Zealand Diploma in Whānau Ora (Level 5) which provides strong foundational knowledge in social work and will start you on your journey as a social work ākonga.
If you undertake the Diploma in Whānau Ora in 2025, you may be eligible to continue into the Bachelor of Social Work.
Alternatively, you can apply for direct entry into the Bachelor of Social Work, Te Ata Māhina, to commence in 2026 once applications open.
Please use our ‘ask a question’ button if you have any queries at all before applying, and we will do our best to answer any questions or concerns you have.
Intakes to be confirmed Ask to be notified when the next intake becomes available
Study options
- 3 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
- Part-time study available
