Social Work University of Otago

Overview

The Social Work programme at the University of Otago provides students with the essential skills and theoretical knowledge required to support individuals, families, and diverse communities. This professional degree focuses on promoting human rights and wellbeing through practical, ethical, and responsive intervention strategies.

Studying Social Work at University of Otago allows students to benefit from a curriculum delivered by registered practitioners. The institution is known for its strong research focus in areas such as child protection, indigenous perspectives, and social inequality, ensuring that teaching is informed by the latest developments in the field.

The learning environment at the university combines traditional classroom study with practical workshops and hands-on experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 37380 per year
• National fee: NZD 6938 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to build foundational knowledge in sociology and human development before moving into advanced professional practice. Modules may include:

Year 1

• Working with People: The New Zealand Context
• Sociology of New Zealand Society
• Māori Society
• Conversational Māori
• Human Development
• Human Thought and Behaviour

Year 2

• Fields of Practice
• The Treaty and Social Services
• Sociological Research in Practice
• Social Inequality
• Families and Society

Year 3

• Theories and Methods of Social Work
• Social Work for Children and Families - Analysis and Theory
• Communities and Organisations - Analysis and Theory
• Kaupapa Māori, and Indigenous Approaches to Social Work
• Professional Practice
• Fieldwork Practice 1

Year 4

• Social Work for Children and Families: Advanced Practice
• Communities and Organisations - Advanced Practice
• Research Project
• Fieldwork Practice 2
• Social Work Issues Across the Lifespan
• Social Problems: Policies and Practice Models
• Micro Intervention: Theories and Skills
• Decision-making in Child Welfare

Careers with Social Work

Graduates of the programme are eligible to apply for professional registration in New Zealand, opening doors to various sectors. Many find employment as social workers within health services, mental health facilities, disability support, and child protection agencies such as Oranga Tamariki.

Beyond direct practice, the degree prepares individuals for roles as policy advisers, researchers, or evaluators within government and non-governmental organisations. Opportunities also exist in community development, iwi services, advocacy, and agency administration, where graduates work to empower social change.