Overview

Professionally-trained social workers are always in demand throughout Northland and New Zealand. Our applied degree programme is aimed at preparing you for the workplace. You’ll learn the theory, then practice your skills by carrying out fieldwork in a variety of settings.

This degree responds to the specific and current demands of social services within Tai Tokerau as well as meeting national requirements. It will ensure that you’ll be able to respond to constant change once you’re part of the workforce.

A commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and a global focus ensures our graduates are skilled and knowledgeable about a range of global issues which impact on Aotearoa New Zealand. Students will become equipped to effectively communicate and work within cross cultural and intercultural situations.

You’ll gain the knowledge and skills required in a competent social worker within the context of ethical practice and accountability. On completion you will receive the Bachelor of Applied Social Work – an approved qualification on the Social Worker Registration Board’s schedule for applying to become a registered social worker.

Career pathways and opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Social Work from Northland Polytechnic will be able to work both independently and collectively demonstrating competence in interpersonal and intrapersonal communication and practice skills, that can lead to a range of careers including:

Social Workers
Community support workers
Whānau ora workers
Community advocates
Health workers
Drug and Alcohol social workers
Mental Health social workers and advocates
Housing support workers
Maori communities Kaiawhinas
Community Advisors
Family support workers

Programme Structure

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Social Work will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to work in a bi-cultural context and acknowledge the centrality of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to social work as a profession and in practice
Apply anti-oppressive social work values, knowledge and skills to complex situations to stimulate personal and social change in a range of work and social contexts
Have the ability to work with individuals, families or whānau, communities and groups from diverse ethnic, cultural and indigenous backgrounds
Demonstrate resilience and the ability to manage interpersonal conflict and challenges that arise in the context of social work practice
Demonstrate knowledge of the origins, purpose and development of Aotearoa New Zealand social work within a global context
Demonstrate professional literacy and numeracy, critically evaluate scholarship, critique and apply diverse knowledge and research to social work practice

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-07-22 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2026-02-17 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Whangarei, New Zealand

Disciplines

Social Work Sociology View 24 other Bachelors in Social Work in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Educational Criteria

Completed NCEA level 3 with University Entrance including at least:

14 credits in an English language rich subject

Alternatives

Minimum of 'B' passes in a relevant Level 4 Bridging Programme
Evidence of recent successful study in other relevant courses at tertiary level
Documented verifiable evidence of relevant work life experience (usually the equivalent of two year's full time) that indicates the ability to meet the requirements of this degree. Such evidence would normally include details of roles/responsibilities undertaken, interpersonal skills, other achievements and referee statements.

English Requirements

If English or Maori is not the applicant's first language, or if the applicant did not undertake their secondary schooling in English, candidates will need to have passed an English language proficiency test with an Academic IELTS score of at least 6.5 in all bands.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at NorthTec and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

25000 NZD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 25000 NZD per year during 48 months.
National

6741 NZD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 6741 NZD per year during 48 months.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Applied Social Work.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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