In order to study Social Work at advanced levels, our students go through an additional application process as well as enrolling via MyUC. Choose the level that you are enrolling at below in order to find out how to apply for our limited entry programmes. (Please note: BSW(Hons) 1st year entry is open to all students eligible to enrol at UC).
Bachelor of Social Work with Honours | BSW(Hons)
The Bachelor of Social Work with Honours is ideal for those with a commitment to working with others in overcoming personal and institutional barriers to well-being, and promoting the full potential of people.
This four-year qualification is intended for those without a prior degree. If you already have a degree you might want to consider the two-year Master of Social Work (Applied) instead.
Progression beyond Year 1 of the BSW (Hons) is dependent on students meeting the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) entry criteria which includes an assessment of fitness for registration. This means that the person must be a ‘fit and proper person to practise as a social worker’ as stated in S.6(b) of the Social Workers Registration Act, 2003). Please read the SWRB Fit and Proper Policy.
For students who intend to continue into their 2nd year of the BSW (Hons) Programme.
Complete your application using myUC, by selecting your Qualification (BSW Hons 2-4).
- You will be required to provide 3 references.
- We also require 2 forms of ID. If in person verification is not possible, we will arrange a short appointment with you for online verification.
- Complete all the required information on MyUC. You be directed to this form, that can be uploaded to your profile: BSW Limited Entry Application form.
- Complete a New Zealand Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form and return it to the Department of Social Work.
- A student for whom English or Māori and New Zealand Sign is not their first language, must provide evidence of their English language ability by providing and IELTS certificate with no individual score below 6.5 OR at least 2 years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least ten level 2 NCEA credits in Literacy or equivalent.
Please read the SWRB Fit and Proper Policy.
Next steps
- Once you have made your application, it will be reviewed by the selection panel
- If your application is successful you will be sent a conditional offer, which is based on the results of your police check and references
- You will be notified if your application is unsuccessful
- Once we have all required documentation you will receive an offer letter
- You will be contacted when your enrolment agreement is available
- Read more about about the enrolment process
Note: It is a requirement of the Social Work Registration Board that all applicants undertake a Police vetting process. This is in accordance with the Children’s Act 2014.
For students who intend to continue into their 3rd year of the BSW (Hons) Programme, entry is not automatic and you need to apply as follows:
Complete your personal statement and attach your CV including relevant employment and voluntary work if not already provided.
Interviews will take place in person or online and are 30 minutes long. You will receive a link to make a booking and full details of what to expect on the day.
Next steps
- You will be notified in writing if your application has been successful and you will receive your offer letter
- You will be contacted when your enrolment agreement is available
- Read more about the enrolment process
Master of Social Work (Applied) | MSW (Applied)
The Master of Social Work (Applied) is an innovative programme that provides the opportunity to people with an undergraduate degree to gain an internationally recognised first professional qualification in social work. Study can be either full-time for two years or part-time over a maximum of six years.
Entry into the MSW (App) is dependent on students meeting the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) entry criteria which includes an assessment of fitness for registration. This means that the person must be a ‘fit and proper person to practise as a social worker’ as stated in S.6(b) of the Social Workers Registration Act, 2003). Please read the SWRB Fit and Proper Policy.
Complete your application using myUC.
- You will be required to provide 3 references.
- We also require 2 forms of ID. If in person verification is not possible, we will arrange a short appointment with you for online verification.
- Complete all the required information on MyUC. You will be directed to this form, that can be uploaded to your profile: MSW (Applied) Limited Entry Application form.
- You will be sent a New Zealand Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form which needs to be completed and returned to the Department of Social Work.
- A student for whom English or Māori and New Zealand Sign is not their first language, must provide evidence of their English language ability by providing and IELTS certificate with no individual score below 6.5 OR at least 2 years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least ten level 2 NCEA credits in Literacy or equivalent
Please read the SWRB Fit and Proper Policy, then read and acknowledge the following documentation:
Next steps
- Once you have made your application, it will be reviewed by the selection panel
- If the panel agree, you will be contacted to attend an interview
- If your application is successful you will be sent a conditional offer, which is based on the results of your police check and references
- You will be notified if your application is unsuccessful
- Once we have all required documentation you will receive an offer letter
- You will be contacted when your enrolment agreement is available
Note: It is a requirement of the Social Work Registration Board that all applicants undertake a Police vetting process. This is in accordance with the Children’s Act 2014.
