Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

University of Waikato Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) regulations. Details structure, field placements, course requirements and specific programme rules.

The BSW is not offered in 2025.

  1. The Personal Programmes of Study Regulations apply in these regulations.

Admission

  1. Candidates for the Degree must have qualified for admission to the University of Waikato and met any criteria set out in the Criteria for Admission to Particular Qualifications.
  2. Candidates must have been selected by the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences as a fit and proper person to be a social worker as defined by Section 47 of the Social Workers Registration Act 2003.

Requirements for the Degree

  1. The normal minimum period of enrolment for completion of the Degree is four years and the requirements for the Degree must be completed within eight years of first enrolling in the degree.
  2. Candidates must enrol in the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences and follow an approved programme of study.
  3. Candidates must gain 480 points at 100, 200, 300, and 400 levels, including at least 360 points above 100 level and 225 points above 200 level and 90 points above 300 level.
  4. Candidates must complete a specified programme as prescribed in the Social Work Subject Regulations.
  5. Students must maintain their fit and proper status (as defined by Section 47 of the Social Workers Registration Act 2003) for the duration of enrolment in the programme.
  6. A student's place in the programme may be reviewed at any time if the student has:
    1. failed a 300 or 400 level Field Placement paper;
    2. failed any of the other compulsory papers within the programme at a second attempt;
    3. not been placed in a fieldwork placement due to concerns raised by two fieldwork agencies;
    4. committed a criminal offence (whether or not a conviction has been entered);
    5. engaged in conduct that could impact upon them being a 'fit and proper person to practice social work' as defined by the Social Workers Registration Board Fit and Proper Person Policy Statement and Section 47 of the Social Workers Registration Act, 2003;
    6. failed to declare a matter covered by (iv)-(v).

Variations

  1. The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Division or delegated authority may vary or waive these regulations in individual cases.