The Bachelor of Social Work is a three year, Level 7, full time programme run during the day at the Whitireia Porirua campus. The Whitireia programme is ‘recognised’ by the Social Work Registration Board of New Zealand. Part time study options are available and should be indicated on application. This is an applied professional programme with a focus on producing a social work graduate ready to practice with a beginner competence. Practice skills and field placements are core components of the programme. Fieldwork placements will be negotiated between the fieldwork coordinator, the student supervisor and the student. Programme Outline Social Work is a profession which aims to help people, communities and societies to develop their full potential. Social workers work with individuals, families, groups and communities. The focus of the programme is to develop safe, competent and reflective professional social workers who are committed to ethical practice and accountability. The Bachelor of Social Work has been developed around the delivery of four core theses in each year of study: *Social Work Theory: Knowledge and Practice *Practicum: Demonstration of Practice *Research: Inquiry *Policy and Law: Decision-making

Whitireia graduates can look forward to gaining employment in a variety of social work or social service agencies including: *Statutory social work (CYFS, Corrections) *Barnado's *Women's Refuge *Disabilities sector *Māori health and social services *Pacific health and social services *Central government *Local government *Family Start *Child Protection *Aged Care *Hospital social work (multi disciplinary teams) *Mental health Our graduates have also successfully gained employment overseas. Further Study Options: Eligible to undertake graduate and postgraduate qualifications.