Social Work at BTI

Faith, Te Tiriti and Shalom

Learn through a Christ-centred approach to professional preparation, shaped by Te Tiriti o Waitangi-informed and culturally responsive practice.

Professional formation

Develop critical reflection, ethical decision-making and professional capability aligned with the Social Workers Registration Board Core Competence Standards.

Overview

BTI’s Bachelor of Social Work integrates a Christ-centred, faith-based perspective with professional social work practice. It prepares ākonga to serve individuals, whānau, families and communities with competence and compassion.

Grounded in a vision for shalom and guided by a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the programme develops critical reflection, cultural responsiveness, ethical practice and the skills needed to work across diverse social work contexts.

Delivery

Learning combines intensive onsite block courses, interactive online tutorials, community engagement, applied case-based learning, group collaboration, reflective practice and independent study.

Because onsite attendance and placement learning are required, this is not a fully online programme.

Professional outcome

Completion of the programme qualifies graduates to apply for registration with the Social Workers Registration Board to practise as registered social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Time commitment

Full-time study requires approximately 40 hours per week during block-course and semester weeks. Students also undertake substantial independent reading, academic work, reflective learning and applied activities.

Field education

The programme includes 120 days of supervised full-time field placement. Placement learning allows students to apply theory in real practice settings and develop professional competence through supported experience.

Reflective practice

Students critically examine their own worldview, the influence professionals have on clients, and the structures of power that affect communities and professional environments.

Graduates are prepared to apply for beginning social work roles and can use their knowledge and skills across social services, community organisations, health, justice, education, advocacy and other people-focused settings.

Graduates are equipped to work ethically and responsively with individuals, whānau, families, groups and communities while contributing to social justice, community wellbeing, restoration and transformational change.