Bachelor of Social Work
Study Social Work at BTI
Prepare for professional social work practice through a Christ-centred degree that integrates knowledge, values, practical skills, cultural responsiveness, and reflective formation.
BTI’s Bachelor of Social Work equips ākonga to serve individuals, whānau, families, and communities with competence, compassion, and courage. The programme is shaped by justice, mercy, humility, Te Tiriti o Waitangi informed practice, and a vision for shalom.
“`Programme details
“`The Bachelor of Social Work is a Level 7, 360-credit qualification. It includes 120 credits at Level 7 and significant field education through supervised placement learning.
Why study Social Work at BTI?
“`This degree combines professional preparation, relational learning, field education, and a faith-informed vision for transformational practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Relational and flexible learning
- Mixed-mode study designed for accessibility across Aotearoa New Zealand
- Small teaching groups and supportive learning relationships
- Onsite wānanga that strengthen face-to-face connection and formation
Faith, Te Tiriti, and shalom
- Christ-centred and biblically informed professional preparation
- Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi informed practice
- Learning shaped by justice, mercy, humility, and shalom
Professional formation
- Experiential learning through field education placements
- Practice skills, critical reflection, and ethical decision-making
- Preparation for beginning social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
Prepared for reflective, ethical, and culturally responsive practice
“`BTI’s Bachelor of Social Work equips ākonga to integrate theory, practice, values, and lived experience. The programme emphasises professional competency, ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and the ability to work competently with tangata whenua, whānau Māori, and diverse communities.
Graduates are prepared as beginning social work practitioners who can contribute to social justice, community wellbeing, and transformational change in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“`How the degree is structured
“`The degree moves from foundational knowledge and practice skills through to field education, integration, and professional readiness.
Year 1: Foundations of social work
Ākonga develop their understanding of social work contexts, build foundational practice skills, and explore the history, purpose, and core concepts of social work.
Year 2: Deepening knowledge and practice
Ākonga strengthen their understanding of social work theory, Te Tiriti informed practice, regulatory standards, and field education through PIPI 2.
Year 3: Integrating a practice framework
Ākonga refine their professional skills, complete advanced field education through PIPI 3, and integrate their learning into a personal social work practice framework.
Field education and work-integrated learning
Field education is a significant part of the Bachelor of Social Work. Ākonga complete supervised placement learning through PIPI 2 and PIPI 3, helping them integrate theory, values, practice skills, ethical decision-making, and professional competence in real social work contexts.
Where this qualification can lead
“`Graduates are prepared for beginning social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand, with knowledge and skills that can be applied across a range of social service, community, health, justice, education, and advocacy contexts.
Professional practice
Graduates are equipped to work ethically and responsively with individuals, whānau, families, groups, and communities.
Community impact
Social work graduates can contribute to community wellbeing, advocacy, restoration, and transformational change.
Registration pathway
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.
Programme information
“`You can view entry requirements, download the current programme overview, or explore career information for social work in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“`Ready to take the next step?
“`Apply now or get in touch with us to talk through your social work study options, entry requirements, and professional preparation at BTI.
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“BTI helped create an open space to question, uncover and strengthen my motivations and vision around becoming a social worker… those foundational elements of knowing who i am, as a wahine Māori Christian, and who I am becoming as a person and as a practitioner.”
Cara-Lee Kerewaro (Ngāti Kahu) – BTI Social Work graduate
“My journey from student to graduate BTI Social Worker was a transformational process which forged personal and professional into one.”
Ally – BTI Social Work graduate
Meet key staff
Phillip Larking is an Educator/Kaiako in the Social Work programme and is Professional Lead: Social Work (Students)
Tauha Te Kani is an Educator/Kaiako in the Social Work programme and Head of School of Social Practice (Kaitiaki)