Social Work (2020)
Social Work is a practice-based profession and academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Social work is underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge. Social Workers aspire to engage with people, their families, communities and social structures to address life challenges, enhance wellbeing and promote self-determination and autonomy. Principles of human rights, social justice, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to Social Work.
Social Work is available as a specified programme for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), which may be awarded with honours.
To complete the specified programme in Social Work, students must complete the programme set out below.
For more information, contact the Programme Convenor for Social Work.
Note: SOCWK101, SOCWK102, SOCWK201, SOCWK202 and SOCWK205 are available to all students who have met any required prerequisites. With regard to SOCWK303, prerequisites may be considered met for candidates currently in social work practice upon application to the Convenor of the Social Work programme. All other papers with the subject code SOCWK are only available to students enrolled in the BSW. The Social Work programme is only available at the University of Waikato at Tauranga.
On this page
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Prescriptions for the PGCert (SocWork), PGDip (SocWork), Master of Social Work (MSW)
- 100 Level
- 200 Level
- 300 Level
- 400 Level
Year 1
Students must take HMDEV100, MAORI150, PHILO103, PSYCH101, SOCIO101, SOCPY100, SOCWK101 and SOCWK102.
In the event a required paper (excluding SOCWK papers) is not offered, students may substitute an alternative paper identified and approved by the Social Work Programme Convenor.
Year 2
Students must take MAORI222, SOCPY200, SOCPY201, SOCWK201, SOCWK202, SOCWK205 and SOCWK302.
In the event a required paper (excluding SOCWK papers) is not offered, students may substitute an alternative paper identified and approved by the Social Work Programme Convenor.
Year 3
Students must take SSRES200, HMDEV340, SOCWK300, SOCWK303 and SOCWK306 plus a further 15 points at 200 level or above chosen from one of the following subjects: Human Development, Māori and Indigenous Studies, Philosophy, Political Sciences, Psychology, Social Policy, Social Work, Sociology and Te Reo Māori.
In the event a required paper (excluding SOCWK papers) is not offered, students may substitute an alternative paper identified and approved by the Social Work Programme Convenor.
Year 4
Students must take 120 points, consisting of SOCWK400, SOCWK403 and either:
i) SOCWK401 plus a further 15 points at 300 level chosen from one of the following subjects: Human Development, Māori and Indigenous Studies, Philosophy, Political Sciences, Psychology, Social Policy, Social Work, Sociology and Te Reo Māori or a paper approved by the Social Work Programme Convenor
OR
ii) SOCWK490. Students wishing to be considered for the award of Honours must include SOCWK490 in their programme of study. Admission to this paper is at the discretion of the Convenor of Social Work.
Prescriptions for the PGCert (SocWork), PGDip (SocWork), Master of Social Work (MSW)
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in graduate Social Work papers, a student should normally have at least a B average in either the best three of their 400 level Social Work papers or all their undergraduate Social Work papers. Candidates who do not meet this requirement may be considered for admission based on academic merit and relevant experience, at the discretion of the Academic Board.
To complete a PGCert (SocWork) students must complete 60 points at 500 level, from SOCW501, SOCW502, SOCW503, SOCW504 or SOCW505.
To complete a PGDip (SocWork) students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including SOCW506 or another approved research methods paper and at least 60 points from SOCW501, SOCW502, SOCW503, SOCW504 or SOCW505.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MSW, a student must have completed a BSW or a BSW(Hons) and have gained at least a B average in all of their undergraduate Social Work papers.
Students must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including SOCW506 or another approved research methods paper; and at least one of SOCW501, SOCW502, SOCW503, SOCW504 or SOCW505; and a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis, or a 60 point dissertation; with any remaining points taken from the papers listed for the MSW.
Note: There will be no new intake into the PGCert(SocWork),PGDip(SocWork) and MSW in 2021.
100 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location HMDEV100 Lifespan Development 15.0 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Online) & 20B (Tauranga) HMDEV100 focuses on understanding and enhancing human development through an exploration of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence patterns of development and learning over the lifespan. MAORI150 Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi 15.0 20A (Tauranga) & 20B (Hamilton) This paper seeks to provide a sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It reviews historical and contemporary interpretations and takes into account the interplay of contextual issues of the time. PHILO103 Critical Thinking 15.0 20A (Online), 20A (Tauranga), 20B (Online), 20G (Online) & 20P (Online) This paper helps students to engage critically with the sorts of arguments encountered both inside and outside the University. PSYCH101 Social Psychology, Health and Well-being 15.0 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) This paper will introduce major issues in psychology particularly as they relate to health, wellbeing, mental illness, forensic psychology, lifespan development, and social factors in a range of contexts. SOCIO101 Introduction to Sociology 15.0 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) This paper prepares students for further study in a range of social science subjects. It introduces the main sociological theories, concepts and practices that enable an understanding of contemporary societies. SOCPY100 Introduction to Social Policy 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) This paper examines the values behind social policy and introduces students to some of the important issues and debates in New Zealand and other democratic societies. SOCWK101 Introduction to the Social Work Profession 15.0 20A (Tauranga) This paper provides students with an opportunity to examine the history and purpose of social work practice internationally and in the context of culture, colonisation and diversity in Aotearoa. SOCWK102 Introduction to Social Work Theory 15.0 20B (Tauranga) This paper provides students with an introduction to major traditions in social work theory that inform and guide social work practice, including systems, behavioural, psychodynamic, critical, feminist, anti-oppressive and indigenous theories. 200 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location ECONS200 Understanding the Global Economy 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) This paper focuses on developing understanding of contemporary global issues, including economic well-being, sustainable growth, emerging economies, world trade and globalisation. HMDEV200 Child Development 15.0 20B (Hamilton) This paper critically explores a diverse range of theories and perspectives that relate to both historical and current discourses to understanding child development. HMDEV201 Adolescent Development 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20G (Tauranga) The paper promotes a critical study of the construction of theories specific to the developmental stage of adolescence. It introduces theories of adolescence that have been promoted by a range of theorists over time, and considers how these may be socially and culturally constructed. Current discourses about adolescence - and how t... HMDEV202 Adult Development and Ageing 15.0 20A (Online) This paper draws on theories from developmental psychology, sociology, demography, philosophy and biology to examine learning and change processes through adulthood, and discusses implications for personal and social development. HMDEV240 Group Work for Life Transitions 15.0 20B (Hamilton) This paper introduces and applies the use of group work skills in various (un)expected life transitions. This paper uses theory from human development, life transitions and group work. MAORI203 Decolonising Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Online) The paper looks at the detrimental effects that research has historically had on Indigenous peoples and the relatively recent creation of research methodologies by Indigenous peoples to counteract Imperial research, and to empower and decolonise. MAORI222 He Ao Hurihuri He Ao Tuakiri: Evolving Māori Culture and Identity 15.0 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) A critical examination of the diverse realities of being Maori in a changing world, highlighting local and global impacts on Maori culture and identity. MAORI250 Māori Politics 15.0 20B (Online) & 20B (Tauranga) This paper examines Maori and Indigenous politics in a broad sense, from key ideas such as sovereignty, tino rangatiratanga, and autonomy, through to crucial forms of resistance via various political structures including local, Iwi, national and global Indigenous movements. PHILO218 Ethics at Work 15.0 20G (Online) A study of ethics as it relates to business and professional practice in New Zealand including material specifically for interest groups: eg computer science, psychology and social work. PSYCH202 Mauri Ora: Social Psychology of Human Flourishing 15.0 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) The paper will examine important conceptual frameworks and theory within social psychology and the social sciences generally. Maori perspectives and exemplars will be a significant emphasis within the paper. PSYCH211 Understanding Psychological Research 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) This paper will cover the basic methodological approaches relevant to psychological and social science research, including research design, data collection, data analysis, and the dissemination of research. SOCIO200 Modern Sociology and Western Capitalism: A Cosmopolitan Perspective 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Online) This paper examines the ascendancy of modern sociology, from the classic works of Karl Max, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber to contemporary themes such as cosmopolitanism, globalisation and individualisation. SOCIO203 Popular Culture 15.0 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) This paper offers a sociological perspective on historical and contemporary forms of popular culture. SOCPY200 Social Policy and Social Issues 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) The paper continues the study of social policy at 200 level. The focus of this paper is on the welfare state, the policy cycle as well as social problems, such as poverty. SOCPY201 Social Policy, Families and Children 15.0 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) This paper further develops students' theoretical understanding of social policy, while focusing specifically on policy related to families and children, providing insight into the relationships between policy and lived experience. SOCWK201 Working with Violence in Human Services 15.0 20B (Tauranga) This paper examines the causes and effects of neglect, abuse, and violence across the life span. It examines interactions between biological, psychological, socio-structural, economic, political, cultural and spiritual aspects of abuse, neglect and violence, along with prevention and intervention strategies. SOCWK202 Social Work Approaches and Fields of Practice 30.0 20A (Tauranga) This paper discusses various approaches, methods and models of social work practice including Maori modalities and critically examines their application to various fields of practice including mental health, health, addictions and disability. SOCWK205 Community Development 15.0 20A (Tauranga) This paper critically explores the evolution, dimensions and practice of community development in Aoteoroa New Zealand including Maori development. It also focuses on the strategies, skills and tools necessary for community development practice. SSRES200 Social Science Research Methods 15.0 20A (Online) & 20B (Hamilton) This paper introduces the core research methods used in the social sciences. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are introduced, along with consideration of aspects such as ethics and the Treaty of Waitangi. 300 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location HMDEV300 Children's Development in Families 15.0 20A (Online) This paper examines the development of children within family and community contexts. Contemporary issues will be investigated with an emphasis on theory and research and their impact on policy and practice. HMDEV301 Critical Issues for Youth in the 21st Century 15.0 20B (Online) & 20G (Online) This paper explores new possibilities for human development in a rapidly changing global environment. Analysis and critique of culturally constructed norms sensitive to gender, ability, culture, sexuality and age will be used. HMDEV302 Ageing in a Changing World 15.0 20B (Hamilton) This paper considers the issues arising for adults as they age. It will critically reflect on issues around positive ageing in a global context. HMDEV340 Perspectives on Counselling 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) This paper examines the philosophical, psychological and sociological principles that underpin the aims and methods of the helping professions in general, and counselling in particular. MAORI350 Mana Motuhake 15.0 20A (Hamilton) A critical analysis investigating tribal reconfigurations of mana motuhake in the 21st century, focusing in particular on economic, environmental, cultural and political development. PSYCH302 Community, Culture and Diversity 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) The focus of this paper is the study of social justice, intersectionality, transformative interventions, and social change strategies that are central to community, indigenous and liberation psychologies. Issues covered include inequalities, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class and (dis)ability. Key considerations are the broader co... PSYCH319 Infant and Child Development 15.0 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) The objective of this paper is to provide students with an understanding of infants' and children's cognitive, emotional, and social development from a psychological perspective. PSYCH338 Mental Health and Well Being 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) This course offers an introduction to the definition, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders. PSYCH344 Positive Psychology 15.0 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) This paper will cover research in areas such as well-being, flow, personal strength, creativity, innovation, psychological health, resilience and characteristics of positive groups, institutions and organisations. SOCIO311 Current Issues in Crime Control and Social Justice 15.0 20B (Online) This paper examines sociological explanations for criminal behaviour and examines issues within criminal justice. SOCPY300 Social Policy 15.0 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) This paper provides students with experience of the ways in which policy is formulated and enacted. Theoretical perspectives are consolidated and extended to enhance opportunities for employment in the social policy field. SOCWK300 Social Work Placement 1 45.0 20X (Tauranga) This first placement of 60 days in a social service agency under supportive supervision provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical learning, skills and social work values to day-to-day social work practice. This paper gives focus to social work competencies. SOCWK302 Bicultural and Multicultural Social Work Practice 15.0 20X (Block - Tauranga) This paper examines bi-cultural and multicultural dimensions of social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Students consider how their value base shapes practice working with people from cultures similar to, and different to their own. SOCWK303 Children and Young People at Risk 15.0 20A (Tauranga) This paper critically examines the application of social work theories and research to social work practice issues with children and young people at risk. SOCWK306 Social Work Professional Skills 15.0 20X (Block - Tauranga) This paper enables students to critically examine, review and develop a range of professional skills required for social work. With a focus on encouraging students to evidence how they apply knowledge and skills into social work practice. 400 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location SOCWK400 Social Work Placement 2 45.0 20X (Tauranga) This 60 day placement in a social service agency enables students to develop practice to a level of competence close to entry-level social work. Under professional supervision, students initiate, develop and sustain relationships with clients, whanau, groups and organisations and demonstrate independent practice. This is the second... SOCWK401 Social Work Decision Making 30.0 20A (Tauranga) This paper provides students with a critical research-based approach to support decision-making in social work practice. Students examine and evaluate evidence for its socio-economic and cultural context and develop skills to transfer this learning into practice. SOCWK403 Social Justice, Ethics and Law 30.0 20A (Tauranga) This paper critically examines social justice issues, principles and models of justice and human rights. Students develop an understanding of the judicial system in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities of social workers. SOCWK404 Social Justice, Ethics and Law 15.0 No occurrences This paper critically examines social justice issues, principles and models of justice and human rights. Students develop an understanding of the judicial system in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities of social workers. SOCWK490 Social Work Decision Making Research Project 45.0 20X (Tauranga) Students plan, undertake and report on a supervised research project on social work decision making. Students critically consider the place of evidence in making choices about appropriate and effective decisions in social work practice.
2020 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 2 March 2021 10:28am