The Auckland MA Sociology (Option II- Social Welfare and Development): A social work qualification gone but not forgotten

Authors

  • Barbara Staniforth University of Auckland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol30iss2id313

Keywords:

social work qualification, education, New Zealand, history

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The University of Auckland MA in Sociology (Option II–Social Welfare and Development) (“the Programme”) was a qualifying social work programme that admitted students from 1975 to 1979. This article describes this programme and some of the issues that led to its short-lived tenure.

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 staff and students who had been involved with this programme. One person, involved in the accreditation of the Programme was also interviewed, and one person provided feedback in an email. Information was also obtained through archived University of Auckland documents, reports, and various forms of personal correspondence provided by June Kendrick. 

FINDINGS: The Programme was championed by the Head of the Department of Sociology (David Pitt). There were resource limitations and philosophical tensions within the Department about the qualification. There was little support for its continuation at the end of a three-year grant and after the departure of David Pitt. The New Zealand Social Work Training Council accredited it after its discontinuation.

CONCLUSION: The Programme made a valuable contribution to the profession of social work and social work education and forms an important part of the history of social work in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Author Biography

Barbara Staniforth, University of Auckland

Director Social work (Qualifying Programmes)

Faculty of Education and Social Work

University of Auckland.

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Published

2018-08-26

How to Cite

Staniforth, B. (2018). The Auckland MA Sociology (Option II- Social Welfare and Development): A social work qualification gone but not forgotten. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 30(2), 42–56. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol30iss2id313

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Original Articles