Master of Social Work – MSW
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Excellent social workers are always striving to gain new knowledge. If you already have a professional qualification in social work and want to improve your practice, this qualification is for you.
The Master of Social Work qualification is an advanced study of a specific aspect of social and community work. The qualification is flexible and offers you opportunities for both full and part-time study.
This is a thesis-based qualification that encourages you to pursue research in a particular field of practice, population, or area of interest. It equips you to develop and use research skills in their practice settings. You’ll also keep current with the very latest theories and practices.
Practice-based social work research can include needs assessments, programme development, implementation assessment and programme evaluation. Your study will also include theory development in an Aotearoa New Zealand context.
Want to become a social worker?
The Master of Social Work is a research-focused master’s degree. If you wish to undertake a professional social work qualification that will prepare you for social work registration in Aotearoa New Zealand you should study either the:
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Social Work you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Social Work with Honours or equivalent, or
- have been awarded or qualified for the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work or equivalent with a B grade average across all courses.
You will provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey's English language competency requirements.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
*This course is not available to international students.
About the provider
Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa is a leading New Zealand university, world-renowned for unique practical qualifications, ground-breaking research, and online courses.
Each year over 5,000 international students from more than 100 countries find a warm welcome at Massey. We are ranked in the top 250 universities in the world by QS World Rankings and have a well-established reputation for academic leadership, research excellence and innovative teaching.