Master of Applied Social Work – MAppSW

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

The Master of Applied Social Work is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

To enter the Master of Applied Social Work you will:

• have been awarded or qualified for an undergraduate degree, either in the social sciences (such as social and cultural studies, psychology, human development) or an alternative degree with substantial relevant experience in a social or community setting
• be selected into the qualification on the basis of a process which includes:
  • providing a personal statement explaining why you wish to enter the social work qualification and profession
  • providing 2 character referees – these must not be family or friends
  • providing a curriculum vitae that includes your academic and work history over the last 10 years (including things like parental or caregiving leaves)
  • if you are transferring into the MASW from another social work qualification, you will be required to provide a referee from that social work qualification as an additional referee
  • undertaking an interview.

You will provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

Once you are successful at gaining a place in the Master of Applied Social Work qualification, you will also need to complete further tasks. These are to meet the requirements set down by the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 for registration as a social worker in Aotearoa New Zealand (to ensure you are a “fit and proper person to practise social work”). You will need to:

• complete the vetting service request and consent form for an Aotearoa New Zealand Police check. Please note that the Criminal Records 'Clean Slate' Act 2004 does not apply to all qualifications.
• provide a current police certificate from any overseas countries you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

If English, Māori or Aotearoa New Zealand sign language is not your first language, you will need to provide official evidence of your English language competency in the form of:

• an IELTS test with an overall academic score of at least 6.5, with no band score less than 6.5, taken within the preceding 2 years, or
• a TOEFL internet-based test (IBT) score of 85 or higher with a writing score of 22, or
• at least 2 years of successful study in a Aotearoa New Zealand secondary school, with at least 10 Level 2 NCEA credits in literacy (5 reading and 5 writing), or equivalent.

A bachelor’s degree from a Aotearoa New Zealand university will meet English language competency requirements.

Application closing date

Applications for this qualification close on 31 January of the year of study (Semester 1).

About referees

We require 2 people who can act as referees for you. A referee should be someone who has known you for 1 year or more in the capacity of employer, educator, work colleague or person of community standing, eg kaumātua, Minister or similar. Your referee should not be a friend, flatmate, relative or someone who has not known you for at least a year. The information your referee supplies is confidential to those involved in the selection process.

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 Distinction or Merit. 

• 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.