Introduction

The Master of Social Work degree requires candidates to complete a thesis on a full or part-time basis. The MSW is particularly aimed at practitioners with specialist practice, supervisory, management, or policy analysis and development responsibilities.

The programme of study and research can be designed to meet your professional needs and interests.

The degree may be awarded with Distinction or Merit.

UC also offers the Master of Social Work (Applied) involving taught coursework.

Entry requirements

The MSW is accessible only to those who have obtained a professional qualification in Social Work and have completed fieldwork requirements. For more details, contact Tauwhiro Hapori | Department of Social Work. Those who do not have a professional qualification in Social Work may instead consider the Master of Social Work (Applied).

To enrol in the MSW, you must have completed one of the following:

• a Bachelor of Social Work with First Class or Second Class Honours Division I
• any bachelor’s degree and the Graduate Diploma in Social Work
• any bachelor's degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work with a B+ Grade Point Average or above (or equivalent)
• completed an approved qualifying course to the standard of the prerequisite courses.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Social Work or use the admission requirements checker.

English language courses offered in partnership with CCEL will prepare you for study at Foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degree level. The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses offered by CCEL are designed to provide you with the specific language and study skills you will need to succeed in academic study.

Further details and application form are available from the CCEL site.

Career opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.