Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare

• Overview
• Subject area
• Programme Requirements
• Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare (PGDipSW)

Note: Enrolments will not normally be accepted for this qualification, but it is available as an exit qualification for students who withdraw from the Master of Social Work programme.

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare (PGDipSW) requires at least twelve months of full-time or its equivalent in part-time study. The diploma is intended for people in practice who wish to develop their professional knowledge and skills through a specialized programme of study, consistent with good principles of applied professional training. It prepares graduates for senior level and specialist practice in social services, research and policy analysis.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare (PGDipSW) is also available through Distance Learning.

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Subject area

• Social Work

Contact the Social and Community Work programme

Email [email protected]
Website otago.ac.nz/social-community-work

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Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare (PGDipSW)

1. Admission to the Programme

   1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
   2. Every applicant shall
      1. possess an approved professional social services qualification, and
      2. have at least two years' proven competence working in the social welfare field, and
      3. present evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.

   Note: Applicants who are not graduates or who have not achieved grades averaging B or better will normally be expected to enrol for a Diploma for Graduates or for approved papers for Certificate of Proficiency.

2. Structure of the Programme

   1. The programme shall consist of approved papers from the schedule of papers available for the degree of Master of Social Work to the value of 120 points.
   2. With prior approval, one paper at 400-level or above in a related subject offered by the University or another tertiary institution up to the value of 30 points may be included in the programme.

3. Duration of the Programme

   The programme may be taken by full-time candidates in one year, or by part-time candidates over more than one year. Any papers in which a candidate is enrolled in any year shall be examined in that year.

4. Level of Award of the Diploma

   The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

5. Variations

   The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

Entrance requirements for postgraduate study vary by programme with most requiring a minimum bachelor-level qualification in the same field, and some having additional requirements such as relevant work experience and/or professional registration in New Zealand. 

A postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma can usually be taken at any time after the completion of your bachelor's degree.

If you hold an honours degree or postgraduate diploma you may be able to eligible for master’s study by thesis only. In some cases if you hold a bachelor’s degree you may apply for a coursework master’s degree or for master’s study by coursework and thesis.

To study a PhD you usually require the completion of a master’s degree, or a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in the same area of study, or a related discipline, as your intended area of research.

Check the postgraduate students pages for specific information on the entrance requirements of the programme you are interested in.

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• Step 1 – Select your course or programme
• Step 2 –  Check entry requirements and deadlines
• Step 3 – Apply online
• Step 4 – Submit your application
  
• Step 5 – Accept your Offer of Place