Program Overview
Master of Applied Social Work – MAppSW
The Master of Applied Social Work is designed for those with relevant practice experience, or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. This qualification will prepare you for practice and registration as a social worker in Aotearoa New Zealand and other English-speaking countries, subject to their registration regulations.
Overview
Develop your passion for helping others. Massey’s Master of Applied Social Work will prepare you for practice and registration as a social worker in Aotearoa New Zealand and other English-speaking countries, subject to their registration regulations.
Type of Qualification
- Master's degree
- Postgraduate study
- NZQF level 9
Time to Complete
- 2 years full-time (240 credits)
- Part-time available
Where You Can Study
- Auckland campus
- Distance and online
International Students
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Key Dates
- Admission application due dates
- Course enrolment dates for accepted students
- Semester dates
Study a Master of Applied Social Work – MAppSW
If you want to become a registered social worker, but don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work, then this qualification is right for you.
Add to Social Work Knowledge
You will be able to make cutting-edge contributions to your discipline. You’ll benefit from our practical, research-informed, forward-thinking and academically credible courses.
Engaging Classes
Our interactive and transformative teaching methods will challenge your attitudes and beliefs. In addition, you will have opportunities to participate in field trips and Noho Marae. There are no exams and all work is assessed through assignments that cater for a range of learning styles.
Study While You Work
It is possible to work part-time while completing this qualification. This qualification can be completed in 2 years studying full-time or in up to 6 years studying part-time.
Gain Experience in the Field
The Master of Applied Social Work includes 2 different supervised field education experiences organised by Massey. You will spend a minimum of 120 days over the course of your study in social services settings gaining experience in social work practice.
International Students
Aotearoa New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations.
A MAppSW is a Good Fit if You:
- have a goal of helping people from all walks of life
- believe in social justice
- are intrigued by how systems and people work and how to manage relationships
Entry Requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
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.
- have been awarded or qualified for an undergraduate degree, either in the social sciences 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
- providing a curriculum vitae that includes academic and work history
- undertaking an interview
Structure of the Master of Applied Social Work
While the structure of the qualification is set, there is scope within the courses to choose your particular emphasis from within the fields of social or community work practice.
Typical Pattern for the Master of Applied Social Work
Core courses:
- Social Work Theory and Practice (30 credits)
- Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (30 credits)
- Manu tute (30 credits)
- Field Work Practice I (30 credits)
- Advanced Study of Fields of Practice in Social Work (30 credits)
- Organisations, Leadership and Social Work (15 credits)
- Applied Research in Social Work (15 credits)
- Field Work Practice II (30 credits)
- Research Report (30 credits)
Courses and Specialisations
Compulsory Courses
Choose 240 credits from:
- Social Work Theory and Practice (30 credits)
- Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (30 credits)
- Manu tute (30 credits)
- Advanced Study of Fields of Practice in Social Work (30 credits)
- Field Work Practice I (30 credits)
- Organisations, Leadership and Social Work (15 credits)
- Applied Research in Social Work (15 credits)
- Field Work Practice II (30 credits)
- Research Report (30 credits)
Fees and Scholarships
2026 Tuition Fees
- Domestic students: $10,652
- International students: $38,840
Scholarship and Award Opportunities
- Cat Pausé Postgraduate Scholarship
- Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
- Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship
Careers and Job Opportunities
A social work degree means you can work in many different areas. You could be a programme facilitator working in the community or you could be a health social worker in a hospital. You might choose to be a policy expert working with government. Or, you could travel overseas to work in remote communities. The options are endless – and endlessly meaningful.
Social workers make a difference in many areas around the world including:
- hospitals and primary health care
- iwi and kaupapa Māori services
- mental health and addictions
- voluntary and community organisations and government organisations
- child protection
- youth justice
- housing
- offenders
- residential care
- management and supervision
- national and international non-government organisations
- tertiary education
- community work and community development
- refugees and migrants
- city councils
- schools
Accreditations
New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board
Our professional qualifications are accredited by the Social Workers Registration Board. Students who complete the Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Applied Social Work can immediately apply for provisional registration as a registered social worker.
Related Study Options
Bachelor of Social Work – BSW
Qualification: 480 credits, Location: Distance and online
Master of Social Work – MSW
Qualification: 240 credits, Location: Distance and online
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision – PGDipClinSup
Qualification: 120 credits, Location: Distance and online
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work – PGDipSW
Qualification: 120 credits, Location: Distance and online
Testimonials
“Social work is an incredibly diverse profession. I love that it combines disciplines like psychology, with support. The real-world experience of the practical placement component of the MASW appealed to me, along with the opportunity for provisional registration on graduation.”
Hawa Lee
Master of Applied Social Work
“If you are keen on learning Social Work – not just the theoretical approaches but also the practical applications – you should study at Massey, where the course is designed to prepare you for the industry. The support from the lecturers and other departments is commendable.”
Suraj Thomas
Master of Applied Social Work
“The support from tutors and classmates was great. They understood the juggle of home, work and study. The noho marae deepened my connections to the other students, enriched my understanding of my life journey and ignited my passion for social work by linking history with future practice.”
Rachelle Thurgood
Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Maru
Master of Applied Social Work