Program Overview

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Master of Social Work (Professional) MSW(Prof)

The Master of Social Work (Professional) is a postgraduate degree that builds on an existing qualification in a related field, preparing students for a career as a practicing social worker. This professional master's degree is designed for graduates from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about human well-being, social justice, and social change.

Programme Overview

The programme is designed to develop advanced knowledge and skills for bicultural social work practice, partnership, and forward-looking social sector leadership, across a range of settings and systems. It qualifies graduates to register and practice as a social worker, meeting the requirements of the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Act 2003 and international professional requirements.

Programme Structure

The two-year programme includes lectures, discussion, student presentations, skills laboratories, group work, individual research and investigation, practicum placements, and self-directed study. The strong practical focus of this programme involves 120 days of supervised practicum work in the community.

Part 1 (120 points)

• SOCWORK 721 A/B: Theories and Skills in Social Work Practice (30 points, compulsory core course)
• SOCWORK 722: Developing Social Work Professional Identity (30 points, compulsory core course)
• SOCWORK 723: Social Work in the New Zealand Context (15 points, compulsory core course)
• SOCWORK 724: Applied Social Work Research Methods (15 points, compulsory core course)
• SOCWORK 725: Supervised Field Placement I (30 points, practicum)

Part 2 (120 points)

• SOCCHFAM 735: Intimate Partner Violence (15 points, compulsory core course)
• SOCHLTH 732: Working with Grief and Loss - Level 9 (15 points, compulsory core course)
• SOCHLTH 736: Health, Social Justice and Practice (15 points, compulsory core course)
• SOCWORK 701: Statutory Social Work (15 points, compulsory core course)
• SOCWORK 701: The Social Work Discourse (15 points, compulsory core course)
• SOCHLTH 726: Advanced Practice with Communities - Level 9 (15 points, compulsory core course)
• SOCWORK 735: Supervised Field Placement II (30 points, practicum)

Entry Requirements

Minimum Programme Requirements

• A bachelor's degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II.
• Relevant subjects may include anthropology, education, gender studies, history, politics, public policy, international relations, human geography, law, community development, planning, Mori studies, Pacific studies, nursing, population health, health sciences, psychology, or sociology.

Further Programme Requirements

• Entrance is subject to satisfactory police check/s, safety checks, interview, and referees reports.
• For international students, an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0 is required.

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Fees

• Domestic students: NZ$9,392.40*
• International students: NZ$43,674*
• Fees are inclusive of 15% GST but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel, and health insurance, or living costs.

Financial Support

• Scholarships and awards are available.
• Student loans and allowances may be eligible for New Zealand citizens or residents.
• Information on the cost of living in Auckland is also provided.

Key Dates

Application Closing Dates

• Semester One 2026: 8 December 2025

Start Dates

• 2026 Semester One: 2 March

Other Important Dates

• Year 1 students' practicum: Monday 25 August - Monday 3 November 2025
• Year 2 students' practicum: Monday 28 April - Monday 20 October 2025

Career Opportunities

This programme is designed to lead to a career as a registered social worker. Potential job roles include:

• Social worker
• Case worker for Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children
• Youth worker
• Community development officer
• Probation officer
• Policy adviser
• Social worker for Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora

The Master of Social Work (Professional) provides a pathway to increase salary and career opportunities for those with work experience in the field and a related undergraduate degree but without a formal social work qualification.