Master of Social Work (Professional)

Programme Overview

The Master of Social Work (Professional) [MSW(Prof)] is specifically engineered for graduates from diverse, non-social work backgrounds who are passionate about human well-being, social justice, and social change. This hands-on, foundational program qualifies graduates to register and practice as a professional social worker, meeting all statutory requirements of the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Act 2003. The curriculum emphasizes bicultural practice, partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and forward-looking sector leadership.

Programme Pathways & Core Formats

The program is delivered as a 240-point professional taught framework over two years. It balances intensive on-campus coursework, skills laboratories, and interactive seminars with substantial, compulsory field education in the community.

What You'll Study

The 240-point curriculum integrates theoretical learning with experiential field practice across several core components:

• Core Professional Coursework: Explores essential foundational subject areas:
  • Theories and Skills in Social Work Practice
  • Developing Social Work Professional Identity
  • Social Work in the New Zealand Context
  • Applied Social Work Research Methods
  • Statutory Social Work, Health, and Social Justice
• Supervised Field Education (120 Days): Students must complete two distinct, mandatory block placements (typically 60 days each) within recognized community, clinical, or statutory social service agencies.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Direct Path to Registration: Unlike the standard academic MSW, this professional track is fully accredited, allowing graduates to register immediately as social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Open to Diverse Grads: Designed to pivot your career, accepting applicants with baseline undergraduate degrees in the humanities, social sciences, health, or law.
• Extensive Practical Placement: Features 120 days of fully supervised, real-world agency experience to build critical clinical competencies prior to graduation.

Entry Requirements & Compliance Checks

• Academic Minimums: A completed bachelors degree in a relevant subject from a recognized institution with a GPA/GPE of 5.0 or higher in your advanced, upper-level courses.
• Relevant Major Restrictions: Welcome backgrounds include Anthropology, Education, Gender Studies, History, Law, Māori Studies, Nursing, Population Health, Psychology, and Sociology.
• Selection Process: Admission is verified individually and involves a multi-stage review. The faculty selection committee evaluates both academic background and non-academic compliance criteria.
• Language Requirement: Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall (all sub-bands 6.0+) or equivalent.