Programme overview
Build on your existing qualification and prepare for a professional social work career. This programme is designed for graduates from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about human well-being, social justice and social change. You will develop advanced knowledge and skills for bicultural social work practice, partnership, and forward-looking social sector leadership, across a range of settings and systems.
This hands-on programme qualifies graduates to register and practise as a social worker as it meets the requirements of the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Act 2003, plus international professional requirements. It also provides a potential pathway to doctoral study.
Want more info?
Watch Dr Ian Hyslop and Lecturer Kendra Cox discuss the Master of Social Work Professional in this video.
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 to this programme will enable you to participate in 120 days of supervised practicum work in the community.
See the courses available for this programme.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Part 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- SOCWORK 721 A/B
- Name:
- Theories and Skills in Social Work Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCWORK 722
- Name:
- Developing Social Work Professional Identity
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCWORK 723
- Name:
- Social Work in the New Zealand Context
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCWORK 724
- Name:
- Applied Social Work Research Methods
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCWORK 725
- Name:
- Supervised Field Placement I
- Type:
- Practicum
- Points:
- 30 pts
Part 2 120 points
-
- Code:
- SOCWORK 712
- Name:
- Social Work in Statutory Settings
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCWORK 713
- Name:
- The Social Work Discourse
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCWORK 734 A/B
- Name:
- Professional Social Work Research in Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCWORK 735
- Name:
- Supervised Field Placement II
- Type:
- Practicum
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCHLTH 732
- Name:
- Working with Grief and Loss
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCHLTH 736
- Name:
- Health, Social Justice and Practice
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
- A bachelors degree.
Further programme requirements
Taught 240 points
You must have completed a bachelors degree in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects may include anthropology, education, gender studies, history, law, Māori studies, nursing, population health, psychology, sociology.
You will need a GPA of 5.0 or higher in at least 75 points in Stage III.
Entrance is subject to satisfactory police check/s, safety checks, interview and referees’ reports.
Other pathways to study
If you have not met the requirement you can still gain entry if you have attained an equivalent and relevant, practical, professional or scholarly experience.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree.
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0.
Further programme requirements
Taught 240 points
You must have completed a bachelors degree in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects may include anthropology, education, gender studies, history, law, Māori studies, nursing, population health, psychology, sociology.
You will need a GPA of 5.0 or higher in at least 75 points in Stage III.
Entrance is subject to satisfactory police check/s, safety checks, interview and referees’ reports.
Other pathways to study
If you have not met the requirement you can still gain entry if you have attained an equivalent and relevant, practical, professional or scholarly experience.
How much does a Master of Social Work (Professional) cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,860.80*
- International students
- NZ$39,995*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
Year 1 students' practicum
Monday 25 August - Monday 3 November 2025 (Monday to Friday)
Year 2 students' practicum
Monday 28 April - Monday 20 October 2025 (3 days per week)
View our study pathways guide to help you decide whether this programme is right for you.
If you need any help, you can reach out to our Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist: pgt@auckland.ac.nz
Student Hubs
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The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City and Grafton campuses with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.
Where could this programme take you?
This programme is designed to lead you into a career as a registered social worker. For those who already have work experience in the field and a related undergraduate degree, but do not hold a formal social work qualification, this is an effective pathway to increase your salary and career opportunities.
Jobs related to this programme
- Social worker
- Case worker for Child Youth and Family
- Youth worker
- Community development officer
- Probation officer
- Policy adviser
- Social worker for a District Health Board
“The best part of the MSWP for me is that it offers personal development as much as it offers professional development. The way that I saw the world was constantly challenged and I found myself questioning the worldviews I had prior to studying this programme."
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