- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120 or 240
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Research options available
Programme overview
The Master of Social Work prepares you for advanced professional responsibility in social work.
You will learn advanced approaches and interventions in social work practice, and develop knowledge, skills and experience in critiquing and undertaking social work research to enhance your practice.
The programme enables social work practitioners to undertake further study in subjects related to their professional practice and then undertake research in an area of special interest.
This postgraduate programme is for qualified social workers. If you are looking for a postgraduate programme to become a qualified social worker see: Master of Social Work (Professional).
Programme structure
Research Masters 120 points
- 120 points: Thesis (SOCWORK 796)
or
- 30 points from a range of elective courses in Education Professional Studies, Education, Professional Counselling, Professional Supervision, Social Work, Social Work Child and Family Practice, Social Work Health Practice, and Social Work Youth Practice.
- 90 points: Research Portfolio (SOCWORK 797)
Research Masters 240 points
- 120 points from a range of courses in Education Professional Studies, Education, Professional Counselling, Professional Supervision, Social Work, Social Work Child and Family Practice, Social Work Health Practice, and Social Work Youth Practice.
- 120 points: Thesis (SOCWORK 796)
or
- 150 points from a range of courses in Education Professional Studies, Education, Professional Counselling, Professional Supervision, Social Work, Social Work Child and Family Practice, Social Work Health Practice, and Social Work Youth Practice.
- 90 points: Research Portfolio (SOCWORK 797)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2025 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 optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Postgraduate qualification in social work
-
Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Social Work
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0 in at least 90 points of the most advanced courses taken.
Alternatively, you must have completed:
- a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Supervision with a GPA of 5.0 and hold a qualification in social work
or
- a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Social Work) or Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work with a GPA of 5.0.
Note: You may need to take an approved 30-point research methods course if this was not included in your postgraduate diploma or honours degree.
You must have completed a Bachelor of Social Work, with a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points above Stage II.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the GPA requirements you can still gain entry if you successfully demonstrate capacity to undertake advanced study and research for this degree.
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 optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study in social work.
-
Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
Undergraduate degree in social work.
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required7.0
No bands less than 7.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed one year of postgraduate study in social work, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0.
Note: You may need to take an approved 30-point research methods course if you have not already completed a similar course
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in social work at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the GPE requirements you can still gain entry if you successfully demonstrate capacity to undertake advanced study and research for this degree.
How much does a Master of Social Work cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,860.80*
- International students
- NZ$41,594*
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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $2,217.60 for full-time study (240 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
Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.
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
- Semester Two 2024
- 4 July 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
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
Visit your hubs for help and advice on any aspect of your studies and life at University.
The Student Hubs are your physical gateway to Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland.
The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City and Grafton campuses 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?
If you are a qualified social worker, this programme will enable you to inquire into an area of interest and prepare you for advanced professional responsibility in your practice.
Jobs related to this programme
- Community development worker
- Hospital/medical social worker
- Industrial relations officer
- Policy analyst
- Probation officer
- Social researcher
- Social worker
- Youth worker
Eileen Mahe – Advisor in Primary Health and Urgent Care
The programme allowed Eileen to fulfil her potential, while studying alongside people from completely different disciplines, all with the same vision.
Read Eileen's storyStudent career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Experience the University
Lead social and community change
Meet Suzette Jackson, a community counsellor. Suzette shares how Master of Social Work has enabled her to grow as a practitioner.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513