- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
The PGDipSW is equivalent to the first year of the Master of Social Work. This qualification will enhance your professional learning and development, and prepares you for advanced professional responsibility in social work. Through taught courses, you will learn advanced approaches and interventions in social work practice.
Programme structure
You will learn advanced approaches and interventions in social work practice and examine current research in social work. This programme is delivered through face-to-face block-courses supported by online study guides and resources.
Requirement
- 120 points from a range of recommended courses in Education Professional Studies, Education, Professional Counselling, Professional Supervision, Social Work Child and Family Practice, Social Work Health Practice, Social Work, and Social Work Youth Practice
Note: a Research Methods course is a prerequisite for enrolment in a thesis or research portfolio for the Master of Social Work from the PGDipSW. You may enrol in either Research Methodologies (EDUCSW 700) or Māori and Indigenous Research (EDUC 787)
See taught courses available at the faculty for your programme.
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 optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 3.0
Bachelor of Social Work
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You must have completed a Bachelor of Social Work with a GPA of 3.0 in at least 60 points above Stage II.
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 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 3.0
An undergraduate degree in social work
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QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in social work at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 3.0.
How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,033.60*
- 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 $1,108.80 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
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
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.
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 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?
If you complete the PGDipSW with a GPA of 5 or higher, you can choose to progress to the second year of the Master of Social Work (MSW) to complete the masters qualification. You will need to have included a research methods course (EDUCSW 700 Research Methodologies or EDUC 787 Māori and Indigenous Research) in your PGDipSW in order to do this.
Jobs related to this programme
- Social worker in a range of settings and services
- Leadership and management roles in social work
Student 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.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
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