Develop your passion for helping others
If you are motivated to make a positive difference in people’s lives, or improve the quality of life in a range of communities, a social work career may be for you.
If you want to become a registered social worker, but don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work, then this programme is for you.
The Master of Applied Social Work is designed for those with relevant practice experience, or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. That could include psychology, education, law, medicine, nursing, sociology, anthropology, theology or case management.
This programme will prepare you for practice and registration as a social worker in New Zealand and most other countries.
You will be able to make cutting-edge contributions to your discipline. You’ll benefit from our research-informed, research-leading, forward-thinking and academically credible courses. They’ll help you contribute to knowledge-building in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
Classes are small. Our interactive and transformative teaching methods will challenge your attitudes and beliefs. In addition, you will have opportunities to participate in field trips and Marae Noho. There are no exams and all work is assessed through assignments that cater for a range of learning styles.
It is possible to work part-time while completing this qualification. This programme can be completed in two years studying full-time or in up to five years studying part-time.
The Master of Applied Social Work includes two different supervised field experiences organised and supervised by Massey. You will spend a minimum of 120 days over a course of your study in social services settings gaining experience in social work practice. If you’re already working in social services, one of your two placements could be at your current workplace.
A social work degree means you can work in many different areas. You could be a field operator working in the community or you could be a professional adviser in a hospital or a district health board. You might choose to be a policy expert working with government. Or, you could travel overseas to the jungles of Papua New Guinea to work within a village setting. The options are endless – and endlessly meaningful.
Social workers make a difference in many areas around the world including:
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
The Master of Applied Social Work is a selected entry programme. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.
To enter the Master of Applied Social Work you will:
You will provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
Once you are successful at gaining a place in the Master of Applied Social Work programme, you will also need to complete further tasks. These are to meet the requirements set down by the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 for registration as a social worker in New Zealand (to ensure you are a “fit and proper person to practise social work”). You will need to:
If English, Māori or New Zealand sign language is not your first language, you will need to provide official evidence of your English language competency in the form of:
If you are a new-to-Massey student, applications for this programme close on 5 February 2021 (Semester One).
We require two people who can act as referees for you. A referee should be someone who has known you for one year or more in the capacity of employer, educator, work colleague or person of community standing, e.g. Kaumatua, Minister or similar. Your referee should not be a friend, flatmate, relative or someone who has not known you for at least a year. The information your referee supplies is confidential to those involved in the selection process.
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
From the Schedule to the Degree including:
During your study you must continue to meet requirements for registration set down by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board.
Attend contact or block courses, field trips, workshops, tutorials, and practice laboratories as required.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
| 240 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 179781 | Social and Community Work Theory and Practice I | 30 |
| 179782 | Social Policy Analysis | 30 |
| 179783 | Māori Development and the Social Services | 30 |
| 179784 | Social and Community Work Theory and Practice II | 30 |
| 179789 | Field Work Practice I | 30 |
| 179792 | Management in the Social Services | 15 |
| 179890 | Field Work Practice II | 30 |
| 179891 | Applied Research in Social Work | 15 |
| 179895 | Research Report (30) | 30 |
While the structure of the programme is set, there is scope within the courses to choose your particular emphasis from within the fields of social or community work practice.
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Most of the courses are taught in block mode where the class contact is in a compressed time period.
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the programme if you wish to continue your studies.
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
“
I enjoyed my experience at Massey and was well supported from day one. Teaching staff were always approachable and helpful when I needed their input.
” Ansie Jansen van Vuuren
“
Massey provided an environment that enabled me to realise my potential and thrive academically. My studies prepared me very well to become a social worker who is highly adaptable, with critical thinking skills that have provided me with opportunities to offer more in any work setting.
” Tsitsi Mary Kavumbura
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“
Master's study was something I had never envisioned, and I was adamant that I would never get to that level. The staff at Massey University helped make all my doubts about study do-able. Study with Massey because they have your back all the way!
” Willie Tupou
The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Applied Social Work are accredited by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board. Upon completion you can apply for provisional registration as a registered social worker.
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.