Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Master of Applied Social Work – MAppSW
If you want to become a registered social worker, but don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work, then this qualification 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, or other related disciplines.
This qualification will prepare you for practice and registration as a social worker in New Zealand and most other countries.
Add to social work knowledge
You will be able to make cutting-edge contributions to your discipline. You’ll benefit from our practical, research-informed, forward-thinking and academically credible courses. They’ll help you contribute to knowledge-building in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
Small engaging classes
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.
Study while you work
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 six years studying part-time.
Gain experience in the field
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 MAppSW is a good fit if you:
- have a goal of helping people from all walks of life
- believe in social justice
- are intrigued by how systems and people work and how to manage relationships.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
The Master of Applied Social Work is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.
To enter the Master of Applied Social Work you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for an undergraduate degree, either in the social sciences (such as social and cultural studies, psychology, human development) or an alternative degree with substantial relevant experience in a social or community setting
- hold a driver’s licence that is valid in New Zealand unless otherwise exempted
- be selected into the qualification on the basis of a process which includes:
- providing a personal statement explaining why you wish to enter the social work programme and profession
- providing two character referees – these must not be family or friends
- providing a curriculum vitae that includes academic and work history
- undertaking an interview.
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 qualification, 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:
- complete the vetting service request and consent form for a New Zealand Police check
- provide a current police certificate from any overseas countries you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
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:
- an IELTS test with an overall academic score of at least 6.5, with no band score less than 6.5, taken within the preceding two years, or
- a TOEFL internet-based test (IBT) score of 85 or higher with a writing score of 22, or
- at least two years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least 10 Level 2 NCEA credits in literacy (five reading and five writing), or equivalent.
A bachelor’s degree from a New Zealand university will meet English language competency requirements.
Application closing date
Applications for this qualification close on 31 January of the year of study (Semester One).
About referees
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.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
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.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
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 qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
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 qualification 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 qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Master of Applied Social Work
While the structure of the qualification 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.
Mode of study
Most of the courses are taught in block mode where the class contact is in a compressed time period.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
240 credits
- Compulsory courses – 210 credits
- Research report – 30 credits
- 120 days of field education and associated reports
During your study you must continue to meet requirements for registration set down by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Compulsory courses (Choose 240 credits from)
Course code: 179781 Social and Community Work Theory and Practice I 30 credits
An examination of the key components of social and community work practice utilising an integrated framework. Current theories and models for working with individuals, families and groups are discussed. Laboratories will prepare students for field work placements. Students will develop an approach to practice relevant to the Aotearoa/New Zealand context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179782 Social Policy Analysis 30 credits
An examination of the development of social policy in Aotearoa/New Zealand with special emphasis on the relationship between law and government, and debates about the use of theoretical perspectives and concepts in the study of social policy.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179783 Māori Development and the Social Services 30 credits
Themes in contemporary Māori development (kaupapa Māori) with particular reference to the aspirations of Māori people. Emphasis will be placed on the implications of such themes for the social services as well as for the development of appropriate social policies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179784 Social and Community Work Theory and Practice II 30 credits
An advanced study of social and community work practice through an examination of the fundamental principles of social and community work and selected fields of practice. The course builds on previously completed studies and field work practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179789 Field Work Practice I 30 credits
A supervised field education placement of a minimum of 480 hours (60 days) in a social service setting negotiated by a Massey University staff member who is fully registered with the Social Workers Registration Board. Each placement will be supervised by a registered social worker.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179792 Management in the Social Services 15 credits
A critical examination of current management and organisational theory and its impact on management, administrative systems and professional practice in social service agencies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179890 Field Work Practice II 30 credits
An advanced, supervised, field education placement of a minimum of 480 hours (60 days) in a social service setting negotiated by a Massey University staff member who is fully registered with the Social Workers Registration Board. Each placement will be supervised by a registered social worker.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179891 Applied Research in Social Work 15 credits
An advanced examination of research methods, traditions and techniques used in social work and social policy to promote best practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179895 Research Report (30) 30 credits
An applied study with topics selected from areas relevant to social work, social policy, and/or the social services. Selected topics must be approved by the course coordinator who will assist students in selecting, planning and managing their research.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
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 can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
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:
- hospitals and primary health care
- mental health and addictions
- voluntary and community organisations and government organisations
- child protection
- youth justice
- housing
- offenders
- residential care
- management and supervision
- tertiary education
- community work and community development
- refugees and migrants
- city councils
- schools.
“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.”
“I was unsure if I would be successful or fit into the class, but my qualification coordinator believed in me, and that trust keeps me going. My study has started changing me, not only as a practitioner but as an individual. Every class is an experience. I am learning things, even about myself.”
“I loved the idea of empowering people and breaking down barriers. The Māori Development course I took awoke such a passion in me for te ao Māori, which led me to do placements with Māori organisations as well as basing a lot of my assignments and research around kaupapa Māori social work.”
Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Ruahine
Related study options
Bachelor of Social Work – BSW
Become a registered social worker to support the wellbeing of individuals, families, whānau, and diverse communities by helping them through challenging situations, and advocating for environmental sustainability, social justice and social change.
Doctor of Social Work – DSW
Advance your social work career to the highest level and equip yourself to lead in this demanding field.
Master of Social Work – MSW
Take the next step in your social work career. Improve your practice and gain new knowledge to become an excellent social worker who makes a difference.
Postgraduate Certificate in Social Work – PGCertSW
The Postgraduate Certificate in Social Work provides newly qualified social workers with specialist knowledge and skills in professional areas of social work practice.
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Service Supervision – PGDipSSS
The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Service Supervision offers an advanced qualification for professionally qualified social and community workers and other social service professional supervisors.
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work – PGDipSW
Take your social work career to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz