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Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The Master of Social Work prepares you for advanced professional responsibility in social work.

You will learn about advanced approaches and interventions in social work practice as you 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 in order to become a qualified social worker, see the Master of Social Work (Professional).

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

If you are a qualified social worker, this programme will enable you to explore an area of interest and prepare yourself for advanced professional responsibility.

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

Student career planning services

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

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Experience the University

Video

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.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland 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.

Research (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work

Research (240 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Social Work 

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Research 120 points

completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Supervision from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study and hold a qualification in social work approved by the Programme Director.

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.

Research 240 points

completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II.


If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 240 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II.

2 In order to be admitted to this programme, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b (i) completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Supervision from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) hold a qualification in social work approved by the Programme Director.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 240 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 280 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

7 a A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Social Work Schedule.

b A student who has to complete 240 points for this degree must achieve a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 in the first 120 points of the coursework component of the degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Social Work cannot continue.

c A student may substitute an alternative course the same as, or similar to, EDUC 787, EDUCSW 700 or 701, as approved by the Programme Director.

d With the approval of all Programme Directors concerned, up to 30 points may be selected from other 700 level courses offered at this University.

8 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

9 a The thesis or research portfolio is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The thesis or research portfolio topic must be approved by the relevant Departmental Postgraduate Committee prior to enrolment.

c The thesis or research portfolio is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for the Master of Social Work to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work.

Distinction

11 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

12 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

13 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 240 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 240 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

240 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism