Master of Social Work
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Overview
Master of Social Work
The Master of Social Work degree requires candidates to complete a thesis on a full or part-time basis. The MSW is particularly aimed at practitioners with specialist practice, supervisory, management, or policy analysis and development responsibilities.
The programme of study and research can be designed to meet your professional needs and interests.
The degree may be awarded with Distinction or Merit.
UC also offers the Master of Social Work (Applied) involving taught coursework.
Master of Social Work
Note: the MSW is currently not open to international enrolments.
The MSW is accessible only to those who have obtained a professional qualification in Social Work and have completed fieldwork requirements. For more details, contact Tauwhiro Hapori | Department of Social Work. Those who do not have a professional qualification in Social Work may instead consider the Master of Social Work (Applied).
To enrol in the MSW, you must have completed one of the following:
- a Bachelor of Social Work with First Class or Second Class Honours Division I
- any bachelor’s degree and the Graduate Diploma in Social Work
- any bachelor's degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work with a B+ Grade Point Average or above (or equivalent)
- completed an approved qualifying course to the standard of the prerequisite courses.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Social Work or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Master of Social Work
The MSW degree requires you to complete SOWK695 MSW Thesis on a full or part-time basis.
It will take 1 year full-time, or up to 3 years part-time. You can begin your thesis at the beginning of any month.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Social Work.
Domestic students
2025 tuition fee estimate: $8,085 (120 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $8,570 (120 points)
International students
2025 Special Programme Fee: $32,400 (120 points)
2026 Special Programme Fee: $34,000 (120 points)
2027 Special Programme Fee: $36,000 (120 points)
Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
