Master of Social Work (Applied)
MSW(App)
Duration
2 years full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
2 years full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Social Work (Applied) offers the opportunity for students with an approved social science degree to complete a recognised professional qualification over two years.
The programme is able to be completed on a part-time basis, which offers some flexibility to those with family or employment commitments.
UC also offers the Master of Social Work involving thesis work.
Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor’s degree from an Aotearoa New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
Candidates must have completed any bachelor’s degree with a B grade average in their 300-level courses, and have completed either courses in social research and human development or have relevant practice experience, or another qualifying programme.
A special application is required – see 'How to apply' below.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Social Work (Applied) or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
The programme has a limited number of places available and there is only one intake each year. Prospective students for full-time study need to make a formal application to the Social Work programme. To request an application pack, please contact the programme at admin@sowk.canterbury.ac.nz
Students need to apply by 31 October of the year preceding entry.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The full-time programme consists of two parts, and will normally be completed in 2 consecutive years. A part-time programme consists of three parts, and must be completed within 6 years.
The MSW(App) requires 10 compulsory courses. The courses are a combination of distance and on-campus block courses which students are required to attend. There is also a research project and two fieldwork practicums.
For the up-to-date Schedule of courses, see the Regulations for the Master of Social Work (Applied).
Students complete these taught courses as Part I:
- SOWK 611 Human Behaviour and Mental Health
- SOWK 612 Mana Motuhake, a Bicultural Analysis
- SOWK 614 Social Work Theory, Research and Practice
- SOWK 615 Social Work Principles and Skills
- SOWK 616 Law, Society and International Social Work Practice
- SOWK 617 Qualitative Research and Programme Evaluation Strategies
Part II involves practical fieldwork and research:
- SOWK 624 Social Policy Theory and Practice Integration
- SOWK 670 Research Project
- SOWK 671 Fieldwork Practicum 1
- SOWK 672 Fieldwork Practicum II
Students complete Part I before proceeding to Part II. The fieldwork courses in Part II are taken simultaneosly.
UC offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 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 and graduate profiles.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $14,774 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $46,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Social Work (Applied).
For study planning help contact the Social Work programme or the College of Arts:
College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email artsdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz