Master of Social Work (Applied)
MSW(App)
Duration
2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
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.
You must have completed any bachelor’s degree with a B Grade Point Average in your 300-level courses, and have completed either courses in social research and human development, or have relevant practice experience or another qualifying programme.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
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 prospective students must complete a formal application to the Social Work department in addition to their application to enrol.
Late applications for February entry to the programme can be made up until 30 November. After this date, further late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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.
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 670 Research Project
- SOWK 671 Fieldwork Practicum 1
- SOWK 672 Fieldwork Practicum II
- SOWK 673 Practice Research Integration
Students complete Part I before proceeding to Part II. The fieldwork courses in Part II are taken simultaneously.
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.
- 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 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) |
| 2021 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $15,236 |
| 2022 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $15,496 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2020 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $52,000 | |
| 2021 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $54,400 | $47,304 |
| 2022 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $56,400 | $49,043 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Social Work (Applied).
For study planning help, contact Tauwhiro Hapori | Department of Social Work or the College of Arts:
Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College of Arts
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email artsdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz