Note: This qualification is covered by the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021. Students are required to provide details of their vaccination status on enrolment.

Massey University’s prestigious Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is designed to advance your social work and social development knowledge at local, national and international levels.

Is the DSW the same as a PhD?

No. A PhD seeks to make a contribution to theory and knowledge generally, while a DSW seeks to make a contribution to practice, policy or social work knowledge. The DSW consists of a combination of four courses (Stage 1) and a 65,000 word research thesis (Stage 2). A Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is achieved solely through a research thesis of 100,000 words. Both qualifications are challenging, require a high level of personal motivation and commitment. They should be undertaken only after careful reflection about the time and resources available to you.

Expand your social work knowledge and expertise

This qualification is particularly relevant for social workers in fields of health, well-being and hauora, including:

• mental health
• child and family practice
• social work in schools
• social service organisations
• policy and practice advisers in government
• social work education and training providers.

The DSW gives you a unique opportunity to develop your social work expertise and undertake policy and practice-based research at an advanced level. You’ll work in an environment that encourages new ideas around innovative social work and social development policy and practices.

Become an inspirational leader in your field

You’ll gain advanced research-based knowledge of theory, research, methodology, models and practices of social work and social development. You’ll cover both Aotearoa New Zealand and international contexts. You will become confident in applying this knowledge in practice and policy settings to clients, tangata whaiora and the wider social services sector.

You’ll be able to:

• design, implement and evaluate social work research and apply it to practice situations
• locate, analyse, critique and evaluate a variety of interventions
• implement analytical skills
• demonstrate the ability to gather, assess and interpret data using clear, logical thinking
• present and communicate your knowledge to diverse audiences
• work effectively in interdisciplinary environments
• establish and attain individual learning objectives and maintain a high level of ethical and professional development.

Flexible professional development that fits your lifestyle

The DSW is offered part-time so you can fit study in with your other professional and personal commitments.

At the moment only New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for the Doctor of Social Work.