Why Study / Key Benefits

• The MSW is a research-focused master's degree intended particularly for qualified social-work practitioners who want to develop specialist practice, supervision, management, policy analysis or policy-development expertise.
• Unlike UC's Master of Social Work (Applied), the MSW is a thesis-only qualification.
• Students can design their research programme around their professional needs and interests.
• The degree can strengthen research capability, specialist knowledge and professional advancement.
• The qualification may be awarded with Merit or Distinction.
• UC also offers a PhD in Social Work for students wishing to continue into doctoral research.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current MSW structure is very simple:

• SOWK695 MSW Thesis — 120 points.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal majors, minors or named specialisations listed for the current MSW.

The qualification's subject is Social Work, and specialisation is achieved primarily through the student's individual thesis research topic.

Possible research/professional areas include:

• Specialist social-work practice
• Social-work supervision
• Social-work management
• Social-sector policy
• Policy analysis
• Policy development
• Community and social services
• Practice with specific populations or communities
• Social-work research.

Programme Highlights

• 120-point master's degree.
• One-year full-time or up to three years part-time.
• Thesis-only structure.
• Students can start the thesis at the beginning of any month.
• Designed for already-qualified social-work professionals.
• Research can be tailored to professional needs and interests.
• Suitable for specialist practice, supervision, management and policy-oriented professionals.
• Opportunity to receive the degree with Merit or Distinction.
• Social Workers Registration Board accreditation.
• Provides a research-oriented route toward further doctoral study.
• UC offers a PhD in Social Work for students seeking advanced research study.

Career Outcomes

UC states that postgraduate study can provide career benefits including specialist skills, enhanced knowledge, research capability, academic achievement and progression opportunities.

For an already-qualified social worker, the MSW is particularly relevant to career development in:

• Specialist social-work practice
• Social-work supervision
• Social-work management
• Social-sector policy analysis
• Policy development
• Research
• Academic/research roles
• Senior social-work positions
• Social-service leadership
• Community and government organisations.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current update is that the Master of Social Work is currently closed to international enrolments. UC explicitly states that international applicants cannot currently enrol and should contact Tauwhiro Hapori | Department of Social Work for updates.

Other current requirements/features include:

• The programme is governed by 2026 regulations that came into force on 1 January 2025.
• The qualification consists entirely of SOWK695 MSW Thesis.
• A professional social-work qualification is required.
• Previous social-work fieldwork requirements must have been completed.
• Executive Dean of Health/delegate approval is required.
• The qualification can be completed full-time or part-time.
• Maximum completion period is 12 months full-time or 36 months part-time.
• Merit or Distinction may be awarded. 

International Student Visa Requirements

At present, a new international student cannot use the MSW to obtain a UC offer of place because the qualification is closed to international enrolments.

If UC reopens the MSW to international students, the normal New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa requirements would include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an acceptable scholarship arrangement.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Health and character requirements where applicable.