Overview
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a post-professional degree for experienced social and community workers. The degree is intended for practitioners who wish to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of Social and Community Work through specialised study, consistent with principles of applied professional training.
The MSW requires at least two years of full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study, consisting of four postgraduate papers (including one compulsory one on research methods), and a 60-point dissertation (20,000 words). The degree enables you to engage with current debates, research, policy and practice in your chosen field.
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is also available through Distance Learning within New Zealand.
Please note: The MSW does not entitle you to registration as a social worker. It is a post-professional degree for people who already have a registration qualification plus two years' experience.
Applying for the MSW
Applicants are assessed at the programme level, based on applicants' transcripts and CV . Sometimes a referee will be contacted in order to confirm 'competent practice'. The applicant's practising certificate, registration number or equivalent needs to be provided.
Applicants do not have to hold an Aotearoa New Zealand social work qualification to be eligible. You can either hold a New Zealand qualification, or a qualification that entitles you to the equivalent of registration in your own country.
Academic requirements
Since this is advanced study, a grade average of B or higher is required in the final year of your undergraduate degree.
If you don't have a B average, you may still be able to enrol in a certificate of proficiency, that is, one or two papers that enable you to increase your grade average. Those papers can then be credited to the Master of Social Work.
Paper availability
Not all listed SOWK Master of Social Work papers are available every year. Papers are offered in line with staff availability and the needs across the two programmes the 500 level papers are offered in – the MSW and the MSCW (applied). There are between 2 and 4 papers offered each year in addition to the HUMS 502 research methods paper, which is offered every year.
Papers offered in 2025 are:
- SOWK 514 Advanced Community Development
- SOWK 515 Iwi Social Services 1 – Contextual Issues
- SOWK 518 Social Services Supervision
- HUMS 502 Research Methods Paper
Note: Once you apply and are admitted to the programme, you will be able to enrol in the papers offered in that year.
Dissertation topics and supervision
Once you have completed all four papers, you will be ready to enrol in the dissertation (SOWK 590). Up until then, the MSW Co-ordinator will be listed as your supervisor in eVision.
Once you enrol in the paper SOWK 590, however, the MSW Co-ordinator will contact you to arrange a supervisor specific to your topic. You are welcome to contact the MSW Co-ordinator at any time to discuss your topic ideas before enrolling in SOWK 590.
Ready to apply?
If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.
Programme details
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More information
Associate Professor Anaru Eketone
Master of Social Work Co-ordinator
Email anaru.eketone@otago.ac.nz
Social and Community Work Programme
Email socialwork.postgrad@otago.ac.nz
Website www.otago.ac.nz/social-community-work
