Develop your passion for helping others. Massey’s Master of Applied Social Work will prepare you for practice and registration as a social worker in New Zealand and most other countries.

If you want to become a registered social worker, but don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work, then this program is for you.

The Master of Applied Social Work is designed for those with relevant practice experience, or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. 

That could include psychology, education, law, medicine, nursing, sociology, anthropology, theology, or case management.

This program will prepare you for practice and registration as a social worker in New Zealand and most other countries.

Add to social work knowledge

You will be able to make cutting-edge contributions to your discipline. 

You’ll benefit from Massey’s practical, research-informed, forward-thinking, and academically credible courses. 

They’ll help you contribute to knowledge-building in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

Gain experience in the field

The Master of Applied Social Work includes two different supervised field experiences (Field Work Practice) organized and supervised by Massey. 

You will spend a minimum of 120 days over a course of your study in social services settings gaining experience in social work practice. 

If you’re already working in social services, one of your two placements could be at your current workplace.

• Officially verified copies of Birth certificate/ Current passport, including any residency visa/ Citizenship certificate
• Proof of the name change
• High School graduation certificate
• Academic transcripts
• English Language proficiency
• A statement of any disability or health condition (If Applicable)
• Evidence of any scholarships (If Applicable)
• Personal statement
• Two character referees
• Curriculum vitae (CV)

To enter the Master of Applied Social Work you will:

• have been awarded or qualified for an undergraduate degree, either in the social sciences (such as social and cultural studies, psychology, human development) or an alternative degree with substantial relevant experience in a social or community setting
• hold a driver’s license that is valid in New Zealand unless otherwise exempted
• be selected into the program on the basis of a process that includes:
  • providing a personal statement explaining why you wish to enter the social work program and profession
  • providing two character referees – these must not be family or friends
  • providing a curriculum vitae that includes academic and work history
  • undertaking an interview.

You will provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

Once you are successful at gaining a place in the Master of Applied Social Work program, you will also need to complete further tasks. 

You will need to:

• complete the vetting service request and consent form for a New Zealand Police check
• provide a current police certificate from any overseas country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.