If you want to be a social worker, but don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work, then this programme is for you. The Master of Applied Social Work is designed for students with bachelor’s degrees in related disciplines such as psychology, education, law, medicine, nursing, sociology, anthropology, theology, case management or with relevant practice experience who want to become registered social workers.

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

Gain experience in the field

The qualification conforms to national and international guidelines by including two different supervised field experiences organised and supervised by Massey. You will spend a minimum of 120 days 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.

Add to social work knowledge

You will be able to make cutting-edge contributions to your discipline. You’ll benefit from our research-informed, research-leading, forward-thinking and academically credible courses. They’ll help you contribute to knowledge-building in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

Small engaging classes

Your passionate teachers have loads of practical experience. You will participate in small class sizes where interactive teaching methods will challenge your attitudes and beliefs. In addition, you will have opportunities to participate in field trips and Marae Noho.

Study while you work

It is possible to work part-time while completing this qualification. This programme can be completed in two years studying full-time or in up to five years studying part-time. The courses are offered internally on Auckland campus or by distance. Most of the courses are taught in block mode where the class contact is in a compressed time period. Even better, all of the courses are assessed internally - there are no exams!

A social work degree means you can work in many different areas. You could be a field operator working in the community or you could be a professional advisor in a hospital or a district health board. You might choose to be a policy expert working with government. Or you could travel overseas to the jungles of Papua New Guinea to work within a village setting. The options are endless. And endlessly meaningful.

Social workers make a difference in many areas around the world including:

• hospitals and primary health care
• mental health and addictions
• voluntary and community organisations and government organisations
• child protection
• youth justice
• housing
• offenders
• residential care
• management and supervision
• tertiary education
• community work and community development
• refugees and migrants
• schools