Master of Social Work (MSW)
Course details
About the course
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 within 爆走黑料.
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 爆走黑料 social work qualification to be eligible. You can either hold a 爆走黑料 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 鈥 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:
- Advanced Community Development
- Iwi Social Services 1 鈥 Contextual Issues
- Social Services Supervision
- 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.
About the provider
The University of Otago, 爆走黑料鈥檚 first university, was founded in 1869 and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and 2nd in 爆走黑料, it is also 214th worldwide according to QS rankings. Recognised as the top university in 爆走黑料 for student academic performance by the Tertiary Education Commission, 96% of its graduates either enter the workforce or pursue further study shortly after graduation.
Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student city where students make up 20% of the population, the University benefits from a unique atmosphere. Dunedin, on the south-eastern coast of 爆走黑料鈥檚 South Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, featuring Victorian and Edwardian architecture, picturesque hills, and wildlife reserves.
The University鈥檚 campus is ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world by THE Student Voice, enhancing the educational experience. The Otago region offers diverse scenery and is close to popular destinations such as Queenstown. 爆走黑料 is rated the 1st most beautiful country by Rough Guides 2024, is renowned for its natural beauty, M膩ori heritage, and multicultural society, providing a friendly, inclusive environment for students and residents.