The Degree of Master of Social Work – MSW

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 240 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II.

2 In order to be admitted to this programme, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b (i) completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Supervision from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) hold a qualification in social work approved by the Programme Director.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 240 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 280 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

7 a A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Social Work Schedule.

b A student who has to complete 240 points for this degree must achieve a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 in the first 120 points of the coursework component of the degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Social Work cannot continue.

c A student may substitute an alternative course the same as, or similar to, EDUC 787, EDUCSW 700 or 701, as approved by the Programme Director.

d With the approval of all Programme Directors concerned, up to 30 points may be selected from other 700 level courses offered at this University.

8 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

9 a The thesis or research portfolio is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The thesis or research portfolio topic must be approved by the relevant Departmental Postgraduate Committee prior to enrolment.

c The thesis or research portfolio is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for the Master of Social Work to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work.

11 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

12 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

13 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.