Master of Applied Social Work

The Master of Applied Social Work is a selected entry programme. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

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 licence that is valid in New Zealand unless otherwise exempted
• be selected into the programme on the basis of a process which includes:
  • providing a personal statement explaining why you wish to enter the social work programme 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 programme, you will also need to complete further tasks. These are to meet the requirements set down by the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 for registration as a social worker in New Zealand (to ensure you are a "fit and proper person to practise social work"). 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 countries you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

If English, Maori or New Zealand sign language is not your first language, you will need to provide official evidence of your English language competency in the form of:

• an IELTS test with an overall academic score of at least 6.5, with no band score less than 6.5, taken within the preceding two years, or
• a TOEFL internet-based test (IBT) score of 85 or higher with a writing score of 22, or
• at least two years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least 10 Level 2 NCEA credits in literacy (five reading and five writing), or equivalent.