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Social Work (by Thesis) logo
University of Canterbury logo

Social Work (by Thesis)

University of Canterbury
Information last verified July 2026
Tuition AUD 51,800 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; AUD 36,150 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Degree Master
Duration 24 months
Delivery On-campus
Location Christchurch, New Zealand
Language English

Program Overview

The Social Work (by Thesis) at University of Canterbury is a Master programme in Social Sciences over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.

Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of social sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.

Graduates of the Social Work (by Thesis) programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across New Zealand and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.

Key Program Features

  1. Duration: 24 months
  2. Language of instruction: English
  3. Study mode: On-campus
  4. English requirement: IELTS 6.5
  5. Tuition: AUD 51,800 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; AUD 36,150 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
  6. Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Social Work (by Thesis) programme are prepared for diverse careers in social sciences:

  1. Policy Analyst
  2. NGO Programme Manager
  3. Researcher
  4. Social Worker
  5. Diplomat
  6. Development Consultant

Program Curriculum

Detailed curriculum information is not available. Please check the university website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date course information.

Visit Program Website

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Candidates must have completed one of the following:
Bachelor of Social Work degree with First Class or Second Class honours Division 1, or
bachelor’s degree and the Graduate Diploma in Social Work (if conferred before 2009), or
completed a qualifying course prescribed by the Head of the School of Social Work and Human Services, and approved by the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences of a standard to the prerequisite courses.
The MSW by thesis is accessible only to those students who have obtained a professional qualification in Social Work. This means they have completed fieldwork requirements.

English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Fee

AUD 51,800 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; AUD 36,150 (Tuition (Year)) — National students

Tuition fees: AUD 51,800 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; AUD 36,150 (Tuition (Year)) — National students

IELTS requirement: 6.5

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Contact University of Canterbury directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.

About University of Canterbury

University of Canterbury logo

University of Canterbury

Christchurch, New Zealand

public research university in Christchurch, New Zealand

University Profile
  • Language English
  • Duration 24 months