Loading...
Preparing your educational journey
Social Work logo
McMaster University logo

Social Work

McMaster University
Information last verified July 2026
Rank #101
Tuition USD 12,645 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,281 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Degree Master
Duration 12 months
Delivery On-campus
Location Hamilton, Canada
Language English

Program Overview

The Social Work at McMaster University is a Master programme in Social Sciences over 12 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 programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Canada and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.

Key Program Features

  1. Duration: 12 months
  2. Language of instruction: English
  3. Study mode: On-campus
  4. English requirement: IELTS 6.5
  5. Tuition: USD 12,645 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,281 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
  6. Location: Hamilton, Canada

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Social Work 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

Course Structure

  1. Social Work Practice: Critical Frameworks
  2. Social Policy: Critical Frameworks
  3. Critical Approaches to Social Work Knowledge and Research Methods

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the MSW: Critical Analysis of Social Work stream, applicants are required to hold a B.S.W. degree from an accredited* social work program. In addition, admission requirements are:

  • half course in introductory social research methods;
  • B+ standing in senior level social work courses.

International degrees: The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) establishes if an applicant’s education is equivalent to a Canadian Social Work degree (Bachelor or Master).Click here to download an International Assessment of Credentials application form.

English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Fee

USD 12,645 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,281 (Tuition (Year)) — National students

Tuition fees: USD 12,645 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,281 (Tuition (Year)) — National students

IELTS requirement: 6.5

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Contact McMaster University 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.