Massey’s School of Social Work works to enhance the well-being of people, families, whanau and communities through contributing to the development of professional social work in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. We work closely with key non-government organisations, District Health Boards and Oranga Tamariki Ministry for Children. Our students are placed in these organisations for their practical field education and our graduates have careers with them.
The School of Social Work offers internationally recognised qualifications in a range of disciplines including social policy and social work, and social service supervision. Both the Master of Applied Social Work programme and Bachelor of Social Work qualifications lead to registration as a social worker in New Zealand. Our graduates are leaders in their fields in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
Our researchers work on the significant issues facing society and social work practice today. They engage in international research and consultations across many countries. Our research spans the areas of human rights and social justice, social work practice, and social work profession.
Our professional programmes are accredited by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board. Students who complete the Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Applied Social Work can immediately apply for provisional registration as a registered social worker.
I enjoyed my experience at Massey and was well supported from day one. Teaching staff were always approachable and helpful when I needed their input. As English is my second language, I did access support with writing via online resources as well as a study group for mature students.
Ansie Jansen van Vuuren
Master of Applied Social Work
I chose social work without fully understanding the concept, but I knew it was about people and I knew that people mattered.
Blake Gardiner
Bachelor of Social Work
I had thought about getting a qualification in youth work, but then someone suggested social work as it provided greater scope in terms of areas I could work in.
Courtney Gray
Bachelor of Social Work
I would recommend Massey for people exploring study in a flexible yet supportive environment. The support service for extramural students is amazing, tutors are specialised in their different areas. I had many tutors bought in externally for their expertise.
Florrie Brooking
Site Manager, Oranga Tamariki Gisborne
Master of Social Work
Studying at Massey University has provided me a broad and sound knowledge of what social work is all about. The day of a social worker is never the same, encountering different situations and people impacted by social and personal issues.
Kaysha Whakarau
Bachelor of Social Work
I loved the wide range of new learning, but in particular, I enjoyed completing my research thesis…I benefited hugely from the guidance of my supervisors. We have since published a journal article together on the findings of this research.
Lee Henley
Executive Director, Children’s Future International
Master of Social Work
I chose Massey due to their extramural programme which allowed me to continue to work full time and progress my career while studying. The support from the staff was incredible, especially my supervisors who encouraged me to apply my experiences to my research and give it my all.
Megan Coffey
Master of Arts (Social Policy)
The best part about studying at Massey was access to Māori resources, Māori lecturers and Māori spaces all catered to by Massey.
Paulé Ruwhiu
Doctor of Philosophy
I heard from other Pasifika people that achieving is the norm at Massey and was encouraged to take up my studies there. The Pasifika values at Massey I have seen and experienced are reciprocity and relationships, service and inclusion, respect, spirituality, leadership, family (aiga, famili) and the talanoa (korero, discussion) sessions.
Robert W Wilson
Raukura Hauora o Tainui (Primary Mental Health) Team Leader
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Service Supervision
Master's study was something I had never envisioned, and I was adamant that I would never get to that level. The staff at Massey University helped make all my doubts about study do-able. Study with Massey because they have your back all the way!
Willie Tupou
Master of Applied Social Work
I would recommend Massey’s social work programme for anyone who is interested addressing global inequalities and promoting the rights of others in a culturally appropriate and strengths based way.
Zoey Henley
Managing Director, Children’s Future International
Master of Social Work
The focus of the Practice Research and Professional Development Hub (PRPDH) is to provide opportunities for staff in the School of Social Work to engage in practice research and to offer professional development programmes for social service and related organisations.
In 2015, Kieran was awarded the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Quality and Innovation Trophy for Excellence in Research and Certificate for Research Excellence. He has published nationally and internationally in the areas of social work theory and practice, social work supervision and in relation to the social work profession.
The School of Social Work is one of four interconnected units in the College of Health.
Associate Professor Kieran O’Donoghue was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for research by Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW). As well as receiving this Quality and Innovation Award, he shared the overall ANZASW trophy.
Associate Professor Kieran O’Donoghue
2015
ANZASW Quality and Innovation Awards
Professor Mark Henrickson is a staunch advocate for the rights of sexual and gender minorities. He was the first New Zealand social worker from New Zealand to deliver the prestigious Eileen Younghusband Memorial Lecture at the 2016 World Social Work Conference in Korea.
Professor Mark Henrickson
2016
Eileen Younghusband Memorial Lecture
Associate Professor Kathryn Hay was awarded a Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching Award for 2018. This places her among the country’s top 10 tertiary teachers awarded. Awards are presented to those who demonstrate years of commitment and support for learners that go far beyond good teaching practice.
Dr Kathryn Hay
2018
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Associate Professor Kathryn Hay was presented with the Australia New Zealand Social Work and Welfare Education and Research Field Placement Recognition Award for her significant contribution to field work learning, including introducing innovations to field work placements.
Dr Kathryn Hay
2019
Work-integrated learning award for social work
