University

The University of Waikato
The University of Waikato logo

Master of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Master's Degree

Duration

9 months

Next start date

Expected Mar 2027

Campus

Tauranga CBD Campus

Visit provider website

Summary

Enhance your transition into professional practice in Aotearoa New Zealand through applied learning about the social, cultural and policy landscape of New Zealand's health, social and community services.

The Master of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services (MPSOCS) is a comprehensive programme tailored for internationally qualified professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers in Aotearoa New Zealand. This programme prepares qualified social, community, and health professionals for practice in New Zealand, it is intended to build on prior qualifications and is not designed as a first-qualifying programme of study.

This 180-point Master's combines advanced learning, applied research, and community-based practice to develop the expertise needed for leadership, policy, and professional practice roles in New Zealand's social and health sectors.

You'll learn through workshop-based learning, collaborative projects, and independent research, supported by experienced staff and strong community partnerships. Learning experiences incorporate field trips and Indigenous approaches, helping you explore ethical decision-making, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based practice that promotes social justice and wellbeing.

Graduates will be equipped for leadership and advanced practice roles across social and health services, community organisations, education, policy, and advocacy.

Entry criteria

MPSOCS candidates must have:

  1. a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent to a bachelor's degree from the University of Waikato, with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers; and
  2. satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board. This includes an undergraduate major in an appropriate discipline such as allied health, education, health, law, business management, social sciences or social work equivalent to the University of Waikato, and
  3. be approved through a selection process determined by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Education, or delegated authority. The selection process for the Master of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services also includes an interview, a declaration and two references.

In exceptional circumstances, based on academic merit or relevant experience, candidates who do not meet the above requirements may be considered for admission subject to the completion of any qualifying papers the Academic Board may prescribe which must be completed either prior to or concurrently.

MPSOCS candidates must have:

  1. a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent to a bachelor's degree from the University of Waikato, with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers; and
  2. satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board. This includes an undergraduate major in an appropriate discipline such as allied health, education, health, law, business management, social sciences or social work equivalent to the University of Waikato, and
  3. be approved through a selection process determined by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Education, or delegated authority.

The selection process for the Master of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services also includes an interview, a declaration and two references.

In exceptional circumstances, based on academic merit or relevant experience, candidates who do not meet the above requirements may be considered for admission subject to the completion of any qualifying papers the Academic Board may prescribe which must be completed either prior to or concurrently.

English Language Requirements

The following minimum score is considered to be evidence of such competence:

  • an Academic IELTS overall score of 7.0* (with no less than 7.0 in any band); or
  • An Occupational English Test (OET) (with a minimum score of 350 for reading, listening and speaking, and minimum score of 300 for writing)
  • a PTE Academic (paper-based) overall score of 65 with no band less than 58;
  • a TOEFL iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) score of 98 with a Writing score of 24, or
  • a TOEFL iBT Home Edition overall score of 98 with a Writing score of 24.
  • Applicants can achieve the minimum score in these tests over more than one sitting and within 12 months of the first sitting. With the exception of the online Pearson PTE test2, computer-based tests administered in an approved testing centre are accepted.

All other evidence is considered on a case by case basis.

* - IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted together with an original IELTS test

Share this course

Share this course

Disclaimer

The listings provided on the Study with New Zealand website ( Study with New Zealand(external link that opens in a new tab) ) are for information and promotional purposes only. ENZ does not endorse any of the education providers listed. The information, content and material provided in the listings is the sole responsibility of each education provider. This search is powered by StudySpy(external link that opens in a new tab).

Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).

You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.