• Toll free: 1800 258 5772

University of Waikato

Hamilton , North Island, New Zealand ,New Zealand

Master of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services

Why study the Master of Professional Practice in 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.

Campus Information

Hamilton campus

Our main campus is located in the vibrant, multicultural city of Hamilton, with outdoor activities, shopping malls and eateries only a short drive away. On campus, you’ll find a new state-of-the-art Student Centre, sporting facilities, cafes and eateries, car parking, subsidised bus services and more.

Intakes

  • March
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

More Information Required
30 Days
GTE/Possible Interview call from Institution
30 Days
Visa Process
10 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility 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.
 

For More Infromation Pls Contact To Our PSA Counselor.

Disclaimer: PSA updates the information on this page from time to time; however, there may have been more recent updates. Please refer to the university website for the latest information.