Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare (PGDipSW)

    Overview

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare (PGDipSW) requires at least twelve months of full-time or its equivalent in part-time study. The diploma is intended for people in practice who wish to develop their professional knowledge and skills through a specialized programme of study, consistent with good principles of applied professional training. It prepares graduates for senior level and specialist practice in social services, research and policy analysis.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare (PGDipSW) is also available through Distance Learning.


    Contact

    Social and Community Work programme
    Email socialwork.postgrad@otago.ac.nz
    Website otago.ac.nz/social-community-work



    Requirements


    Note: Enrolments will not normally be accepted for this qualification, but it is available as an exit qualification for students who withdraw from the Master of Social Work programme.

    Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Welfare (PGDipSW)

    1. Admission to the Programme

      1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
      2. Every applicant shall        
        1. possess an approved professional social services qualification, and
        2. have at least two years' proven competence working in the social welfare field, and
        3. present evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.
      Note: Applicants who are not graduates or who have not achieved grades averaging B or better will normally be expected to enrol for a Diploma for Graduates or for approved papers for Certificate of Proficiency.

    2. Structure of the Programme

      1. The programme shall consist of approved papers from the schedule of papers available for the degree of Master of Social Work to the value of 120 points.
      2. With prior approval, one paper at 400-level or above in a related subject offered by the University or another tertiary institution up to the value of 30 points may be included in the programme.

    3. Duration of the Programme

      The programme may be taken by full-time candidates in one year, or by part-time candidates over more than one year. Any papers in which a candidate is enrolled in any year shall be examined in that year.

    4. Level of Award of the Diploma

      The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

    5. Variations

      The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.


    This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.

    Back to top