Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Service Supervision – PGDipSSS
The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Service Supervision is intended for those who:
- have achieved a high level of professional competence
- are currently supervising social and community work practitioners and/or social work students on fieldwork placements.
The diploma will assist you in developing and defining a personal model of supervision relevant to the practice context you work in. You’ll learn selected theories and models of professional social service supervision. You will then go into a more in-depth exploration of the administrative, educational, and clinical functions of supervision.
Assessment is designed to be immediately relevant to your role as a social service supervisor.
A PGDipSSS is a good fit if you:
- are currently supervising social and community work practitioners and/or social work students on fieldwork placements
- want to develop and define a personal model of supervision.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Service Supervision you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent,
- be professionally qualified in a social service field.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Service Supervision
This qualification is only available by part-time study, you will normally take 60 credits per year for two years.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
120 credits
- Compulsory courses – 120 credits
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Compulsory courses (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 179740 Social Service Supervision: Theory and Practice credits 30
A critical examination of the key components of social service supervision theory and practice leading to the development of a framework for supervisory practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179741 Human Service Organisations and Leadership credits 30
An advanced study of leadership, management, and supervision as it applies to human service organisations. This includes critically examining the functions of management and supervision, leadership and management theory, and organisational development and change within human services.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179742 Learning and Decolonisation in Supervision credits 30
An advanced study in learning and decolonising in supervision, including identity journeys.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179743 Clinical Supervision credits 30
An advanced study of clinical supervision in professional practice.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
This diploma provides opportunities for employment in a wide range of environments, including social services, private practice, management, and consultancy.
Many people who undertake this diploma are already employed in the area of social service supervision and use this qualification to enhance their professional competence.
Related study options
Bachelor of Social Work – BSW
Become a registered social worker to support the wellbeing of individuals, families, whānau, and diverse communities by helping them through challenging situations, and advocating for environmental sustainability, social justice and social change.
Master of Applied Social Work – MAppSW
Develop your passion for helping others. Massey’s Master of Applied Social Work will prepare you for practice and registration as a social worker in Aotearoa New Zealand and other English-speaking countries, subject to their registration regulations.
Master of Social Work – MSW
Take the next step in your social work career. Improve your practice and gain new knowledge to become an excellent social worker who makes a difference.
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work – PGDipSW
Take your social work career to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz