Master of Social and Community Leadership

Program Overview

The Master of Social and Community Leadership (MSCL) at the University of Auckland equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to lead and facilitate positive social and community change. The program offers flexible online and face-to-face delivery options, catering to diverse learning styles and schedules. Graduates can pursue careers in the social and community sector, including roles such as Community Development Officer, Social Policy Analyst, and Non-profit Leader. The MSCL emphasizes ethical leadership and social responsibility, preparing graduates to make a positive impact on their communities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Social and Community Leadership (MSCL) is a postgraduate program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to lead and facilitate positive social and community change. Recognizing the importance of lived experiences, the program prioritizes a participatory approach, empowering individuals to develop innovative solutions and drive transformation in complex environments. The MSCL caters to various learning styles and schedules, offering flexible online and face-to-face delivery options. This enables professionals and individuals with diverse backgrounds to pursue the program while maintaining their current commitments.

Outline:

The MSCL is a 180-point program, typically completed in 18 months by full-time students and two years by part-time students.

Taught Masters (120 points):

• Core Courses (60 points):
• Leadership, Ethics, Systems (SOCCLEAD 703)
• Innovation, Design and Evaluation (SOCCLEAD 706)
• Enacting Social Change (SOCCLEAD 708)
• Programme Evaluation (SOCCLEAD 707)
• Elective Courses (60 points):
• Students can choose from a wide range of elective courses across various faculties, including Education and Social Work, Medicine and Health Sciences, Arts, Science, and Creative Arts and Industries.

Research Masters (180 points):

• Core Courses (60 points):
• Leadership, Ethics, Systems (SOCCLEAD 703)
• Innovation, Design and Evaluation (SOCCLEAD 706)
• Research Methods (30 points):
• Research Methodologies (EDUCSW 700) or Māori and Indigenous Research (EDUC 787)
• Thesis (90 points):
• Students conduct a research project focused on a community need, opportunity, or workplace-related issue.
This project provides real-world experience while developing research, investigative, and evaluative skills.

Assessment:

The MSCL employs a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Individual assignments: Essays, reports, and presentations allow students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Group work: Collaborative projects provide opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Examinations: In some courses, written examinations are used to assess knowledge and understanding of specific topics.
• Thesis (Research Masters only): Students are evaluated on the quality of their research, writing, analysis, and presentation of their findings.

Teaching:

The MSCL program features a diverse and experienced faculty, including academics, practitioners, and community leaders. The teaching methods are designed to be interactive and engaging, utilizing a variety of approaches such as:

• Lectures: Providing foundational knowledge and introducing key concepts.
• Seminars: Facilitating discussions and critical analysis of course materials.
• Workshops: Engaging students in hands-on activities and developing practical skills.
• Guest speakers: Sharing insights and experiences from leading professionals in the field.
• Online learning platforms: Providing access to resources and facilitating communication outside of class time.

Careers:

The MSCL opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the social and community sector. Graduates can pursue roles such as:

• Community Development Officer
• Social Policy Analyst
• Programme Manager
• Project Coordinator
• Social Impact Consultant
• Non-profit Leader
• Researcher
• Educator
The program also provides a strong foundation for further academic pursuits, such as a PhD in a related field.

Other:

• The MSCL program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to individual needs and interests.
• The program emphasizes ethical leadership and social responsibility, preparing graduates to make a positive impact on their communities.