Bachelor of Social Services with specialties in Counselling and Health and Wellbeing Practice

About the programme

Want to help people and their whānau improve their quality of life?

Our industry-relevant programme will prepare you to enter the social service sector as a counsellor or to offer holistic services in the health and wellbeing sector such as mental health support. 

You'll learn how to empower clients to overcome social and personal disadvantages, achieve their aspirations and realise their individual and community potential. And you’ll develop knowledge and awareness of the cultural diversity of Aotearoa, so you’re prepared to work with clients in a culturally competent way that upholds the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.    

At the end of your first year, you'll choose your specialty - Counselling, or Health and Wellbeing Practice - and then complete placements during your second and third year to build your industry experience and contacts.

Graduating with a high-level of self-awareness and the communication skills to engage a diverse range of people, you’ll be able to provide professional practice within the community, demonstrate social responsibility and will meet the standards needed to be eligible for membership with the Professional Association for your chosen specialty.  

Want your existing skills recognised?

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in the social service or related fields, please ask us about our Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL). You may have already gained credits towards this qualification. 

Find out more here >

Once you've read this info, if you have further questions or want to chat about this option, please email [email protected]

Work-based learning

If you have work experience and skills in this area, you may be able to complete an independent learning pathway to achieve this qualification in a shorter timeframe. 

We currently offer a 10 month full-time / 18-20-month part-time, work-based learning option through our assessment of prior learning centre, Capable NZ. 

This option is available for the Health and Wellbeing Practice specialty. You cannot study the Counselling specialty through this method.

Find out more >

Entry

Entry requirements

• NCEA Level 3 including:

  • 14 credits at Level 3 or above in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
  • 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
    • 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
  • 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
    • specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
    • package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).

• You must submit references and a health declaration, declare any criminal convictions and give permission for a Police Check (to demonstrate good health and good character sufficient for safe and effective practice in social services).

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:

  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Selection process

Applications will be assessed when they’re received, and you will be invited to attend an interview from September onwards. Selection will be made on the basis of the applicant being able to demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success in the programme.

If the number of applicants who meet the entry criteria exceed the number of places, we’ll create a waitlist based on the date order of applications.  

Being ready for study

If you have had experiences of trauma or abuse, mental health challenges or life events causing emotional harm, you may experience some emotional risk during this programme.

Otago Polytechnic have services available to support you in this situation. We'd recommend that you ensure you're ready for studying at this time and that you have your personal support network in place before beginning this programme.

Don't meet the entry requirements?

We offer a bridging certificate to this programme which has open entry. When you complete that programme, you'll have the academic requirements you need to apply for the Bachelor of Social Services. Remember, this degree also has non-academic entry requirements so make sure you plan ahead. 

Vaccination information

You don’t need to supply evidence of your vaccination status to apply for this programme.

However, the placement component of this programme has a higher risk of exposure to vaccine preventable diseases. 

Evidence of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases is ascertained by your vaccination records.

Placements are an integral part of this programme, and you’ll need to complete the vaccine requirements to be able to successfully achieve your qualification.

If you have concerns or questions about this requirement, please feel free to contact us.

Want your existing skills recognised?

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in the social service or related fields, please ask us about our Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL). You may have already gained credits towards this qualification. 

Find out more here >

Once you've read this info, if you have further questions or want to chat about this option, please email [email protected]

Work-based learning

If you have work experience and skills in this area, you may be able to complete an independent learning pathway to achieve this qualification in a shorter timeframe. 

We currently offer a 10 month full-time / 18-20 month part-time, work-based learning option through our assessment of prior learning centre, Capable NZ. 

This option is available for the Career Practice, Health and Wellbeing Practice or Social Services specialties. You cannot study the Counselling specialty through this method.

Find out more >