Overview

If you are currently working (or if you want to work in) social services, this programme will provide you with an introductory qualification to help you achieve your career goals. You’ll get the training and qualifications you need to work as a social service worker in non-clinical roles, and you’ll be ready to take on further study towards professional training in social work.

Entry details

To be enrolled in this programme, you’ll need to:

 • be at least 16 years old at the start of the programme
(or produce evidence of exemption from secondary school)
• be a New Zealand citizen or have permanent residency
• have successfully completed a programme or have literacy skills at Level 3 or above (or sit a pre-entry test to demonstrate this).

You’ll also need to:

• complete a pre-entry interview with the programme kaiako
• obtain police clearance as per Social Workers Policy Board requirements.

What you’ll study

The programme is underpinned by seven themes:

• bicultural knowledge of engaging in relationships and kaupapa
• bicultural knowledge of purposes, obligation and legacies of social services
• whakawhanaungatanga and creating and maintaining positive relationships
• effective bicultural communication
• the relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to social services in Aotearoa New Zealand
• knowledge of wānanga
• knowledge of basic reo and tikanga Māori.

How you’ll study

Modes of delivery are contact and mixed mode.

Contact mode of delivery includes:

• directed and self-directed learning with printed materials
• mainly classroom delivery modes
• support from kaiako – online and telephone (when required)
• practice-based learning.

Mixed mode delivery includes:

• directed and self-directed learning with printed materials
• noho marae
• weekend wānanga
• support from kaiako – online and telephone (when required)
• practice-based learning.

This programme involves a mix of study activities, including – presentations, essays, reports, journal writing, waiata, te reo, noho marae and research.

Further study

This programme leads to:

• Any diploma or degree programme starting at Level 5
• Te Tohu Paetahi Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga –
Bachelor of Social Work (Biculturalism in Practice) (Level 7)
• Te Korowai Ākonga – Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) (Levels 5, 6 & 7).

Career opportunities

Skills gained in this programme will prepare you for a career in:

• tourism

• sport

• leisure

• health

• teaching

Delivery Sites

Kaikohe, Whangarei, Tauranga, Gisborne, Palmerston North and Auckland.