Social Services
A course by
NMIT
Prepare for a professional career in counselling with a comprehensive programme that covers legal and ethical responsibilities, mental health and addictions, and work with families, children, and young people. Includes practical placements in community organisations.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Nelson, Nelson
It will take a total of 3 years

Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical frameworks relevant to counselling practice.

Utilise core counselling techniques with individuals, families/whānau, and children in various settings.

Blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience, including supervised placements in community agencies.
This three-year, full-time Bachelor of Counselling programme develops knowledge, skills, and professional attributes required for entry-level practice in the counselling sector. Students learn about legal and ethical frameworks, mental health, addictions, and approaches for working with individuals, families/whānau, and children. The programme blends theory and practice through supervised placements and applied research, with practice focus areas available in the final year. Graduates are eligible for provisional membership in relevant professional associations and can pursue roles in social services, mental health, and related fields.
What you need to know first

Community Services
Mental Health
Counselling
Addictions

Counsellor (entry-level, various settings)
Specialist practitioner in mental health/addictions
Social Services
A course by
NMIT
Prepare for a professional career in counselling with a comprehensive programme that covers legal and ethical responsibilities, mental health and addictions, and work with families, children, and young people. Includes practical placements in community organisations.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Nelson, Nelson
It will take a total of 3 years

Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical frameworks relevant to counselling practice.

Utilise core counselling techniques with individuals, families/whānau, and children in various settings.

Blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience, including supervised placements in community agencies.
This three-year, full-time Bachelor of Counselling programme develops knowledge, skills, and professional attributes required for entry-level practice in the counselling sector. Students learn about legal and ethical frameworks, mental health, addictions, and approaches for working with individuals, families/whānau, and children. The programme blends theory and practice through supervised placements and applied research, with practice focus areas available in the final year. Graduates are eligible for provisional membership in relevant professional associations and can pursue roles in social services, mental health, and related fields.
What you need to know first

Community Services
Mental Health
Counselling
Addictions

Counsellor (entry-level, various settings)
Specialist practitioner in mental health/addictions
University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher), including 14 credits at Level 3 in three approved subjects, 10 credits in Literacy at Level 2 or above, 10 credits in Numeracy at Level 1 or above OR equivalent qualification (e.g. IB, Cambridge).
Relevant qualification at Level 4 on the NZQF or equivalent.
Alternative requirements: Demonstration of skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, or life experience (subject to Curriculum Manager approval).
Selection interview or hui, referee checks, police vet check, risk assessment.
English Language: IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.5 in each band) or equivalent. Assessment may be required for NZ citizens/residents without evidence.
Compliance with Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014 (safety checks).
Family/whānau counsellor
Practitioner working with children and young people
Various social services and mental health roles
University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher), including 14 credits at Level 3 in three approved subjects, 10 credits in Literacy at Level 2 or above, 10 credits in Numeracy at Level 1 or above OR equivalent qualification (e.g. IB, Cambridge).
Relevant qualification at Level 4 on the NZQF or equivalent.
Alternative requirements: Demonstration of skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, or life experience (subject to Curriculum Manager approval).
Selection interview or hui, referee checks, police vet check, risk assessment.
English Language: IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.5 in each band) or equivalent. Assessment may be required for NZ citizens/residents without evidence.
Compliance with Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014 (safety checks).
Family/whānau counsellor
Practitioner working with children and young people
Various social services and mental health roles