Bachelor of Social Services
Social Services
A course by
UCOL
Become equipped to work in a range of social service roles supporting communities, disability, and mental health by studying UCOL's Bachelor of Social Services.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
UCOL Manawatū, Palmerston North
It will take a total of 3 years
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Perform professional practice in social services
Gain the skills and confidence to work within a variety of social service, community, mental health, addiction, and disability contexts.
Cultural Competence and Diversity
Develop an understanding of cultural competence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and social inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Implement Ethical and Legal Frameworks
Understand and apply ethical, legal, and social justice frameworks relevant to social service practice.
What You're Signing Up For
UCOL's Bachelor of Social Services is designed to prepare you for effective and ethical practice as a professional in social and community service roles. This degree arms you with specialist knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to support individuals, families, and communities through a blend of classroom learning, group work, role-play, and workplace experience in New Zealand’s social services sector. Graduates are prepared for employment in areas such as community or social services, disability support, mental health and addictions support, and related advocacy and agency settings.
Course Content
- Personal and Academic Effectiveness
- Cultural Competence I & II
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Ethics and Law
- Applied Communication I & II
- Human Development
- The Primary & Community Care Workforce
- Diversity and Social Inclusion
- Safe and Ethical Practitioner
- Research for Social Services
- Addictions, Substance Use and Co-existing Problems
- Theory for Practice (Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction, Disability Support)
- Integrated Practice (Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction, Disability Support)
- Communicating with Families/Whānau and Communities
- Applied Social Issues and Social Policy
- Socially Responsible Leadership
- Practitioner Inquiry
What you need to know first
Meet UCOL's general admission requirements
Police vetting and background check (Children's Act 2014 & New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency)
2 referees (not friends or family)
Curriculum vitae
Health declaration form
Applicants under 20: University Entrance or equivalent, OR completion of New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4), OR discretionary/provisional entry
Applicants 20+: No formal academic prerequisites but must meet criteria for social services study and attend an advisory meeting
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Social services
Community agencies
Mental health and addiction agencies
Disability support
Government and non-government organisations
Future employment opportunities might be
Community/social services worker
Disability support advocate
Mental health advocate
Case manager
Navigator
Support roles in government, NGOs, or Whānau Ora agencies
Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details