Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice
Social Services
A course by
Whitireia & WelTec
Develop skills for a career in counselling and addiction practice with this applied, three-year programme. Graduates are prepared to work as professional counsellors or addictions practitioners in a variety of social settings.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Whitireia Porirua, Porirua
It will take a total of 3 years
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Practice professionally as a counsellor or addiction practitioner
Graduates will be able to deliver ethical and effective counselling or addiction practice in line with values and requirements of professional bodies.
Apply a range of counselling approaches
Understand and use multiple models and approaches to address diverse client needs within mental health, addiction, and broader community contexts.
Work competently in bicultural and multicultural contexts
Demonstrate knowledge of Tiriti o Waitangi, indigenous perspectives, and cultural competence in professional practice.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice is a three-year applied degree that develops graduates who can practice professionally according to the values and ethics of key industry associations (DAPAANZ and NZAC). Students engage in blended learning—combining face-to-face block courses with online learning and self-directed study—and complete 240 hours of practicum placement in both addiction and general counselling settings. The programme builds skills in counselling approaches, mental health concepts, social justice, bicultural competence, legislative knowledge, research, and self-reflection. Successful graduates can apply for provisional membership/registration with New Zealand's principal counselling and addiction professional bodies.
Course Content
- Counselling approaches and models
- Mental health concepts
- Society and social justice
- Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural perspectives
- Indigenous and cultural knowledge
- Professional ethics and values
- Professional supervision and self-care
- Research methods
- Legislative knowledge impacting practice
- Practicum placements (addiction and counselling settings)
- Cultural and clinical supervision
- Workplace and simulated practice learning
- Reflective and group work
What you need to know first
University Entrance or equivalent study/work experience
Successful interview
Health declaration
Safety check including referee reports
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Community and Social Services
Mental Health
Addiction Services
Counselling
Future employment opportunities might be
Addiction Practitioner
Counsellor
Social Services Worker
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