Paetahi Tumu Kōrero Bachelor of Counselling
Social Services
A course by
Wintec
A three-year, NZQA Level 7 professional degree that equips students for entry-level counselling roles, including placements and a focus on mental health, addiction, and bicultural practice, meeting requirements for major New Zealand counselling associations.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
City Campus, Hamilton
It will take a total of 3 years
This course requires 30 hours per week
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More detailsUnlock these abilities
Professional counselling skills
Develop and demonstrate core professional skills for entry-level counselling, including empathy, respect, communication and ethical practice.
Bicultural and cultural competence
Understand and engage with the bicultural, social, political and cultural context of counselling in New Zealand, recognising the impact of diverse cultural values.
Theoretical and ethical foundation
Articulate and apply theoretical models of counselling and reflect on professional Codes of Ethics in practice.
What You're Signing Up For
The Paetahi Tumu Kōrero Bachelor of Counselling at Wintec is designed to prepare students for professional practice as counsellors in New Zealand. The programme includes a strong focus on mental health, addictions, cultural identity, wellbeing, law/ethics, and is delivered through a mix of classroom, online, and practical placement. Graduates are eligible for provisional membership with NZAC, Dapaanz, and other professional bodies. The curriculum emphasises empathy, interprofessional collaboration, social and cultural context, professional ethics, and practical skills development including placement in community settings.
Course Content
- Te Timatanga / Introduction to Counselling
- Te Pikinga / Introduction to Professional Counselling Practice
- Cultural Identity
- Sociology
- Human Development
- Psychology
- Counselling Theory and Practice
- Change and Wellbeing in Practice
- Foundations of Practice in Mental Health and Addictions
- Working with Whānau
- Law, Ethics and Policy
- Research and Professional Practice
- Addictions Issues and Co-existing Problems
- Indigenous Liberation Studies
- Care and Protection
- Working with Children and Young People
- Placement in relevant organisations
- Design Factory NZ multi-disciplinary module (optional)
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 3 with 60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher, including 14 credits each in three approved subjects
Literacy: 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above (5 reading + 5 writing)
Numeracy: 10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above
OR relevant NZQF Level 4 qualification
OR equivalent academic/work experience (Special/Provisional Admission possible - see course regs)
Referee checks, interview, NZ police vetting, risk assessment
English as second language: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent required
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Social Services
Mental Health
Addiction Services
Community Services
Health and Wellbeing
Future employment opportunities might be
Counsellor (entry-level)
Specialist support worker
Support and information coordinator
Private counsellor/practitioner
Facilitator in NGOs
Clinician in community or health organisations
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