Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 360 credits. The courses include:

YEAR 1

Personal and Academic Effectiveness (15 Credits)
Gain academic, reflective and self-management skills needed for working as an effective professional in social services.

Cultural Competence I (15 Credits)
Develop an understanding of the diverse states of well-being and normality by exploring concepts of identity, culture, values and beliefs.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Ethics and Law (30 Credits)
Gain awareness of social justice through the lens of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and international, customary, and New Zealand legal frameworks.

Applied Communication 1 (15 Credits, 25 hours work experience)
Develop the skills to communicate in an effective, safe and professional way within collaborative relationships in the context of social services in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Human Development (15 Credits)
Develop theoretical knowledge of social psychology and human development, in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Primary & Community Care Workforce (15 Credits)
Develop an awareness and understanding of the external factors and strategies that influence the development of an integrated workforce, focussed on achieving sector goals and outcomes.

Diversity and Social Inclusion (15 Credits)
Develop knowledge of social construction of self and the concepts of social justice and social change and how this impacts relating to others.

YEAR 2

Applied Communication II (15 Credits)
Integrate group work theory and practice and demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to facilitate groups based on the presenting needs of the group.

Safe and Ethical Practitioner (15 Credits)
Develop the knowledge and skills to become practitioners who are able to make safe and sound ethical decisions for those at risk.

Research for Social Services (15 Credits)
Develop an informed understanding of research paradigms and methodologies, and the current uses and practices of research within their chosen specialty area of social services.

Addictions, Substance Use and Co-existing Problems (15 Credits)
Develop an understanding of substance use, addictions and co-existing problems and culturally appropriate responses for helping people address these problems.

Cultural Competence II (15 Credits, 24 hours of work experience)
Further develop knowledge and skills necessary for working with Māori in social services, disability support and mental health and addiction contexts.

Theory for Practice I (choice of Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction or Disability Support) (15 Credits)
Develop and articulate a theoretical value base for their practice and select and apply models, tools and skills suitable for social services, disability support, addiction practice and/or mental health recovery in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Integrated Practice I (choice of Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction or Disability Support) (30 Credits, 150 hours of work experience)

Integrate theoretical and practical learning to become reflective practitioners who are able to work in a way that is values-based, safe, informed and intentional in social services, disability support, addiction practice and/or mental health contexts.


YEAR 3

Communicating with Families/Whānau and Communities (15 Credits)
Develop an understanding of the theoretical approaches and their associated models and practical skills for working with families/whānau and communities, especially in the Aotearoa New Zealand context. The influence of family/whānau and community in relation to client work in the practice domains of social service, mental health, addiction and disability support will be explored through reflective and experiential learning.

Applied Social Issues and Social Policy (15 Credits)
Critically examine how issues are addressed through social policy and social service provision in the Aotearoa New Zealand context.

Socially Responsible Leadership (15 Credits, 50 hours of work experience)
Develop and consolidate knowledge, skills and strategies that will enable team, community development and leadership in social service contexts.

Practitioner Inquiry (choice of Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction or Disability Support) (15 Credits)
This course provides an opportunity for learners to undertake a systematic review of and report on a relevant body of research material relevant to social services, disability support, addiction practice and/or mental health work.

Theory for Practice II (choice of Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction or Disability Support) (30 Credits)
Develop and consolidate a robust, congruent and integrated theoretical framework drawing on a range of theory, models and tools which are appropriate for practice across the social service, disability support, addiction practice and/or mental health contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Integrated Practice II (choice of Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction or Disability Support) (30 Credits, 200 work experience hours)
Preparing you to become work ready, apply a robust and integrated practice framework, a critical understanding of contemporary issues and a proactive attitude within social services disability support, addiction practice and/or mental health contexts.

On successful completion of this programme you will be able to carry out a range of social services associating with:
Social Service agencies
Community agencies
Mental Health and addiction agencies
Local and Regional Councils
Whanau Ora agencies
Government agencies
Employment overseas
Non-Government organisations
Learners who wish to study further can take up advanced programmes in social services.

Please note that you will not become a registered social worker upon completing this programme.