Social Services
Provide expert care and support to your community through a qualification from Otago Polytechnic. Our suite of courses helps you develop the confidence and skills that future employers are looking for.
Gain the knowledge and skills to support your community. You'll work with people to develop goals and strategies that support them in their needs. Learn how to access and draw on support and resources to address barriers, build resilience and help make a real difference in people’s lives. You will also discover a lot about yourself and harness your innate abilities.
Benefit from our real-world approach to learning. The experience you’ll gain on work placements as part of your study will give you the skills to transition into employment easily.
“My favourite part is working with the people I’m supporting. In the one-on-ones you have with people, you get little gems of the stories of their lives. People share part of themselves with you and it can be quite a blessing.”
Chad Steiner-Mitchell
Bachelor of Social Services
Social Services qualifications
Health, Health & Wellbeing
Don’t have the academic requirements you need to enter one of our diploma- or degree-level healthcare programmes? No problem. By studying courses such as Function of the Human Body and an Introduction to Careers in Health, you will be well prepared to apply for your chosen diploma or degree.Duration
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Online with block course(s)
Health, Health & Wellbeing
This Level 4 programme is the second part of our health bridging pathway for those that don't yet meet the entry requirements for our diploma or degree level health programmes. To enter directly into Level 4, you need to hold a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (our Level 3 Health Bridging certificate), or equivalent, e.g. NCEA Level 3.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
1 Year Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Online with block course(s)
Community Services
This degree will give you the necessary skills to be a capable and confident social services professional working in New Zealand. You’ll graduate with a high-level of self-awareness, a thorough understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the communication skills to engage and support a diverse range of people.Duration
3 Years Full-time
6 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Work-based through Capable NZ
Career potential
Counsellor, Disability Support, Mental Health Advisor
Research stories to inspire
We encourage applied research to support teaching and community needs, available to all.
Social Services news
Contact us
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.
