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Social Services

Provide expert care and support to your community through a qualification from Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga. 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. 

“I chose this particular area of study because like most people I have a past, I have made bad decisions and I have experienced the rougher side of life. I want to use my negative life experiences to help and support others.”

Shaylee Morton

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)

Location

Dunedin, Online, Wellington

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 principles, 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

Location

Dunedin

Career potential

Counsellor, Disability Support, Mental Health Advisor

Research stories to inspire

Research stories to inspire

We encourage applied research to support teaching and community needs, available to all.

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.