Bachelor of Social Services (Specialty)
Social Services
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to become a capable and confident social services professional in Aotearoa New Zealand, specialising in Counselling or Health and Wellbeing Practice.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 3 years
This course requires 37 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Work as a competent social services professional
Graduates can deliver professional practice within the community, demonstrating social responsibility and eligibility for professional association membership.
High-level self-awareness and reflective practice
Develop and demonstrate the self-awareness and reflective skills necessary for safe, ethical, and effective engagement in social services.
Cultural competence and Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding
What You're Signing Up For
This programme educates students to become effective social service professionals, with graduates gaining strong self-awareness, cultural competency, and communication skills. The Bachelor of Social Services covers foundational theory and practical tools, leading into a chosen specialty—Counselling or Health and Wellbeing Practice. Students complete academic coursework and industry placements to build real-world experience, and upon graduating may be eligible for professional association membership in their specialty.
Course Content
- Personal and Academic Effectiveness
- Ka Mua, Ka Muri—Te Ao Māori in social services practice
- Introduction to Social Service Ethics and Legislation
- Applied Communication 1 & 2
- Theories of Human Behaviour
- Careers, Specialties and Pathways in Social Services
- Diversity and Social Justice
- Research for Social Services
- Theory for Practice (Specialty-specific)
- Integrated Practice (Specialty-specific, including placements)
- Safe and Ethical Practitioner
- Wānaka—Working with Māori in social service contexts
- Addictions and Co-existing Problems
- Applied Social Issues and Social Policy
- Practitioner Inquiry
- Communicating with Whānau, Families and Communities
- Socially Responsible Leadership
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Social Services
Health and Wellbeing
Counselling
Future employment opportunities might be
Community counsellor
School counsellor
Mental Health Assistant
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.