Bachelor of Social Services
Social Services
A course by
UCOL
Become equipped to work in a range of social service roles supporting communities, disability, and mental health by studying UCOL's Bachelor of Social Services.
$ENQUIRE
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Perform professional practice in social services
Gain the skills and confidence to work within a variety of social service, community, mental health, addiction, and disability contexts.
Cultural Competence and Diversity
Develop an understanding of cultural competence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and social inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand.
About This Course
UCOL's Bachelor of Social Services is designed to prepare you for effective and ethical practice as a professional in social and community service roles. This degree arms you with specialist knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to support individuals, families, and communities through a blend of classroom learning, group work, role-play, and workplace experience in New Zealand’s social services sector. Graduates are prepared for employment in areas such as community or social services, disability support, mental health and addictions support, and related advocacy and agency settings.
Course Content
- Personal and Academic Effectiveness
- Cultural Competence I & II
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Ethics and Law
- Applied Communication I & II
- Human Development
- The Primary & Community Care Workforce
- Diversity and Social Inclusion
- Safe and Ethical Practitioner
- Research for Social Services
- Addictions, Substance Use and Co-existing Problems
- Theory for Practice (Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction, Disability Support)
- Integrated Practice (Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction, Disability Support)
- Communicating with Families/Whānau and Communities
- Applied Social Issues and Social Policy
- Socially Responsible Leadership
- Practitioner Inquiry
Entry Requirements
Build towards these roles
Community/social services workerDisability support advocateMental health advocateCase managerNavigatorSupport roles in government, NGOs, or Whānau Ora agencies
Build skills in these industries
Social servicesCommunity agencies
UCOL is a polytechnic built around the kind of learning that actually sticks — hands-on, practical, and grounded in the real world. With campuses across the lower North Island and a programme range that stretches from trades and health to creative arts and IT, it's a strong fit for learners who want a clear path into work without unnecessary detours. Whether you're fresh out of school, changing direction, or building on what you already know, UCOL is set up to meet you where you are.
