
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.
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing

This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)
Advanced
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing

This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)
Advanced

Gain the skills and confidence to work within a variety of social service, community, mental health, addiction, and disability contexts.

Develop an understanding of cultural competence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and social inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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.
What you need to know first



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.

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.
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing

This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)
Advanced
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing

This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)
Advanced

Gain the skills and confidence to work within a variety of social service, community, mental health, addiction, and disability contexts.

Develop an understanding of cultural competence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and social inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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.
What you need to know first



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.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
UCOL Manawatū, Palmerston North
It will take a total of 3 years

Understand and apply ethical, legal, and social justice frameworks relevant to social service practice.
Meet UCOL's general admission requirements
Police vetting and background check (Children's Act 2014 & New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency)
2 referees (not friends or family)
Curriculum vitae
Health declaration form
Applicants under 20: University Entrance or equivalent, OR completion of New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4), OR discretionary/provisional entry
Applicants 20+: No formal academic prerequisites but must meet criteria for social services study and attend an advisory meeting

In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
UCOL Manawatū, Palmerston North
It will take a total of 3 years

Understand and apply ethical, legal, and social justice frameworks relevant to social service practice.
Meet UCOL's general admission requirements
Police vetting and background check (Children's Act 2014 & New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency)
2 referees (not friends or family)
Curriculum vitae
Health declaration form
Applicants under 20: University Entrance or equivalent, OR completion of New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4), OR discretionary/provisional entry
Applicants 20+: No formal academic prerequisites but must meet criteria for social services study and attend an advisory meeting
