
Social Services
A course by
Whitireia & WelTec
Develop skills for a career in counselling and addiction practice with this applied, three-year programme. Graduates are prepared to work as professional counsellors or addictions practitioners in a variety of social settings.
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing

Graduates will be able to deliver ethical and effective counselling or addiction practice in line with values and requirements of professional bodies.

The Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice is a three-year applied degree that develops graduates who can practice professionally according to the values and ethics of key industry associations (DAPAANZ and NZAC). Students engage in blended learning—combining face-to-face block courses with online learning and self-directed study—and complete 240 hours of practicum placement in both addiction and general counselling settings. The programme builds skills in counselling approaches, mental health concepts, social justice, bicultural competence, legislative knowledge, research, and self-reflection. Successful graduates can apply for provisional membership/registration with New Zealand's principal counselling and addiction professional bodies.
What you need to know first
University Entrance or equivalent study/work experience



Social Services
A course by
Whitireia & WelTec
Develop skills for a career in counselling and addiction practice with this applied, three-year programme. Graduates are prepared to work as professional counsellors or addictions practitioners in a variety of social settings.
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing

Graduates will be able to deliver ethical and effective counselling or addiction practice in line with values and requirements of professional bodies.

The Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice is a three-year applied degree that develops graduates who can practice professionally according to the values and ethics of key industry associations (DAPAANZ and NZAC). Students engage in blended learning—combining face-to-face block courses with online learning and self-directed study—and complete 240 hours of practicum placement in both addiction and general counselling settings. The programme builds skills in counselling approaches, mental health concepts, social justice, bicultural competence, legislative knowledge, research, and self-reflection. Successful graduates can apply for provisional membership/registration with New Zealand's principal counselling and addiction professional bodies.
What you need to know first
University Entrance or equivalent study/work experience


Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Whitireia Porirua, Porirua
It will take a total of 3 years
Understand and use multiple models and approaches to address diverse client needs within mental health, addiction, and broader community contexts.

Demonstrate knowledge of Tiriti o Waitangi, indigenous perspectives, and cultural competence in professional practice.
Successful interview
Health declaration
Safety check including referee reports
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Whitireia Porirua, Porirua
It will take a total of 3 years
Understand and use multiple models and approaches to address diverse client needs within mental health, addiction, and broader community contexts.

Demonstrate knowledge of Tiriti o Waitangi, indigenous perspectives, and cultural competence in professional practice.
Successful interview
Health declaration
Safety check including referee reports