Programme outline
Students attend the polytechnic three days per course, with the remaining hours completed in the work place. Workplace hours are a minimum of six hours per week and independent study is approximately nine hours per week.
This programme uses blended learning methods for delivery that combines face to face, online delivery and work-integrated learning.
Teaching and learning
This programme offers the following four courses:
HWB4001: Whānaungatanga Building Relationships (30 credits)
This course develops skills and knowledge to enable students to build effective professional relationships with people, families and whānau, and community networks in a health or social service setting. Students demonstrate an understanding of socio-cultural and historical factors that impact on health and/or social outcomes. Students reflect on their use of appropriate communication strategies that are respectful of diversity and that demonstrate working in partnership with others.
HWB4041: Safety and Practice in Social Services (30 credits)
This course develops skills and knowledge that enables students to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of people, whānau and families engaged in a social services setting. Students demonstrate an understanding of advocacy relevant to working with people, whānau and/or family accessing mental health addiction services. Students reflect on ethical and legal implications related to their role.
HWB4002: Leadership and Cultural Responsiveness (30 credits)
This course develops skills and knowledge to enable students to provide culturally responsive care and advocate appropriately. Students demonstrate an understanding of their role in quality improvement and its impact on improving health and wellbeing. Students reflect on their own personal leadership and their ability to influence effective teamwork to work alongside and promote self-management and health literacy of people, families and whānau.
Social Services in the Aotearoa New Zealand Context (30 credits)
This course develops the skills and knowledge to enable students to enable students to demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a supporter worker in a community setting. Students will demonstrate an understanding of policy and theory relevant to social service practice. Students will reflect on the tools and strategies used to reduce vulnerability and build resilience.
Entry requirements
Domestic
NCEA Level 1 or equivalent; evidence of suitability based on referees and safety check, to meet relevant legislation.
International
Proven equivalence for Domestic Entry Requirements plus IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no band score lower than 5.5.
Find your country's equivalent academic entry requirements here
*International fee displayed is for 1 year of study (equivalent to 120 credits) and does not include insurance and administration (approximately $924 per year of study).
COVID-19
Students may be placed at a work placement that is covered by the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021. These students will be required to be fully vaccinated, including a booster dose, as they will have frequent contact/engagement with those providing health services and are considered tied to a role within a healthcare setting. This requirement would be discussed with students attending one of these work placements.
How to apply
Before you start your online application, you will need to have the following documentation available to upload when requested:
- Completed supplementary application form
- Referee report
- Verified ID
- Verified official transcripts
Give the referee report to a person who is willing to be your referees. Ask them to complete the forms and either return to yourself (so you can upload with your application), or scan and email to enrolments@wandw.ac.nz within 10 days.
Alternatively, completed applications can be emailed to enrolments@wandw.ac.nz or dropped into:
Enrolments, Whitireia, 3 Wi Neera Drive, Porirua
Offering Institute
This qualification is offered by Whitireia.
On 1 September 2022, the operations of Whitireia transferred to the Whitireia and WelTec business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (Te Pūkenga). As part of this, all existing Whitireia programmes transferred to Te Pūkenga.
