Bachelor of Social Services

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Services at UCOL Te Pūkenga equips students with the skills and knowledge to work in various social service sectors, including community services, disability support, mental health advocacy, and case management. The program emphasizes cultural competence, ethical practice, and collaboration, preparing graduates for leadership roles in addressing social challenges and promoting well-being.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Social Services at UCOL Te Pūkenga aims to equip students with the expertise and skills needed to work in various social service sectors, including:

• Community/social services worker
• Disability support advocate
• Mental health advocate
• Navigator or case manager
The program emphasizes working with people and understanding the influence of social and community dynamics on individuals, families, and groups.

Objectives:

• Develop academic, reflective, and self-management skills for effective practice in social services.
• Foster cultural competence and understanding of diverse identities and states of well-being.
• Enhance knowledge and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ethical frameworks in social services.
• Hone effective communication skills for collaboration within various contexts.
• Gain insight into human development, social psychology, and the New Zealand context.
• Understand the importance of integrated workforces and collaborative strategies.
• Explore the concepts of social justice, social change, and diversity.
• Equip students for leadership, community development, and social responsibility.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Personal and Academic Effectiveness (15 Credits)
• Cultural Competence I (15 Credits)
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Ethics and Law (30 Credits)
• Applied Communication 1 (15 Credits, 25 hours work experience)
• Human Development (15 Credits)
• The Primary & Community Care Workforce (15 Credits)
• Diversity and Social Inclusion (15 Credits)

Year 2:

• Applied Communication II (15 Credits)
• Safe and Ethical Practitioner (15 Credits)
• Research for Social Services (15 Credits)
• Addictions, Substance Use and Co-existing Problems (15 Credits)
• Cultural Competence II (15 Credits, 24 hours of work experience)
• Integrated Practice I (choice of Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction or Disability Support) (30 Credits, 150 hours of work experience)

Year 3:

• Communicating with Families/Whānau and Communities (15 Credits)
• Applied Social Issues and Social Policy (15 Credits)
• Socially Responsible Leadership (15 Credits, 50 hours of work experience)
• Practitioner Inquiry (choice of Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction or Disability Support) (15 Credits)
• Theory for Practice II (choice of Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction or Disability Support) (30 Credits)
• Integrated Practice II (choice of Social Services, Mental Health, Addiction or Disability Support) (30 Credits, 200 work experience hours)

Note:

The curriculum is currently under review for alignment with Te Pūkenga and may change over time.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Assignments and reports
• Presentations and case studies
• Examinations
• Portfolio development
• Reflective practice
The assessments are designed to gauge students' critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and research skills, ensuring they are equipped for professional practice in their chosen field.

Teaching:

The program emphasizes a student-centered and interactive learning approach using various methods:

• Lectures and tutorials
• Simulation and role-play exercises
• Group work and collaborative projects
• Case studies and problem-based learning
• Fieldwork placement and work experience
• Online learning resources
The faculty comprises experienced practitioners and academics who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the program.

Careers:

Graduates of the program can pursue diverse career pathways in the social service sector:

• Social service agencies
• Community agencies
• Mental health and addiction agencies
• Local and Regional Councils
• Whanau Ora agencies
• Government agencies
• Employment overseas
• Non-Government organisations
The program prepares graduates to work effectively with individuals, families, communities, and populations facing various social challenges.

Other:

• The program is not designed to qualify students as registered social workers but provides a strong foundation for further studies.
• Students who have criminal convictions will undergo background checks, and their acceptance may be subject to the discretion of the program managers.
• Early application is encouraged due to limited enrolment positions and fieldwork placement opportunities influenced by funding and employer availability.
• Recognition of Prior Learning options are available for students with demonstrably equivalent knowledge and skills acquired through previous studies or work experience.
• International students require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5.
They may also need NCEA equivalency if under 20 years old.